Best Commercial Security System for Your Business or Office

Security has become a paramount concern for commercial property owners. This heightened focus on security is not solely a response to escalating crime rates. Instead, building owners recognize that they must offer a safe and secure environment to attract and retain tenants. Moreover, they face pressure from insurance companies and regulators to enhance security measures to protect building occupants and property.

Consequently, it is imperative to implement an effective business security system. This does not necessarily mean investing in the most expensive system available, but rather, selecting a commercial security system that aligns with the property’s unique needs both presently and in the future.

This article delves into the various security aspects of commercial properties, outlining the different security systems available for commercial buildings. It underscores the significance and advantages of developing integrated commercial and business security alarm systems, emphasizing the value of collaborating with specialized building security companies.

Why commercial security systems are essential for offices and buildings

Apartment building security systems, parking lot security cameras, and physical security planning are all components of a comprehensive security strategy for commercial properties. A large office building typically houses multiple companies, each with a sizable workforce and frequent visitors. Like residential buildings, commercial properties require robust security systems to manage access for permanent and temporary occupants while keeping intruders at bay.

Security teams within these buildings need comprehensive monitoring capabilities to swiftly detect and address incidents or safety concerns, such as fire or unauthorized access. This includes a network of office alarm systems, sensors, and live surveillance to maintain constant visibility and quick response times.

Beyond the building itself, security measures extend to the surrounding areas, such as parking lots. Access control systems and security cameras in parking lots help ensure that only authorized vehicles enter while deterring theft and vandalism.

In larger commercial campuses with multiple buildings, perimeter security plays a crucial role. Access control systems and surveillance are used to monitor and control access to the site, keeping it safe from potential threats.

Cybersecurity is another vital aspect of commercial building security. Property owners and tenants understand the importance of safeguarding against cyber threats, as the loss of retail data or intellectual property can be financially devastating. Therefore, cybersecurity measures are integrated into the security system to provide comprehensive protection.

Business security system components

A well-rounded security setup for commercial properties comprises several vital components. These include access control systems, security cameras (often CCTV cameras), sensors, detectors, commercial alarm systems, and cybersecurity measures. Although each of these elements can function independently, the most effective security systems for businesses are integrated, ensuring seamless coordination and maximum protection.

Commercial access control systems 

Modern access control systems have revolutionized securing buildings, replacing the outdated lock-and-key method. Traditional systems are costly to maintain and present security vulnerabilities, as keys can be lost, stolen, or copied without any way to track who has entered the building.

To address these shortcomings, access control systems offer an electronic alternative that allows authorized users and visitors to request entry through various methods. These systems regulate access to building entrances, specific departments, employee-only areas (like gyms or restaurants), and restricted zones within the office. Elevator access control can also be implemented to limit access to different floors.

Authorized users, typically employees, can present their credentials such as key cards, key fobs, or even biometric data like fingerprints or iris scans to a reader at the entrance. More recently, technological advancements have enabled users to present their credentials through mobile apps or other mobile devices, enhancing convenience and security.

When a user’s credentials are presented, they are transmitted over a secure network to a database for validation. If the user is recognized, the system sends a signal to an electronic door lock, granting access.

Visitors, including delivery drivers, can request access through an audio or video intercom system at the front desk or by presenting a guest pass to the access control reader if provided by an employee. This centralized security solution ensures that only authorized individuals can enter the building, enhancing overall safety and security.

Commercial video surveillance cameras 

Elevator security cameras are essential to modern commercial video surveillance systems, especially in office buildings. They play a crucial role in live security monitoring, particularly in areas of vulnerability such as elevators and parking garages. These cameras are strategically positioned to identify suspicious activities and monitor overcrowding risks in high-traffic zones.

A commercial video surveillance system typically consists of CCTV cameras continuously transmitting feeds to an on-site recorder or the cloud. This allows security teams to review and analyze the footage in real-time, respond to unusual events, and store the footage for future references, such as audits or evidence in case of an incident.

Recent advancements in the CCTV industry have led to cameras capable of capturing high-definition images, significantly improving the accuracy of subject identification. This, in turn, enables security teams to employ advanced video analytics and artificial intelligence tools, enhancing the interpretation of video feeds and strengthening overall office building security surveillance.

Commercial alarm systems for buildings 

Alarm systems are crucial to commercial building security, protecting against internal and external threats.

For instance, intrusion detection systems, commonly installed on doors and windows, can alert security personnel to potential break-ins or cases in which doors or windows have been left open, posing a security risk.

Employee safety is paramount, so business security alarm systems often include motion sensors placed in vulnerable areas. These sensors can help detect suspicious activity and alert security or emergency services as needed. Additionally, to ensure the safety of everyone in the building, all commercial properties should be equipped with fire alarm systems, smoke detectors, and burglar alarms. It’s advisable to have these systems installed by professional commercial alarm companies.

Environmental sensors are also necessary to monitor air quality and other sensory changes, such as carbon monoxide levels, humidity, or particle pollution. This helps maintain a healthy work environment and reduces the risk of employee absenteeism due to illness.

Cybersecurity systems for businesses 

Cybersecurity is a critical component of office building security, aimed at safeguarding digital assets like computers and networks from attacks that could result in the loss of crucial data or the disruption of critical operations.

Traditionally, physical security and cybersecurity have been viewed as distinct roles. However, many businesses are adopting integrated security approaches as systems become increasingly interconnected.

It’s imperative to ensure no gaps in a security profile. While physical building security systems are essential for preventing unauthorized access to a company’s critical assets, a converged security strategy is equally important. This strategy ensures that physical and cybersecurity teams know potential threats by sharing security data and coordinating coverage.

Office building security system infrastructure. 

When planning a commercial business security system, one of the critical considerations is whether to opt for on-premise or cloud security. This decision hinges on the specific needs of your management team.

An on-premise solution necessitates infrastructure within the building, including servers or digital video recorders, software to manage the infrastructure, and a network to connect the infrastructure with the security or access control system components. The number of feeds from individual security components determines the number and size of servers or recorders. Additionally, this solution requires energy to power storage devices and any associated cooling systems.

In contrast, a cloud security system requires no physical infrastructure. The storage and management systems are housed in the cloud, and depending on the subscription, there’s no limit to the number of individual security feeds that can be stored. Since data is transmitted directly from the security source to the cloud via the Internet, storage doesn’t require an internal network. The data can be reviewed on an on-premise monitor or other remote or mobile devices.

Risk management system for  businesses of every scale: 

From office spaces to expansive industrial complexes, we provide protection for a diverse range of business entities.

1. RESTAURANT & HOSPITALITY
2. RETAIL
3. BANKS & FINANCIAL
4. WAREHOUSE & INDUSTRIAL
5. AUTOMOTIVE – ATV – RV – MARINE
6. EDUCATION & MUNICIPALITIES
7. TRUCKING & LOGISTICS
8. HEALTHCARE
9. FUEL & ENERGY
10. CANNABIS

Integration Solutions for Commercial Building and Business Security Systems 

Businesses face an escalating threat landscape, with 39 percent of respondents to the 2022 Thales Data Threat Report reporting a security breach in the previous 12 months and 44 percent reporting an increase in the volume, severity, or scope of attacks.

While individual security components can function as standalone forms of protection, the most robust business security systems integrate all elements to provide security professionals with a comprehensive view of all building activity based on live data.

• Smart locks: Smart locks offer data on movements within an area and provide heightened protection for restricted zones. They enable security teams to limit access to authorized users and identify unauthorized entry, allowing for a swift response to physical threats. The data from access control systems also helps teams identify unusual behavior patterns that may indicate potential threats, enabling a proactive response. This integration allows security teams to make more effective use of available data. For example, integrating access control systems with security video cameras provides data that can help identify suspects in the event of an incident.

• Access control: Protecting business data is paramount, and access control systems provide comprehensive data on access to campuses, buildings, restricted areas, and infrastructure.

• Visitor management and occupancy tracking: Access systems provide valuable data for visitor management, delivery management, and capacity management systems, enabling security teams to monitor and control movement within a building. This is critical in emergencies, such as fires, when security teams need to know the total number of people on-site. Integration with business fire and smoke alarms allows access control systems to automate lockdowns or restrict access.
• Video security: CCTV cameras, particularly pan-tilt-zoom cameras, are essential to office building surveillance security. Integrating CCTV cameras with motion sensors and commercial alarms for intrusion detection enhances situational awareness, enabling cameras to respond more quickly to notifications from sensors and alarms. Additionally, artificial intelligence and machine learning tools can be integrated with cameras to improve threat recognition and notification.

Intelligent Integrations for Enhanced Commercial and Office Security Systems 

Integration of business security systems can yield broader benefits as property managers embrace innovative building technologies, which can be integrated into an intelligent building management system, forming the foundation for smart buildings.

Intelligent building technologies empower teams to monitor and automate control of environmental factors that impact workplace quality, from lighting to heating and air conditioning. For instance, smart lighting solutions use sensors based on occupancy to regulate light usage. In contrast, intelligent HVAC systems automate heating and air conditioning, adjusting temperatures according to occupancy levels and weather forecasts.

Access control and other commercial security system components can also be integrated with other building management and environmental control systems to drive cost savings and enhance energy efficiency. By analyzing access control system data on traffic levels and space usage at various times of the day, factors such as heating, lighting, or air conditioning can be automatically adjusted, reducing the need for human oversight.

Strategizing the Installation of a Security System for Commercial Buildings 

Depending on the current level of security and its effectiveness, property managers may choose to install new office building security systems or upgrade an existing setup.

Several factors can prompt the need for a security upgrade:

• Legacy components: The existing system may rely on outdated legacy components that do not offer the performance levels of the latest solutions. This can compromise security quality, particularly if threat levels rise, and limit integration opportunities.

• Access control: The system may use traditional keycards or essential fob credentials, which lack the convenience or security of modern mobile or biometric solutions.
• On-premise infrastructure: The infrastructure may be on-premise, making it expensive to maintain and scale and needing more operational flexibility of cloud-based remote management.

• Pandemic-induced changes: Office layouts and occupancy levels may have changed due to the pandemic, and the existing security systems may not align with the new environment.

“Planning and installing security solutions for commercial property can be a complex process, so working with a professional security system installer or integrator is essential. These experts can provide advice, services, and support at every process stage.“

1. Initial survey: Installers collaborate with the security and property management team to establish security goals for the building. After surveying the property to identify surveillance, access control systems, sensors, and alarms needs, they outline requirements for different building areas with a provisional list of the required equipment.

2. Equipment selection: Installers offer detailed recommendations for each property area to provide optimal coverage with the least number of systems. They select reliable, scalable, and interoperable components for easier future integration.

3. Network design: Installers compare the costs and complexities of different connectivity and power methods, such as dedicated security camera cabling or a data or wireless network. Connecting system components to a data network can reduce overall costs since the network can also provide power using Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) technology. Additionally, networked-connected security systems are more scalable, facilitating easy addition or movement of components without additional direct cabling costs.

4. Installation: Professional security installers follow industry best practices and relevant building regulations during installation. They position cameras, sensors, and alarms optimally to maximize situational awareness. Before handing it over to the security team and building management, they test the entire office building’s security system and provide necessary training.

5. Integration: If the security components are integrated with other security systems or the building management system, installers will integrate and ensure compatibility.

The cost of a security system for offices and commercial properties depends on several factors.

1. Number of components: The main upfront costs are equipment purchase fees. The number of cameras, access control readers, sensors, and alarms needed will be determined by the site size and areas to be covered. They are selecting components that provide high-security levels while minimizing costs is essential. For example, property managers can reduce the number of cameras needed by selecting security video cameras with comprehensive coverage, such as 360-degree security cameras, while maintaining high image quality.

2. Infrastructure: Installing dedicated connectivity and power supply cabling will cost more than connecting cameras to an existing data or wireless network. If the system is to be hosted and managed on-site, the budget should include the cost of purchasing, installing, updating, and maintaining servers and associated software. Cloud-hosted systems will incur regular subscription charges, including updates and maintenance costs

3. Installation charges: Commercial security system companies offer different rates and services, so thorough research is necessary. The installation cost will depend on the system size, complexity, and required integration level.

4. Operating costs: Ongoing costs will include scheduled maintenance and update costs and energy charges.

The best business security systems for your commercial building 

There is no universal solution for business security systems, regardless of the business’s size. The ideal security system for a small business or office building offers the highest level of security without being intrusive or sacrificing convenience.

The most effective business security system should integrate all security components to provide security teams with a comprehensive view of all building activities. It should also allow for future growth and flexibility.

It’s essential to consult with commercial building security companies to find the best security solutions for your specific commercial building.

FAQs

Why do I need a security system?

Ensuring effective and dependable workplace security holds paramount importance for any business, as it mitigates expenses such as insurance, compensation, liabilities, and other financial burdens borne by the company, thereby fostering enhanced business revenue and minimizing operational costs.

Is it better to have a wired or wireless alarm system?

There is no universal solution to this query, but here’s the essence: Wired security systems offer more dependable signals, while wireless systems offer a more straightforward installation process and can be utilized in locations where wired systems are impractical.

Are there any disadvantages to having a security system?

In the event of an accidental alarm activation, it’s essential to promptly respond to your phone and deactivate it to prevent unnecessary police intervention. Failure to do so may result in being charged for a false alarm if law enforcement is dispatched and no signs of forced entry are found.

Can my security system become a security risk?

In short, yes, wireless alarm systems can be susceptible to hacking. However, it’s not an inevitable outcome. While any connected system or device can be a potential target, there are several measures you can take to enhance security, such as safeguarding and concealing your internet network, and implementing encryption and two-factor authentication.