Commercial door security is one of the most critical aspects of your building’s safety plan. Durable materials, sturdy locksets, and the right access control systems can prevent theft, property damage, and personal injury. While there are a wide range of options for building owners to choose from, we’ll explore the best practice for commercial door security and its importance for commercial buildings.
The Importance of Commercial Door Security
Every commercial building needs a robust security strategy to prevent unauthorized access, reduce theft, and ensure the safety of employees and customers. Securing commercial doors is an essential part of this strategy. These doors are thick, durable, and heavy, but if they’re able to be secured properly, their durability means nothing.
A strong security system should include reliable door locks, access control, and real-time monitoring to keep businesses safe. A security plan should also focus on safe egress and fire control, as commercial buildings have specific fire safety regulations. And, with the increasing complexity of modern threats, door security has evolved to incorporate advanced technologies, offering a higher level of protection for commercial properties.
Best Practices for Commercial Door Security
1. Implementing Access Control Systems
Depending on your building’s main uses, your commercial door security plan might require an access control system. These systems allow businesses and property owners to manage who has access to the building, certain areas within the building, and when they can access them.
Access control systems come in a few forms, but today’s most popular option includes access cards and card readers. Authorized tenants, employees, or other people with access can scan their badge, release the magnetic lock, and gain access. These systems will also log entries to provide an audit trail, and they’re generally a more cost-effective solution and easier to manage than a biometric scanner system.
2. Choosing the Right Commercial Locks
Commercial doors require specific locks, not just “commercial grade.” Modern commercial door locks require crash bars, high-security cylinders, door closers, and other heavy-duty hardware. These components are designed to keep the building safe from unauthorized access but also allow building occupants to leave in the event of an emergency, with the door closing automatically and latching itself behind them.
The truth is that there is a broad selection of commercial locks available from major manufacturers. It takes a knowledgeable contractor to not only choose the correct locks to meet the needs of a commercial building but also to install them correctly.
3. Utilizing Cloud-Based Access Control
Depending on the circumstances, cloud-based access control can provide commercial building owners with plenty of peace of mind to make it worth it. These systems provide business and building owners with adjustable access control as well as real-time monitoring and updates, should they need it.
While these systems won’t take the place of a dedicated security system, they do allow the owner to check on the building’s status, who accessed it, and what time from anywhere in the world. Owners with multiple buildings spread across a wide area may appreciate the convenience.
4. Integrating with Other Security Systems
When planning a commercial remodel, it makes sense for building owners to choose features with tech that integrates seamlessly with one another. Access control systems communicate with security systems and commercial security hardware will ensure the building is safe, accessible, and easily controlled. This not only provides access management, but it also allows the system to identify any issues and send alerts to the owner and the authorities.
It’s also important to note that in almost all cases, building fire alarm systems must communicate with commercial door hardware. An alarm mode will need to trigger door holders to release, maglocks to allow egress, and more, according to code.
5. Regular Security Audits and Upgrades
Commercial door security isn’t just about installing the correct hardware and systems and calling it a day. Doors, almost more than any other features in a building, are susceptible to changes. Frequent opening and closing can impact hinges. Weather conditions can cause doors to swell or shrink. Damage from misuse can also occur, all of which can impact the way a door closes and latches. Regular inspections and maintenance will ensure these small issues are caught before they can cause serious safety concerns.
The Role of Technology in Door Security
1. Real-Time Monitoring and Audit Trails
Even the most basic residential alarm system can offer real-time monitoring and alerts, so commercial buildings should offer the same, if not more benefits. Businesses should be able to rely on technology to create audit trails that track entries, ensuring everyone accessing the building actually belongs there.
Most often, this is accomplished with card readers and maglocks. Once the scanner reads the card, the magnetic lock releases and allows authorized card holders to enter. This isn’t new technology, but the supporting software that runs these systems continues to improve, allowing cloud-based access and real-time updates.
2. Seamless Entry and Convenience
Door security doesn’t have to be inconvenient. Whether the locks are keyed or accessible with card readers, seamless entry should be a priority for employees and building owners. Again, keycards are a big help, but mobile-based access utilizing smart locks can be even more convenient. These systems do require an experienced commercial contractor to install and program, but the convenience and safe access are likely worth it.
3. Heavy-Duty Locks for Enhanced Protection
Heavy-duty locks are a given for commercial applications. They are required by code and the only type of locks capable of withstanding constant use. After all, residential doors see a fraction of the amount of uses that your commercial doors do. Today’s commercial locks are designed with powerful software programs to create extreme tolerances and precision for long-term durability, function, and safety.
Choosing the Right Commercial Security Solutions
Comprehensive commercial door security is a combination of commercial door locks, access control systems, and complementary security systems. They should work together to provide security, information, and real-time updates.
However, not all commercial buildings require the same level of security protection. Find a commercial renovation contractor that you can trust to help you choose the right commercial security solutions, devices, and systems to make sure your commercial doors are safe and secure.
TopKey Construction Can Handle Your Commercial Door Security Needs
TopKey Construction is the premiere contractor to help handle your commercial door security needs. Our team of professionals have over 30 years of experience with commercial renovations, including the installation of commercial doors and their hardware and systems. We’ll make sure your building is safe, meets code, and is easy to maintain. Contact us today for your commercial door security needs.