Small Business Security: Doors, Locks & Beyond

Business security is a critical concern for many business owners as well as for managers responsbile for their premises. Showing up to find missing inventory is a worst case scenario that can be easily prevented by being proactive about reviewing your building security, so let's get started!

Determining Your Overall Level Of Security Needs: Analyze Your Perimeter

• Does everyone entering and exiting acutally need to be routed through any type of security check point?
• What's around the building? Tall trees? Hills or rock structures adjacent that could make access easier?
• Does the landscaping of the business have potential hidingspaces or ways to get to roof tops or other access points?
• Look around the building, what are the entry points and will they need to be monitored? Where would security cameras need to be mounted?
• Will the property have good lighting at night?

“The best planned security systems and security procedures lose their effectiveness if they are not continually monitored”

Reviewing Your Building Security

Once you've reviewed the perimeter then start with controlling all of your entry points. This means you need to have the right commercial doors and locks. Locks that have been designed for commercial businesses are very different from those that have been designed for residential use. It may seem intuitive but  business owners should only buy locks that are meant specifically for commercial businesses, and not cut corners.

Selecting locks for Commercial Properties

You're going to need to review your options when it comes to locks for commercial businesses to guarantee security for all of your entry points. This is going to vary greatly depending on your type of business and level of security you're planning to provide.

• IC cylinders
  • This type of lock is also called an interchangeable core lockset or leverset. It is ideal for businesses that require to change their locks quite frequently, so you commonly find these used in stripmalls or other multi-business locations.
• Knob/lever handle locks
  • This type of lockset is pretty universal and common within office settings but really are considered minimal security. They provide basic privacy where the concern is at worst reducing of snooping or simply petty employee theft. The reality is though that these types of locks are not effective for deterring professional burglaries.
• Padlocks & Deadbolts
  • These fixtures are typically not permanent but still important for business owners. They are available in various sizes, types and strengths. They can be operated using combinations or keys or even both. They are ideal for providing temporary security.
• Electronic locks
  • Looking for something with an automatic option and remote controls? They can be utilized as fail-safe locks, a fail-secure lock or just as a lock that is remotely operated and monitored. Usually available in mortise and cylindrical styles. It is mostly used in areas where a business needs safety code and security compliance.

Benefits & Challenges Of Keyless Entry Systems

This type of locks are in many ways ideal for areas that require a high level of security. This is because you can distribute access to specific individuals and monitor their entry and egress. You can utilize a number of different basic mechanisms like key cards, biometrics, entry codes and FOBs to grant entry.

The downside to this is an additional layer of management for ensuring that only the right people have the specific codes, and have in place steps to handle system errors that might keep out someone incorrectly.

Just Because It's Locked Doesn't Mean It's Secure

Locks are nice. But really when it comes to security, it's much more about who has access, because people are the biggest security liability. Here's a checklist to make sure you have all your ducks in a row when it comes to considering human liability when it comes to security issues.

• Once you've planned out your access points and secured them with with key locks, swipe cards, or codes how are you going to keep track of who has access to keys, cards, or codes?
• How frequently are codes updated?
• What happens when access for employees been revoked because they don't work there anymore?
• Are employees thoroughly trained on your security policies and best practices?

There are several more steps you can take to secure your property, if it's that high of a business priority then consider hiring a security service or engaging a business security firm to do a thorough security audit so you can rest assured and get on with your day to day business.