Commercial Security Solutions for Modern Businesses

Businesses are facing more threats than ever, from workplace violence to property crimes to cyber attacks. Because of this, security has become a top priority for business owners in recent years; many businesses have implemented security systems to protect against these threats and keep their employees and customers safe.

This article examines the commercial security solutions modern businesses are using, focusing on comprehensive, integrated solutions that address a wide range of threats. Learn about how using advanced technologies, training employees and security personnel, and implementing robust policies can protect your assets and your environment. 

Key Takeaways

• Workplace violence and property crimes have become more visible in recent years as larger attacks (like shootings) across the commercial industry have taken place. These incidents show that businesses need to take a proactive, integrated approach to security.
• A commercial security system should be multi-layered and tailored to each business. This maximizes protection. 
• Emerging technologies, like AI threat detection, are starting to improve security operations and resource management in commercial environments.

The Need For Commercial Security Today

Commercial spaces are highly vulnerable to attacks because they are usually filled with valuable assets, are open to the public (or have lobbies that are), can be high-stress workplace environments, and they may be made up of more than one tenant, each with their own security concerns. Security seems to be more popular than ever in commercial spaces, as incidents of workplace violence, property crime, and other threats become more pressing. 

Workplace Violence

Workplace violence has become a top security threat for many businesses in the U.S. in recent years. Additionally, active shooter incidents have become a major concern in the commercial industry, with recent attacks striking fear into business owners, employees, and customers. For example:

• 2025 Midtown Manhattan Office Shooting: A man who seemed to be seeking revenge for what he believed was his football-induced CTE shot and killed four people in an office building in Manhattan. Although he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound before reaching it, he was likely trying to go to the NFL’s offices.
• 2022 Buffalo Tops Shooting: A racially motivated shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, resulted in 10 people killed and three injured. The shooter was charged with hate-based domestic terrorism, among over 20 other charges, and is awaiting trial for capital punishment.
• 2021 Orange Business Shooting: Four people, including a child, were murdered in a shooting at an office building in Orange, California. The shooter in this attack knew the victims, and while the motive remains unclear, it was undoubtedly a targeted attack.
• 2017 San Francisco UPS Shooting: An employee opened fire at the UPS facility where he worked, killing three of his colleagues and injuring at least one other.
• 2016 Comet Pizza Shooting: A man, who went to a D.C. restaurant to “self-investigate” a false conspiracy theory, shot into the restaurant three times before being apprehended by police. Fortunately, there were no victims in this attack.
• 2012 Aurora Movie Theatre Shooting: A shooting at a movie theater in Colorado left 12 people dead and around 70 injured. The shooter’s motive has long been disputed, with mental illness often coming to the forefront of conversations. 

Protecting employees in active shooter scenarios requires proactive planning and preparedness. These attacks on and in commercial businesses show the need for strict security measures and emergency response protocols.

Property Crimes

At the same time, property crime rates have also forced many businesses to upgrade their security infrastructure to protect their premises: A 2022 Chamber of Commerce study found that 56% of American small businesses had experienced theft that year, and 36% of businesses upped their security as a result.

Property crimes, such as smash-and-grabs and vandalism, pose a big risk to commercial businesses with high foot traffic. High-value retail stores (like jewelry stores) are common targets for these crimes. By deploying comprehensive security systems, small business can improve their overall preparedness and lower the risk of property-related incidents.

The Changing Landscape of Commercial Threats

Security threats aren’t just physical. A number of companies (both small and large) have become the victims of cyber attacks in recent years. As threats get more complex, businesses need to move from reactive to proactive security planning—especially when it comes to data. Cybersecurity failures can reduce trust, increase liability, and harm brand perception.

Cybersecurity is being integrated into commercial security systems to protect sensitive data. Businesses must prioritize cybersecurity alongside traditional physical security to keep up with the commercial industry’s changing security needs. 

Commercial security needs to take an all-encompassing approach that combines technology, trained personnel, strong policies, and real-world risk awareness. A custom security solution addresses the unique needs of each business by integrating scalable systems like video surveillance, access control, alarms, and analytics to protect assets, personnel, and facilities. 

Investing in comprehensive security measures reduces insurance premiums, as improved security can lower the risk of an incident.

Commercial Security Solutions and Systems

Commercial security systems have multiple moving parts. Each component should be tailored to the specific needs of each business, providing integrated and scalable security solutions. They protect assets, prevent theft, ensure employee and patron safety, and reduce liability and risks.

Each piece of the security system should work with the others to improve overall effectiveness in a coordinated response.

Risk Assessments

These are at the front of every commercial security system. Every business should have routine risk assessments to proactively identify any threats that may exist or might arise. Risk assessments can cover natural, human-caused, and technological threats, and can be a helpful tool for creating effective response plans.

Access Control Systems

Access control is critical for managing the flow of people, both within and outside of an organization, in commercial spaces. These systems only allow access to authorized people, using personalized credentials to restrict entry based on roles and permissions. Electronic access control systems may include key cards, biometric authentication, or remote management capabilities for flexibility in security administration. 

Cloud-based systems are efficient, flexible, and scalable options that support mobile access and remote management. With them, access permissions can be managed by security operators remotely and can be changed as needed. 

Advanced Video Surveillance and Gun Detection 

Advanced video surveillance can help security personnel or administrators identify risks and respond to suspicious activity quickly. AI cameras (like those that use object recognition technology) provide live video monitoring and analytics to detect things like firearms in real-time. If a gun is detected, the footage is sent to a trained human for verification, and then action can be taken.

Camera resolution should be considered when choosing a surveillance system to make sure it functions optimally. The cameras’ placement is equally important to ensure maximum coverage. Privacy should also be factored into surveillance strategies to balance security needs with individual rights.

Intrusion Detection Systems

Intrusion detection systems (like alarms and glass break sensors) may be able to deter criminals: Some studies show that visible alarm systems can significantly reduce intrusions, with some studies showing that up to 60% of burglars would abandon a break-in if they notice one. On the other hand, silent alarms can help with discreet interventions. 

Cameras, motion sensors, and access systems can be integrated with alarms to automate a response when triggered. Remote monitoring can offer real-time alerts and live feed access on smart devices or web browsers.

Trained Security Teams

In large commercial settings, like multi-tenant office buildings, security teams can help protect everyone. They can manage patrols, visitor screening, and emergency response, offering proactive and reactive security, risk management, and premises security. On-site protection can also deter threats, ensure employee safety by intervening during incidents, and provide a fast response to any security system alerts.

Industry Specific Commercial Security Considerations

Different industries have unique security needs that require custom solutions to manage specific risks. Tailored approaches are critical for industries like education, hospitality, and manufacturing, as well as integrated security solutions for commercial offices to ensure safety and compliance.

New technologies like AI, robotics, and smart integrations are changing how security is managed in commercial spaces.

Retail Security

Commercial security systems are vital in the retail industry to deter theft and protect workers and customers. Retail establishments typically use surveillance cameras and video surveillance systems, alarm systems, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems to secure their people and property. Many are also starting to implement gun detection in an effort to minimize gun violence. If you would like to learn more about retail security, see this article.

Office Building Security

High-traffic office environments need security solutions that can control access and monitor activity. Advanced video surveillance systems can integrate with other security tools to enhance overall safety and monitoring, and footage can be used in investigations. Access control can be especially helpful in private spaces, like individuals’ offices or in HR, which store confidential information. The integration of these security solutions creates a secure environment for employees and visitors. To learn more about corporate security in office buildings, click here.

Warehouse Security

Warehouses are unique in that they are almost completely closed to the public; despite this, there are thousands of thefts from them each year, resulting in billions of dollars of losses for businesses. Warehouses need strong physical security through perimeter protection and structural security enhancements, access control systems, surveillance systems, and inventory protection technologies. They should also have strong cybersecurity and implement regular training. For a deep dive on warehouse security, click here.

Best Practices for Modern Commercial Security

A full security strategy can reduce risks to people, property, and data. Best practices for modern business security include having regular risk assessments, a security master plan, and ongoing staff training. Professional installation of technology is also needed, as expert installers ensure systems are set up correctly and efficiently. Installing a commercial security system starts with a consultation where the property’s needs are assessed. These systems require regular maintenance, including software updates, sensor calibrations, and hardware checks. 

Risk Assessments 

As mentioned earlier, full risk assessments are essential for revealing potential threats so businesses can secure themselves accordingly. A security strategy needs:

• A full understanding of current vulnerabilities and emerging threats.
• Continuous identification of new vulnerabilities.
• Measurement of the effectiveness of current security measures.

By using advanced analytics and AI systems that can process large amounts of data, there is potential to identify risks more proactively. 

Security Master Plans

A security master plan outlines and illustrates all aspects of security an organization has. A good security master plan should:

• Integrate technology, policies, and people to enhance overall security.
• Be adaptable, integrating current technology and ongoing risk evaluations.
• Integrate security systems with smart building technology, which can lead to better emergency response protocols.

By having a security master plan and ongoing monitoring plans in place, businesses can create a secure environment that adapts to changing security needs.

Staff Training

Ongoing training helps security personnel or employees stay up to date with evolving threats and improve response capabilities. Training employees on security protocols is key to creating a culture of safety and preparedness within the company. It makes people feel in charge of their own security and can create a unified front against threats. Insufficient staff training can lead to security situations being mishandled and undermined protocols.

Mistakes That Can Compromise Security

Common mistakes that compromise businesses’ security include overreliance on technology, poorly controlled access credentials, and minimal employee training. 

• Too much reliance on technology without human oversight creates vulnerabilities in security systems. 
• Poorly controlled access credentials can lead to unauthorized access, compromising safety and security.
• Insufficient employee training in security protocols leaves organizations exposed to avoidable incidents. 

To improve safety, experts advise that businesses must ensure employees are trained on technology and protocols.

The Future of Commercial Security

The future of commercial security leans into technology. Trends show increasing use of AI-driven threat detection, autonomous security robots, and smart building integration across the country. These are changing how businesses protect their assets and improving overall security.

AI Threat Detection

Artificial intelligence is being used in security camera systems to enable fast threat detection so teams can respond more quickly. AI can process huge amounts of data in seconds, surpassing human abilities… they can scan multiple surveillance feeds at once, and can identify threatening objects, like firearms, within a second. Once verified by a trained person, the situation can be addressed. Businesses that use AI-enhanced systems can improve their overall security posture and protect sensitive assets better by leveraging the technology and pairing it with strong, trained human security.

Smart Building Integration

Integrating security systems with smart building technology allows for real-time data sharing and remote management. This integration improves operational efficiency and overall safety measures, so businesses can protect their assets while having a secure environment. By using smart devices and cloud storage, businesses can have seamless integration with solutions that improve both security and building management.

Autonomous Security Robots

Autonomous security robots are starting to pop up around the country in the security industry. Utilizing advanced navigation, sensors, and AI, they offer 24/7 monitoring, process real-time data, and can detect anomalies. These robots may help to reduce labor costs involved with hiring and training security personnel, deter crime with their presence, and speed up response times by integrating with existing security systems. They complement human security to foster a safer environment.

Summary

Changes in the types and amount of threats facing commercial businesses today mean that better security is needed. From mass shootings to theft, it’s clear the risks must be addressed using full and integrated security solutions. Access control, advanced video surveillance, intrusion detection, and security personnel are all pieces of the puzzle of a secure environment. 

Real-life scenarios show the importance of these measures, and industry-specific considerations can help to manage unique risks. By following best practices and staying up-to-date with future trends, like AI-driven threat detection and smart building integration, businesses can improve safety, protect their assets, and make employees and visitors feel safe.

When it comes to the security challenges in the commercial sector, Omnilert understands how complex they can be; security can be a daunting thing to address. To learn more about our security solutions, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)