What to Look For in a Commercial Security System

Businesses of different sizes across all industries share the common goal of protecting their property, employees, and assets (both physical and digital).

A comprehensive security system is an essential investment – if nothing else, for peace of mind. But with so many different types of commercial security systems, it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to figure out what you really need and what you don’t.

That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide on what to look for in a commercial security system, helping you cut through the noise and pick the perfect system for your company’s specific challenges and needs.

Read below, or better yet, get in touch with our team here at Viking Fence. While we’re the #1 fence company Austin residents and business owners rely on, we can do much more than help you set up physical barriers to protect your premises.

From the different types of access control systems to the top commercial security cameras, we’ve got everything you need to build a robust, reliable security system! Find out firsthand why we’re your trusted provider of Austin commercial security systems today.

Why You Need a Robust Commercial Security System

It’s far too easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis where you’re trying to weigh all the different features available with the need to stay under budget.

So many business owners think about getting a security system or upgrading their existing system, but end up kicking the can down the road. You can’t afford to take this risk. Here’s why you need to invest in a commercial security system ASAP:

Protection Against Theft and Vandalism: Even just the presence of fences, gates, cameras, or on-site personnel deters criminals, safeguarding valuable equipment, merchandise, and sensitive information.
Employee Safety: It’s your duty as an employer to create a safe working environment with monitored access and quick emergency responses.
Data Protection: Integrating physical and digital security protects sensitive information from breaches and cyberattacks. This maintains customer trust and compliance, preventing legal liabilities and potential fines – or worse, reputation erosion.
Building Trust: A quality system enhances your reputation by demonstrating a commitment to security, so clients and partners feel more confident in you.
Cost Savings: You can justify the cost of this system knowing it protects against potential losses from theft or breaches, and may lower insurance premiums due to enhanced security measures.

It’s clear you need to put security protocols in place, but will a simple fence and a few security cameras get the job done? Or, do you need something more fulcrum? What about digital security measures?

Let’s get into what to look for in a commercial security system below so you can feel confident taking your next steps.

What to Look For in a Commercial Security System

As we said from the start, you don’t have to navigate commercial security on your own. The experts at Viking Fence are eager to talk about your company’s unique needs and your budget so we can come up with a solution that aligns. In general, though, here’s what to look for in a commercial security system.

Start By Considering Your Security Needs and Risks

Knowing what you’re trying to safeguard against is the first step in getting a commercial security system installed. So, consider the types of risks your business might encounter, such as burglary, vandalism, unauthorized access, and internal theft.

You should also think about the size and physical layout of your business. Larger facilities with multiple access points may require more comprehensive coverage and advanced access control systems compared to a smaller office or retail store.

Some industries, like finance or healthcare, have specific security regulations and requirements. These should always be adhered to as you start piecing together a comprehensive security system.

Building Out a Budget

Far too many businesses cut corners to save on the commercial security system cost, but remember – you get what you pay for.

While it may be tempting to buy a cheaper system, investing in higher-quality equipment with better features can save money in the long run by reducing the risk of costly incidents and minimizing the need for frequent upgrades or repairs.

Still, you need to stay within budget. Be sure to factor in the total cost of ownership, which includes installation fees, maintenance, monitoring services, and potential upgrades.

Prioritize the most critical security features that align with your budget. Start with the essentials and add more advanced features as your budget allows.

You need a fence, for example – but does it really need to be electrified? You might even need a gate, but does it need to be automatic? How many cameras do you really need on-site? Be practical and think not just about your business today, but in the future.

Plan For Today and the Future

Speaking of which, your security needs may evolve as your business grows. That’s why you need to look for systems that offer a modular design, allowing you to add or remove components as your needs change. This lets your security system adapt to your business.

Advanced Access Control

Controlling who can enter your premises is a fundamental aspect of any security system. So, what are access control systems, and what role do they play in your system as a whole?

These can vary from simple keycard systems to more sophisticated measures that let in certain people while keeping everyone else out. They can control access to the facility in general or into specific areas of the facility.

Modern access control systems often include biometric options, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, which offer a higher level of security compared to traditional keycards or PIN codes. These will cost more, though.

You might want the ability to control access remotely, as this gives administrators flexibility in managing access rights from anywhere. Make sure your system offers audit trails as well, so you can review entry and exit activity when an issue arises to trace it back to an individual.

High-Quality Surveillance Cameras

One of the most important components of any commercial security system is surveillance. But, not all commercial security cameras are created equal.

Prioritize high-resolution cameras that capture clear images, especially in critical areas. HD or 4K cameras offer superior clarity for identifying intruders or investigating incidents.

Since the vast majority of security breaches occur at night, you need cameras that can see in the dark. Look for cameras with infrared or low-light sensors to ensure clear footage in all lighting conditions.

Cameras with wide-angle lenses or PTZ capabilities can cover larger areas and provide more flexible monitoring options, helping you get better visibility of your site with fewer cameras.

Think about not just the image clarity but how it’s stored, too. Cameras with cloud storage allow you to access and review video footage anywhere. From a durability and reliability standpoint, make sure the cameras are weather-resistant if they’re stored outdoors.

Reliable Alarm Systems

For more advanced security needs when you need an immediate response, a reliable alarm system is essential. These can be integrated with other components, such as your access control system or security cameras.

Consider where your most high-risk points of intrusion are and make sure you have sensors set up. This includes doors of course, but also windows.

Determine whether you need audible alarms, silent alarms sent to administrators/security personnel, or both. Audible alarms deter intruders by drawing attention, while silent alarms notify security personnel or authorities without alerting the intruder so they can be detained.

Similarly, some alarm systems can be directly linked to local law enforcement or security companies for a rapid response in the event of a breach.

Physical Barriers Like Fencing and Gates

Of course, no security system is complete without fences or gates that prevent unauthorized access. These are a great visual deterrent as well, especially when integrated with barbed wired or electricity.

There are so many different types of fencing at your disposal, from chain link fence vs wood to wrought iron vs aluminum fencing. But, the best security fence is typically iron, steel, or reinforced aluminum.

Gates and fences should be integrated with your access control system, allowing for automated entry and exit points. There are many different types of driveway gates. Your budget and desire for convenience will dictate which is right for you, especially when choosing between manual vs automatic gates.

While security is the priority, the design of your physical barriers should also complement your property’s aesthetic. You should also account for the long-term maintenance needs of your fencing and gates.

You might want to learn how to electrify a fence for security, and you need to be aware of the optimal security fence height as well. These are all things we can help you navigate here at Viking Fence, as nobody does fencing like we do!

Cybersecurity Features

These days, cybersecurity is just as important as physical security, if not more so. You may need a separate system to protect against cyber threats.

This includes securing the network that your surveillance cameras and access control systems operate on to prevent unauthorized access. You should also put data encryption measures in place, protecting sensitive information on local computers.

User-Friendly Interface

You don’t just want a security system that protects your company – you need one that’s easy to use! So, look for systems with an intuitive dashboard where all security components can be monitored and controlled.

Better yet, see if you can monitor certain aspects of your system via mobile phone. This helps you respond to incidents even if you’re off-site. See if you can set up custom alerts based on specific triggers, such as unauthorized access attempts or equipment malfunctions.

24/7 Professional Monitoring

For businesses with extra high-security risks, it might make sense to invest in 24/7 professional monitoring or even on-site personnel. This means you and the rest of your team can focus on what you do best rather than stressing about security.

Professional monitoring also provides a much more rapid and comprehensive response to security incidents in case they do occur. The mere presence of security guards patrolling your premises can deter most issues, though.

This can get pretty expensive, so you might settle for 24/7 remote monitoring. These are services that watch your cameras, keep track of your activity logs, and can verify incidents before contacting law enforcement or emergency services.

Emergency Backup Power

The last thing you want is for your system to go down when power goes out, leaving your business exposed to security threats. You should look for a system backed by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to mitigate this concern. This will provide immediate power in the event of an outage.

For longer outages, consider integrating a backup generator that can power your security system for extended periods. It will make sure the most important components – be it cameras, access control systems, or alarms – continue to function as intended.

Compliance With Industry Standards

Part of what to look for in a commercial security system involves understanding your industry’s specific requirements if any exist.

For example, businesses handling credit card payments need to adhere to PCI-DSS standards. Those in the medical field must align with HIPAA guidelines.

Maintenance and Support

Finally, think about the maintenance and support behind the system you end up choosing. This is important whether you’re hiring a company to install the system or manage it on daily basis.

Access to 24/7 technical support is crucial for addressing issues quickly, while extended warranties and service agreements can help manage long-term costs.

The company you source your system through is perhaps the most important aspect of what to look for in a commercial security system, so don’t take it lightly. For the best security experience in all of Texas, look no further. Viking Fence is here to help!

We’ll Help You Create the Perfect Commercial Security System for Your Texas Business!

We’re proud to have helped countless companies set up security systems over the years. Since 1972 we’ve specialized in fence installation, whether you need wrought iron fencing Austin, a more sophisticated perimeter security fence, or even custom commercial fences.

But, you also gain access to the access control systems Austin businesses need for effortless management of who comes and goes. From security cameras to gates, we handle it all to help you protect your property.

We’re not just the premier provider of security systems in Austin, though. We help companies across Texas keep their premises safe and secure, including:

You can simply source your components from us or let us handle everything from installation to ongoing maintenance. Whatever the case, expect to be impressed every step of the way by our professionalism and quality assurance standards.

Don’t let security threats steal your peace of mind, or worse, take a toll on your business. Get in touch with Viking Fence today and take the first step towards setting up your new commercial security system!

Final Thoughts on What to Look For in a Commercial Security System

While there are so many moving pieces in configuring a commercial security system, we hope this guide has left you feeling clear and confident in what you need.

In summary, think about your security needs not just today, but in the future. Then, it’s just a matter of picking the right components and ensuring they all work in synergy to protect your property, employees, and assets (both physical and digital).

Find additional resources in our blog like how to install camera on brick without drilling, DIY commercial security system, best access control system, how to build a pergola kit, standard gate size, and more.

Otherwise, the only thing left to do now that you know what to look for in a commercial security system is to bring your vision to life with the help of Viking Fence here in Texas. So, reach out now and secure your business with confidence!