Commercial Security Systems Maintenance

There’s no question that installing a commercial security system makes a huge difference in keeping your business safe and secure.

But even after you have your system up and running, the work is not finished. Security is an ongoing endeavor, which is why you need to prioritize commercial security systems maintenance.

This will not only keep your most critical components running reliably so you aren’t exposed to security threats. It also extends the life of your investment and gets a better ROI.

We’ll walk you through a simple security system maintenance checklist below, which involves weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks to keep your system serving its important purpose. Some of the things we’ll cover include:

Check Surveillance Cameras
Test Alarm Systems
Inspect Access Control Systems
Backup Data and Footage
Full System Diagnostics
Software Updates
Inspect Physical Barriers
Gate Maintenance
And more!

When it comes to the more complex tasks, like regular maintenance of your automatic gates or troubleshooting issues with your access control systems, remember that Viking Fence is here to help.

That’s right – we’re not just your trusted provider of Austin commercial security systems, we can keep your system working well for years to come! From Austin fence repair to electric driveway gate repair, you can count on us to keep your company protected.

The Importance of Commercial Security Systems Maintenance

While it’s easy to forget about your security system after getting it installed, you need to carve out a bit of time to assess its performance and give it a bit of TLC every so often. There are two reasons why commercial security systems maintenance shouldn’t be overlooked.

System Reliability and Performance

The whole reason you invested in a security system was to protect your business premises, assets, and personnel. However, the various components making up your system can experience wear and tear, glitches, or hardware malfunctions over time.

These issues can lead to system failures at critical moments if you fail to address them preemptively, leaving your business vulnerable. You know what they say – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

It’s not just about preventing complete system failure either – it’s about maximizing performance and ensuring every piece of the system is doing its job to the best of its ability. This involves upgrading your cameras or access control systems with the latest capabilities, for example.

Extending Equipment Lifespan

We don’t have to remind you that the commercial security system cost can be expensive. It’s worth putting in a bit of work to keep it working for as long as possible so you don’t have to replace it anytime soon.

Components like cameras, sensors, and control panels are constantly exposed to dust, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, all of which can affect their performance over time. These elements can degrade without proper care, leading to malfunctions or complete failures.

Routine cleaning, inspections, and timely repairs help mitigate these risks, keeping your equipment in good working condition for longer, getting you a better ROI from the investment.

Plus, it’s not like maintenance is going to be a massive burden on you. With the simple security system maintenance checklist we’ve created for you below, it can be an easy, streamlined task.

Follow This Commercial Security System Maintenance Checklist

We’ll walk you through the most important aspects of commercial security systems maintenance below, including how often each of these tasks needs to be done. But when in doubt about any specific part of maintaining your system, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Check Surveillance Cameras

Your security cameras are one of the most important parts of your system, as they’re the eyes watching over your property. You need to make sure they’re working as intended.

This involves cleaning the camera lenses weekly to remove dust, dirt, or any other debris that may obstruct the view. Check the camera housings for any signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or loose fittings, and address any issues immediately.

It’s also a good idea to get in the habit of checking the cameras’ functionality weekly, ensuring they are covering the areas of your property you want them to. Look out for blind spots that could compromise your surveillance.

Test Alarm Systems

Alarm systems need to be checked weekly as well to make sure they’re ready to respond when needed. Test all door and window sensors to ensure they trigger the alarm correctly when opened. Inspect the sensors for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.

The alarms themselves should be loud and clear when triggered. Make sure the alarm signal reaches the monitoring service if applicable.

Inspect Access Control Systems

If you don’t have these installed, you might be wondering – what are access control systems? These regulate who can enter your premises, and while there are many different types of access control systems, each needs to be maintained on a regular basis.

You can do this less frequently, say monthly. Test all access points – doors, gateways, and other entryways, to make sure that keycards, fobs, or biometric scanners are functioning correctly. Only authorized personnel should be able to gain access.

This is also a good time to check access logs to identify any unusual patterns or unauthorized attempts to enter restricted areas. Investigate any anomalies promptly.

Inspect the physical components of the access control system monthly, such as card readers and door mechanisms, to ensure they are in good working condition. This way, you can get them replaced before they actually fail, preventing downtime in your security system.

Backup Data and Footage

Your system may do this automatically on your behalf – but if not, you must backup security data monthly so that you have records to go back to in case of a physical security breach or cyberattack.

This includes security footage and access logs. The data should be stored off-site or on the cloud. You also need to make sure your data retention policies comply with industry standards and legal requirements.

Full System Diagnostics

Every quarter we suggest doing a full system diagnostic scan. This will entail testing all cameras, alarms, access control systems, and other components. Resolve any issues uncovered immediately to maintain the integrity of your security system.

Software Updates

If you don’t have automatic updates set up, check for software updates quarterly and install them promptly. This includes firmware updates for cameras, access control systems, and alarm systems.

After applying software updates, test the system to ensure that the updates have not caused any malfunctions or compatibility issues.

Inspect Physical Barriers

Physical barriers like fences and gates are also at risk of wear and tear much like cameras and access control systems. Given that these are your first line of defense against unauthorized entry, you need to make time for a thorough inspection every few months.

Inspect all fencing around your property for signs of damage, such as rust, gaps, or bent sections. Repair or reinforce any weak points immediately.

If your physical barriers include security features like barbed wire or electric fencing, verify that these are operational and providing the intended level of security.

The same applies to gates. Be sure to test the function of them as well. If you have any issues opening or closing them, you may need to dive into deeper automatic gate troubleshooting.

We have resources on automatic gates beeping and how to fix a gate. But remember, automatic gate repair is best left to the professionals here at Viking Fence.

However, you may be able to handle some of the maintenance yourself. This includes lubricating the hinges, rollers, and tracks of your gates to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.

You should also inspect safety features like sensors and auto-reverse functions to verify they’re working correctly, preventing accidents or unauthorized access.

Look for Ways to Improve the System

Every year look for ways to improve your system. Identify any gaps or areas where the system could be improved, such as adding new cameras, upgrading software, or enhancing access control features.

Evaluate new technologies and security solutions annually to determine if they could benefit your system. This could include integrating AI-based analytics, upgrading to higher-resolution cameras, or implementing more advanced access control methods.

This is something we can help you with here at Viking Fence as well, as we’re at the forefront of the commercial security industry. So, if you need help planning for the future or maintaining/repairing certain aspects of your commercial security system, get in touch today!

Need Help Maintaining or Repairing Certain Aspects of Your Commercial Security System?

Viking Fence has been a Texas tradition for more than 40 years. Businesses and homeowners alike rely on us to provide durable, long-lasting fencing solutions.

But, we also have many of the different types of commercial security systems you might be interested in upgrading to if you’ve been stressing about breaches and threats.

From access control systems Austin to perimeter security fence, the top commercial security cameras, and more – you can ensure comprehensive protection for your property, your assets, and your employees.

You can outsource the maintenance side of things to us as well, along with any routine repairs that are needed over the lifespan of your fence, gate, or security system. Our team is always quick to respond with the best service.

We’re not just your go-to fence company in Austin, either. We’re proud to serve the entire Lone Star State with the same commitment to excellence in everything we do. That includes:

So as we wrap up our guide to commercial security systems maintenance, we invite you to reach out for guidance on your next steps. Experience the difference that has made us Texas’ trusted choice for four decades and counting!

Bringing Our Commercial Security Systems Maintenance Guide to a Close

That concludes our security system maintenance checklist, from weekly to monthly, quarterly, and annual tasks. Each aspect of commercial security systems maintenance plays a role in keeping your components running smoothly for as long as possible.

We hope you understand not just what goes into the maintenance of commercial security systems but why it’s so important in the first place. It’s an essential preventative task for prolonging the life of your system and ensuring reliability.

You can find additional resources in our blog like how to electrify a fence for security, DIY commercial security system, how to install camera on brick without drilling, security fence height, types of driveway gates, and more.

But whether you’re looking for the best security fence or the best access control system, custom commercial fences or standard wrought iron fencing Austin, remember that Viking Fence is your one-stop shop for reliable equipment and world-class service along the way.

Partner with us today to ensure your commercial security system receives the expert care and attention it deserves, keeping your business secure and protected at all times!