With how paramount security is for any business, it’s no wonder so many are devoting more resources and time to ensuring they have the best security systems and protective measures possible. Considering how robust and advanced commercial security systems have become, it can be difficult to fully understand how they work and which would be best for you. Read through this guide to commercial security trends in 2022 to learn the latest and greatest trends on the market.

Most Common Types of Security Systems

With the numerous advancements in security systems today, you may find yourself quickly overwhelmed by the options available on the market. The best way to slim down your choices is to understand what some of the most common types of security systems are. Choosing from some of the most popular systems will ensure you have a reliable and suitable system for your business’s building.

Access Control—This system determines who can enter and exit office buildings and commercial spaces. It uses credentials that authorize individuals to unlock doors, much like a virtual lock and key.
- Network Systems—Network systems work on a local network and don’t communicate to an offsite server. Tried and true, these systems are reliable, cost-effective, and while in the past they have received a bad reputation for being unwieldy, modern network-based systems are much easier to use.
- Standalone Systems—Standalone systems are becoming more common nowadays. Useful for single door entry as well as integration into larger systems, standalone access control systems have earned their spot among modern business solutions.
- Cloud-based systems—Cloud-based systems are incredibly useful for multi-site rollouts. While they do typically have a monthly maintenance cost for their usage, this is offset by the convenience of having immediate access to a portal to allow or revoke access on any site whenever it’s needed.
Security Cameras and Surveillance—This system utilizes mounted cameras within your commercial buildings that provide video throughout your business. This kind of surveillance makes it easier for security teams to monitor the entire area.
- Onsite Systems—Similar to network access control systems, onsite security camera systems maintain recordings on onsite storage devices and process captured footage through onsite processors. The upfront cost of these systems can be much more than other systems on the list.
- Cloud Systems—Cloud systems allow for great flexibility, as they store recordings and allow on-demand viewing from offsite servers. With monthly server costs, these systems can cost you over time but offer you a great deal of customizability depending on a user’s needs.
- Remote Monitoring—Remote monitoring services hook into either cloud or onsite camera systems to monitor events in a business as they happen. Some systems can even be equipped with speakers to allow monitoring centers to speak directly to a criminal to dissuade a crime from occurring in the first place.
- Security Camera Analytics—Similar to remote monitoring, analytics services hook into camera feeds to raise alarms based on what they’re seeing on the feed. These vary wildly in cost but are incredibly effective as a deterrent factor to break-ins.

Cameras and access controls interact in various ways with alarm and fire systems to allow or disallow access. Be sure to get security providers involved if your site requires integration into fire or burglar systems.

By assessing your business’s needs, you can best determine what type of security systems will be the most effective.

Comparing Systems

So what kind of criteria should you be assessing security systems for? How do you determine what features will best fit your business and workplace needs? While some security systems provide an all-in-one experience, other systems specialize in handling specific needs. Some good traits to consider include:

Ease of Installation—When making inquiries about security systems, always ask the installers about the scope of deploying a new system. The larger the scope, the more time and involvement will be necessary. If you don’t have that kind of time, a “plug-and-play” installation option would be more suitable.
Cost of Maintenance—It doesn’t end at upfront costs, unfortunately. You should plan ahead and consider the cost of maintaining your security system over time. Compare subscription services, maintenance fees, and how often you can expect your system to require servicing.
Interoperability—If you already have existing systems in place or intend to add additional systems later, you should consider how easily a security system integrates with other systems. This measure will ensure you pick systems that work well together and make a single, cohesive, and effective security system.
Customer Service—Once you have your security system, you want to ensure your provider will provide quality and punctual support should anything go awry or handle maintenance for your chosen system.

Top Security Trends of 2022

The Rise of Access Control

As we mentioned, access control is one of the most common security systems, and for good reason. Electronic locks and keycards are significant improvements over traditional locks and keys. They also eliminate the need for security guards and receptionists. One major issue, however, is that many businesses find that their employees and personnel often lose their keycards. Replacing keycards can add up over time, and loose keycards pose a security threat if they fall into the wrong hands.

Specifically, the Rise of Mobile Authentication

For a safer option that employees are far less likely to lose, electronic authentication on smartphones is becoming the go-to solution. Take this into consideration when opting for an access control system. Access control is revolutionary in commercial building security, but accounting for human error is tough. Turning their phone into their key ensures they have it on them at all times.

We have noticed within the last year that not only are there more systems, but that more customers are adopting these platforms. Whether as new installations or replacing antiquated access control systems, mobile authentication platforms fit nicely into pretty much any organization.

Some key benefits contributing to this adjustment are, of course as we mentioned, the lack of a need for access keycards, but also the flexibility that a mobile access platform allows for allowing or revoking access as needed.

Surveillance Systems and Access Control Working in Tandem

Mounted cameras will always be one of the best investments in security because you have a recording and can always review the footage should something happen.

When choosing surveillance systems, it’s always best to pick one that is interoperable with your existing security system. Interoperability allows them to operate alongside other measures, such as access control systems, to better monitor and document the people who enter and exit your business. Furthermore, cloud-based solutions allow you to view live recordings of your business from anywhere at any time, ensuring you can always keep tabs on whatever is going on in your building.

We’ve found over the last year that more customers are turning toward integrated platforms for cameras that house the audit trails for their organizations within them. Simply put, most of our customers got tired of scrolling through hours of footage to find an entrance to a door and would rather click right from the egress event to the moment the event takes place.

Access as an Amenity

Absolutely among the largest security trends so far this year is the need for access controls that do more than just allow access. More and more, businesses are using access controls and camera systems as replacements for small HR teams, or for payroll, or to take process-oriented employee management to the next level.

As the rise of 50 consumes many older technologies, requiring them to be updated to stay compatible with mobile networks, many companies are rethinking their access control systems with IoT solutions in mind to save time and provide truly extraordinary experiences with how employees and customers enter and leave a business—and how safely they do it.

To take the information in this guide to the next level, reach out and get experienced hands alongside your passion to get options to revolutionize access to your business.