The doors to your commercial premises are the first point of entry for visitors, both authorized and unauthorized, so your security system must be effective in both situations. They must enable safe passage for authorized visitors, employees and customers while also being an effective deterrent against theft, vandalism and intruders.
If you are a business owner or building manager, this article is for you. We will discuss the top security upgrades and commercial door locks that are available to protect your premises and people against unauthorized entry and help you determine which security door hardware your business premises need.
What Are the Top Most Effective Security Upgrades for Commercial Doors?
1. High-security Door Locks
All commercial premises would be wise to install high-security door locks if they do not already have them. They are tamper-resistant and resilient to attack, delivering an instant upgrade to security without the need to go digital.
2. Electric Access Control Systems
Electric access control systems are a term that covers a huge range of electronic security technology, ranging from simple electric door strikes through to complex and highly sensitive access control systems that integrate with CCTV and alarm systems. These systems transform your standard commercial locks into future-ready digital systems, encompassing keyless entry and even biometrics.
3. Magnetic Locks
Magnetic locks are typically used internally within high-security environments such as data centers and laboratories where access to specific areas must be strictly controlled for security or safety reasons. These locks use electromagnets to default to a locked state, being deactivated only when required by a compatible access control device.
4. Automatic Door Openers
Automatic door openers automate access control, enabling doors to operate independently of touch, using either sensors or surveillance equipment to determine when they should open and for how long they should remain open. They can enhance accessibility and bolster your building’s security.
5. Reinforced Door Hardware
Fitting high-security locks to flimsy doors or damaged door frames represents extremely poor value for money, so reinforcing the physical structure of the commercial door is essential to the success of any security upgrade. Use exterior doors with metal cores and fit strike plates using screws that penetrate the stud wall to enhance resistance against forced entry.
6. Surveillance Equipment
Surveillance equipment is becoming ever more sophisticated, delivering remote, live monitoring capabilities via your smartphone. Look for a discreet, tamper-proof CCTV system that can be installed at a good vantage point and which delivers good night vision and weather resistance. Many are triggered by movement, so ensure the viewing area is correctly set to minimize the likelihood of false alarms.
7. Emergency Exit Hardware
Don’t forget that bolstering your security must not be at the expense of the safety of your building’s legitimate occupants. Staff, residents and visitors must be able to safely evacuate in the event of an emergency such as a fire or flood.
So, when upgrading your commercial locks, give due diligence to emergency exit hardware such as panic bars which provide an immediate override to the security system and enable a steady flow of personnel exiting the building.
8. Remote Monitoring Functionality
Many businesses are seeing the benefit in investing in remote monitoring functionality, enabling them to grant, revoke and modify individual access permissions remotely. Removing the need for physical keys reduces the risk of loss or theft, while access logs help identify individuals and respond quickly to security breaches or near misses.
Key Considerations For Your Business
A security upgrade means different things to different business models. For some, it’s about enhancing accessibility, while for others, it’s about instilling a culture of accountability.
All businesses face different threats depending on their location, the work they perform, the value of their assets and their ease of access. It is important, therefore, to consider all of these factors and implement an appropriate solution that is future-proof and represents value for money.
Conclusion
Business owners who are unsure which security upgrades are most appropriate for their particular business should seek advice from a reputable local commercial locksmith who can visit their facility, assess their existing security, discuss their risk level and appetite and recommend an appropriate system to satisfy their needs and budget.
To start the conversation, contact a professional locksmith. They can help you to invest in security solutions that will protect your assets and people, integrate with your building control system, comply with building codes and accessibility legislation and deliver peace of mind.
