Commercial Access Control and Building Security Systems


 

Where should building security systems be enforced?


Security systems are indispensable to any type of building. They provide consistency in business operations, safety of tangible assets, intellectual property and, above all, human life. Commercial properties, airports, retail shops, industrial enterprises, financial and governmental institutions, schools, medical facilities, power-, oil and gas companies as well as residential complexes require a unique set of safety and security measures because each type of property is vulnerable to different hazards.

For example, an owner of a retail shop is predominantly concerned about such threats as shoplifting, fraud, embezzlement, and pilferage. A government agency places value on the security of classified information. A manager of a condo makes sure that his tenants are protected against crime and facilities don’t fall victim to vandalism. At the same time, any organization or property owner takes the necessary precautions to avoid such threats as fire, accidents or other situations that pose a hazard to human life.

Thus, building security systems encompass a wide set of unique security measures which are determined by the risks that a company might face.
 
 

Building security systems in different types of properties


As mentioned above, no security system is the same. Apartment building security systems will differ from a security system for commercial building because security objectives are different for each type of facility.

In the majority of cases, a security system for commercial building presents a more comprehensive solution than typical apartment building security systems and comprises:

  • Access control including multi-layered commercial access control
  • Perimeter security CCTV
  • Various sensors and detectors, such as infrared, microwave or laser sensors
  • Intruder alarms
  • Fire detection system
  • Fire extinguisher system

All of the above systems can be integrated into a complex security solution thanks to which greater flexibility, scalability, and control can be achieved.

Now let’s consider apartment building security systems. To foster a secure living environment for tenants owners of residential properties install security cameras in corridors and elevators, apply key card systems that enable access to facilities, and implement entry intercom at doors, etc. Some property owners also employ professional security guards.

As you can see, both of the categories mentioned above partially apply the same security tools, i.e., CCTV monitoring for intrusion detection, keypads and fobs for access control, etc.
 
 

How to establish a building security system?


First and foremost, you need to assess your potential risks that depend greatly on a type of building/organization in question.

Define systems implementation of which is of paramount importance to your organization (i.e., commercial access control, video surveillance, intrusion alarm, electronic sensors, fire protection, intercom, central monitoring, etc.)

Ask yourself whether you need an integrated security system or can get by with standalone systems.

Consider whether you want to develop a proprietary security system or would rather hire a specialized organization that will safeguard your business against possible threats? If you choose the latter, find a reputable security company which you can entrust your company’s/residential property’s safety to.

To sum it up, whether you are interested in a security system for commercial building or are choosing among some apartment building security systems available in the market, a complex approach will work to your advantage. By enforcing a comprehensive security system you can rest assured that your property is safeguarded at various levels, which cannot be achieved by simply hiring a door supervisor.

If you already have established a security system, the best way to keep it perfectly functioning is finding and following a building maintenance checklist.