12 Ways to Improve Commercial Building Security

Whether you run a large commercial operation, a small warehouse, or a medium-sized retail store, your building security may define your future and your success.

As professional Chicago security system designers and installers, we think it’s important to get it right, which is why we have laid out 12 simple tips you can follow to ensure your building security system is up-to-date.

1. Uncover Hidden Risks with a Thorough Security Assessment

The first step in securing your building is to understand its unique vulnerabilities. A comprehensive building security assessment isn’t just a checklist — it’s the blueprint for a safer, more secure business. Whether it’s analyzing potential break-in points or evaluating the effectiveness of your current locks, knowing where your weak spots lie is critical.

But don’t stop there. If you run a commercial operation, think beyond doors and windows. Consider the likelihood of theft by customers or even employees. Every possibility, no matter how unlikely, deserves attention when installing systems. This deeper understanding allows you to make informed decisions about the security systems and strategies that will best protect your business.

Experienced security professionals can offer valuable insights here, drawing on their extensive experience to recommend the most effective tools and systems for your specific needs. Their expertise ensures you’re not just guessing — you’re making decisions backed by data and real-world experience.

Key components of such an assessment include:

• Pinpoint Critical Assets: Identify what’s most valuable within your building, from high-end equipment to sensitive intellectual property.
• Anticipate Threats: Consider all potential threats, from natural disasters to the more common risks like burglary or vandalism.
• Spot the Weak Links: Uncover weaknesses in your building’s infrastructure, including access points and outdated security systems.
• Prioritize Risks: Determine which threats pose the greatest danger to your operations and address them first.
• Develop Your Defense Plan: Use these insights to build a customized security strategy, complete with access control, surveillance, and emergency protocols.

2. Install Digital Video Surveillance

Digital video surveillance is a modern form of CCTV. It’s one of the ultimate building security tools and can be incorporated into a wider building security system. These systems typically cost more to install and require a more complicated computer setup, but they offer higher resolution video footage that captures the image of intruders in a much more clear and accurate way.

Digital video surveillance, installed by professionals, gives you the chance to see wider sections of your property, see intruders clearly at night and during the day, and get the evidence you need if the intrusion becomes a police matter. These systems can be set to record all the time, or combined with other systems allowing the security cameras to start recording when motion is sensed on your property.

3. Consider Intercoms and Door Entry Systems

Intercoms and door entry systems make it easier for you to know who is coming in and out of your building, or even entering specific rooms. It also stops people from entering your building, or specific rooms, without permission. Building intercom allows audio or video communication between people in different parts of the building, requiring people to identify themselves.

It also keeps a log of who enters and can take video footage of that person entering to ensure it wasn’t a fraudulent entry.

For any business dealing with sensitive information or expensive products, this is really one of the ultimate building security tools.

4. Consider Analog CCTV Cameras

Commercial building security has always relied on traditional CCTV and it is still widely used. It is incredibly easy to install, making it ideal for those on a budget or for smaller properties that don’t need complicated setups, and it records intruders at a quality that has long been considered acceptable.

You’ll get a lower frame rate, generally lower quality footage, and less overall coverage, but if these things are unimportant, analog CCTV is a simple and effective system.

5. Use an Access Control System

Who comes and goes from your building should never be left to chance. An access control system is more than just a security feature; it’s peace of mind. By regulating entry points, you’re not only keeping out those who shouldn’t be there — you’re also making life easier for those who should.

Here’s why every business should consider access control:

• Stronger Security: Keep unauthorized people out, cutting down on theft, vandalism, and unwelcome intrusions.
• Streamlined Operations: Simplify access for employees and manage visitors more effectively, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
• Increased Accountability: Monitor who’s entering and leaving at all times, giving you valuable insights when you need them most.
• Remote Flexibility: Manage access permissions no matter where you are, keeping control in your hands at all times.

6. Install Monitored Alarms

Monitored alarm systems are one of your first go-to solutions for building safety. It’s one of the first building safety tips any security expert will give you, and it offers an immediate defense against someone attempting to break into your commercial building. Monitored alarm systems are managed remotely, and watch your premises 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Systems are designed to trigger alarms, alert authorities, or even contact you directly via phone call or text message if motion is detected in a protected building. Monitored alarms may also depend on other triggers, including the opening of doors, damage done to windows, or forced entry.

These systems vary greatly depending on your need and your budget. The most basic system will trigger a loud alarm that alerts people in the surrounding area and encourages intruders to leave, and more advanced systems can trigger CCTV recording, or automatically request the police arrive on the scene.

7. Warn Intruders

It might sound counterintuitive to warn intruders that you have an intrusion detection system, but it’s not. By making it clear that you are taking measures to protect your property, you give intruders a reason not to attempt to steal from your business.

Whether you use warning signs that specifically detail that CCTV is in operation, or whether you make sure cameras are visible, you will immediately give intruders a reason to second guess their decision. They may be able to cover up one camera, but do they know where the other ones are?

Make it clear that you are serious about building security and you’ll significantly reduce your chances of experiencing unlawful entry or burglarizing.

8. Don't Forget to Secure Parking Spots

When you’re thinking about defending your property and improving security, it’s easy to forget about your parking area. This is actually a really important part of your property to secure, and there are some simple ways you can do it. Remember that this is the place where your employees start their day and end their day. Criminals may use this space as an opportunity to steal, hurt, or even just intimidate people.

If you’re planning on installing CCTV, make sure you also install CCTV in your parking areas.

9. Territorial Reinforcement and Chain Link Fences

Perhaps the simplest step you can take in protecting your property is clearly defining your territorial boundaries. Through the use of walls, chain link fences, and signs, you should make it clear what is public property and what is your property. You may also wish to inform people of their access rights.

If your property is not frequented by customers, remind people with signs that unauthorized entry is not allowed and that you will prosecute intruders.

Chain link fences with locks also provide the obvious advantage of only allowing people with appropriate access privileges, and keys, the ability to easily get in and out.

10. Always Reevaluate

Every building security expert will tell you the importance of re-evaluating your building access control systems and other security measures periodically. Your needs change over time, threats change over time, and what was once an effective security system may be made less effective by changes to your operations.

If you begin using different access points, or if you start handling more expensive and valuable products, then you should reconsider the security systems you already have installed and integrate the new components into the existing systems.

Aim to review your security systems either every year or whenever you make significant changes to your business that change the way you and your team members work.

11. Don't Forget Maintenance and Checks

Maintaining your security setup is also essential. Whether you do it yourself or rely on a team of security experts who can perform regular maintenance and checks, you can ensure that your property remains protected. You could potentially even catch flaws in the system or tampering that may have occurred at the hands of criminals.

12. Trust Expert Advice

Finally, if you feel like you’re not certain what you need, don’t just guess. Trust a team of professionals who understand how to most effectively secure your property, what weaknesses and vulnerabilities to look out for, and how to ensure every possibility is covered.

Your building deserves the best — consult with Forbel’s experienced team for a turnkey commercial security solution. We’ll provide a full analysis of your property and invest the time and effort required to keep your building safe.

Reliable Contractors and Custom Security Solutions

At Forbel Alarms, we cater to businesses big and small. We design and install complex and high-tech security systems, and we can develop cost-effective, simple protective measures to keep your business safe. We do this with a combination of reliable, experienced contractors, top-of-the-range security equipment from the best suppliers and manufacturers, and years of experience in the industry.

For a consultation, to learn more about our services, or to receive a quote, reach out online or give us a call at 847-595-1900.