Improve Your Business’s Security with a Commercial Security System

Jon Jones ● Dec 24 ● 15 min read

A commercial security system is a valuable investment for any business. It provides protection against theft, vandalism, and other potential threats, ensuring the safety and security of your employees and assets. With recent advancements in technology, there are now a wide range of options to choose from for your commercial security system, including video surveillance, access control, and panic buttons. In this blog post, we’ll go over the options for commercial security systems as well as the benefits such systems provide.

Types of Commercial Security Systems

There are many different types of commercial security systems available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most common types of commercial security systems include:

1. Video Surveillance: Video surveillance systems use cameras to record and monitor activity within and around a business. These systems can be used for both security and operational purposes, such as tracking employee productivity.
2. Access Control: Access control systems limit access to certain areas or buildings by requiring identity authentication through employee badges, fingerprints, or more. These systems can help prevent unauthorized access and improve overall security.
3. Alarms: Alarm systems are designed to alert authorities or a monitoring service in the event of a break-in or other emergency.
4. Environmental Monitoring: Environmental monitoring systems can detect and alert businesses to potential hazards such as water leaks, temperature changes, and air quality issues.

Overall, the type of commercial security system that is right for your business will depend on your specific needs and budget. It is important to carefully consider your options and choose a system that provides the level of protection and features that are most important to your business.

Benefits of a Commercial Security System

Commercial security systems provide a range of benefits for businesses of all sizes and industries. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Protection Against Theft and Vandalism: A commercial security system can deter burglaries and other types of criminal activity, helping to protect your business and its assets.
2. Increased Safety for Employees and Customers: Having a security system in place can help keep your employees and customers safe by alerting authorities in the event of an emergency or providing surveillance footage for investigations.
3. Improved Insurance Rates: Many insurance companies offer discounts to businesses that have a security system in place, as it reduces the risk of loss.
4. Peace of Mind: Having a commercial security system can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on running your business without worrying about potential threats.

Overall, a commercial security system can be an invaluable investment for any business looking to protect its assets, employees, and customers.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Security System for Your Business

When it comes to choosing a commercial security system for your business, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some steps you can take to help ensure you choose the right system for your needs:

1. Determine Your Security Needs: The first step in choosing a commercial security system is to assess your specific security needs. Consider the type and size of your business, the assets you need to protect, and any potential vulnerabilities or threats. This will help you determine the level of protection you need and the types of features that will be most useful for your business.
2. Consider the Costs: Security systems can vary widely in terms of cost, so it’s important to consider your budget when making a decision. Determine how much you are willing to invest in a security system and look for options that offer a good balance of features and value for the price.
3. Get Quotes and Compare: Once you have narrowed down your options, it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple security system providers. Compare the costs and features of each option to determine which system offers the best value for your business.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you choose a commercial security system that is well-suited to your business’s needs and budget.

Commercial Security System Installation: An Overview of Verkada

Here at Monarch, we will work with you to design a commercial security system. Together, we will design, implement, and oversee a security infrastructure for both safety and convenience.

Verkada offers a wide range of security products, including facial recognition cameras, access control, intrusion sensors and professional monitoring. All Verkada devices integrate with each other and are managed from a single cloud dashboard. Consider the following features of all Verkada devices:

Simple to Use

• Solid-state Storage (SSD): No NVR, DVR, or server is required. This means you pay for what you use – and that’s all. This reduces any extra overhead operations and the associated expenses,
• Regular, Automatic Software Updates: No need to worry about if your devices are working properly or are up-to-date with our Verkada devices.
• Simple Plug-and-Play Install: Just a standard Ethernet cable is required for the cameras to be brought online and fully operational within minutes.
• Accessible Anywhere, Anytime: Access archived or live feed videos on any device or browser
• Time lapse: Watch a day of footage in under 30 seconds with timelapses.
• Floor Plan: Quickly respond to incidents with real-time motion plotting. 

Scalable

• Unlimited Storage on Camera and Cloud: Reduce your organizations’ liability risk with unlimited cloud archiving offered by Verkada cameras.
• Unlimited Users Allowed: You can easily authorize admins access to an unlimited number of users.
• Infinitely Scalable: No matter how large the facility is, we can help you keep everyone on the same page. 

Limitlessly Smart

• AI-Based Video Analytics – People and Vehicle: Face detection, person of interest detection, and license plate detection are all available.
• Smart Filters: Search for specific people, vehicles, and objects without having to spend too much time scrubbing through footage.
• Live Alerts: Receive instant alerts in any meaningful event
• Shareable Live Feeds: Share your live feed via SMS. This is useful as you can send it to first responders in case of an emergency for dramatically reduced response time.
• 10-Year Warranty: Rest assured that your money is well protected

Commercial Security System Installation: Cloud-Based Verkada Cameras

Verkada offers a variety of hybrid cloud cameras for your commercial security system to meet your needs including: the Verkada Indoor Dome Series, the Verkada Outdoor Dome Series, the Verkada Bullet Series, the Verkada Mini Series, and Verkada Fisheye Series.

Verkada Indoor Dome Series

The Verkada Indoor Dome Camera is designed for indoor, high-traffic areas. It is the perfect general-purpose camera for a commercial security system. There are three models in the Indoor Dome Series: CD42, CD52, and C62.

The Verkada Outdoor Dome Series

The Verkada Outdoor Dome Series is both weather- and tamper-resistant. Its capabilities function well even in areas with limited bandwidth and connectivity. They are perfect for monitoring the parking lot and the exterior of buildings (e.g., to capture key license plates). There are three three models in the Outdoor Dome Series: CD42-E, CD52-E, and C62-E.

The Verkada Bullet Series

The Verkada Bullet Series is an ideal security camera for a commercial security system as it is built to withstand harsh environments. The Verkada Bullet camera is available in two lens types: wide angle and telephoto. There are four three models in the Bullet Series: CB51-E, CB61-E, CB51-TE, CB61-TE.

The Verkada Mini Series

The Verkada Mini Series offers flexibility and high resolution for crystal clear footage. The Mini Camera is a compact size that can fit any space, anywhere. There are three three models in the Mini Series: CM41-S, CM41, and CM41-E.

The ​Verkada Fisheye Camera

The ​Verkada Fisheye Camera provides a panoramic view of the entire property – for either indoor and outdoor settings. This security camera allows for total surveillance coverage, making it perfect for different commercial security systems.

The Verkada Fisheye Camera (CF81-E) is an ideal security camera for a commercial security system. With the option to switch between circle, ePTZ, 2-view, 3-view, or 4-view modes on the CF81-E, you can do away with the need for multiple camera installations. You can also take advantage of features like digital pan-tilt-zoom to increase coverage and lessen blind spots.

Three different view modes are supported by the CF81-E. You can customize the view mode to meet the requirements of the install location.

• 180° Panoramic: A wide-angle view that is ideal for an open area or a corridor.
• Four-way split: Use a single camera to watch four distinct fields of view.
• Pan-tilt-zoom (ePTZ): Provides a panoramic, all-encompassing view of your environment.

Commercial Security System: Access Control

One type of security system for a business is access control. An access control system is a security measure that regulates who has access to certain premises. There are many different types of access control systems, but they all have one common goal: to keep unauthorized people out while allowing authorized people in. Additionally, access control allows staff to move around quickly with keycards to maximize efficiency.

There are numerous approaches to controlling access to a building, and Monarch can assist you in determining which approaches to use for your commercial security system.

Verkada’s AC41 Door Controller

With Verkada’s AC41 Door Controller, clients may bring plug-and-play ease to managing doors and access throughout their building. In other words, as soon as you install the AC41 Door Controller, it is ready to use within minutes! Our Access Controller can easily integrate with any existing door hardware and readers in your facility.

With our Command platform, you can easily manage your doors once they are connected to the network (e.g., create lock schedules for doors). On the Command platform, you can effortlessly manage building access, scheduling, and users. You also save time adding users on the platform since employees are seamlessly configured, onboarded, and offboarded. This is because of the integration with active directory platforms.

Additionally, you can easily connect your Access Controller with your cameras using Verkada Command to provide real-time video analytics on access-related events. Thus, you are able to not only view what is happening at the buildings’ points of entry, but also take proactive action for any significant occurrences. The door controller, then, is an essential for commercial security system.

Verkada’s AD32 Door Reader

The AD32 Door Reader allows individuals to enter doors if they have the appropriate credentials on their cards or mobile phone. This door reader supports low and high frequency card formats as well as mobile devices that have the Verkada Pass app. Furthermore, the AD32 Door Reader comes in two different options: the Mullion Mount Plate and the Single Gang Mount Plate. Both options allow for customized installs.

The Single Gang Mount Plate is a common card reader format that can replace existing reader mounts or be used on traditional installations. The thinner Mullion form factor has a sleek design and can be used in smaller spaces such as door frames.

The Uses of Access Control for Commercial Security Systems

You can feel secure knowing that your interests are safeguarded with any Verkada device. Consider the following benefits of implementing an access control system as part of your commercial security system.

Insight on Building Access Activity

• Our access control system handles visitor credentials and ensures that visitors like maintenance workers only have access to specific areas.
• Track where and when individuals enter and exit certain areas. 

Intrusion Detection

• Deter deter potential crime with safety door locks after business hours. 
• Identify intrusions when they do occur. With Verkada’s devices, you can filter for door events like tailgating, holding the door open, forcing the door open, and people of interest.

Asset Protection

• Prevent some employees and visitors from entering restricted areas with door lock systems that require authorized credentials.
• Protect your company’s critical equipment, information, and assets with controlled access door locks. With these door locks, only authorized individuals will have access to these areas.

Managing Access Credentials

So, how does Verkada’s access control work? You can manage access control on the Verkada Command platform which is where you can monitor all of your devices. There are many different features that you may use to secure access control.

First, you can specify the user groups or access levels on Verkada Command. Then, you can design badge templates for each user group or access level. Next, you can print the badges and issue credentials either in bulk or individually. Finally, you can maintain users and permissions up to date in real time.

What else can be done on Verkada Command to manage building access control? Consider the following features:

• Synchronize Profiles: Synchronize users from SSO systems such as Okta and Azure Active Directory, and natively capture access levels and groups.
• Provisioning with a Single Click: With a single click, employees can be issued bluetooth credentials or a physical ID card.
• Log of Badge Events: On Verkada Command, access a log of badge events to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to secure areas.
• Unlock Doors from Anywhere, Anytime: Users can remotely unlock authorized doors using either the Verkada Pass and Command Mobile apps
• One-Tap Instant Lockdown: Create custom Lockdown scenarios that can be activated with a single tap to immediately secure buildings in the event of an emergency.

Commercial Security System Installation: The SV11 Environmental Sensor

The Verkada SV11 all-in-one environmental sensor can monitor the health and safety of buildings. The SV11 environmental sensor monitors 8 different aspects of the environment: the total volatile organic compounds (TVOCS), the air quality index (AQI), particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), the temperature and relative humidity, noise levels, vaping, and motion. Overall, the automated situational awareness provided by the SV11 is key for commercial security system installations.

You can purchase the SV11 Environmental Sensor here.

Design and Features of the SV11

The SV11 is unique in not only its ability to monitor the overall environment, but also in its design and features, making it the perfect addition to your commercial security system installation. Its outer layer is a photochemically stainless steel etch and it is followed by several different sensors that measure and report data. Verkada’s SV11 works by using the onboard sensors to detect changes in the breakdown of chemicals in the air.

Furthermore, the SV11 has many different features that make it one of the most appealing environmental sensors. Consider the following unique attributes:

• Command Platform: Access all sensor data from the Command platform and view it against a timeline to get a full picture of when these events occurred. Compare environmental between any number of sensors or locations.
• Customize Your Dashboard: Determine which exact sensor data you’d like monitored and displayed on your dashboard
• Integration with other Verkada Devices: The SV11 Environmental Sensor is natively integrated with all other Verkada devices.
• Link Sensor-Based Data to Video: Link any sensor with a Verkada camera, correlating video with sensor-based data. 
• Custom Threshold: Configure custom alert thresholds to receive real-time notifications via SMS and email.
• Alert Settings: Customize alerts for your team to cut down on unnecessary notifications during the weekend and after work. Our platform allows each user to set what hours and days of the week that they’d like to receive alerts for sensor-based anomalies.

Monarch: Your Trusted Security Vendor of Commercial Security Systems

All in all, investing in a commercial security system is an important decision for any business. From protecting against theft and vandalism to ensuring the safety of employees and customers, a security system can provide a range of benefits. With the many options available, it’s important to carefully consider your needs and budget to choose the right system for your business. Monarch is here to help with the process. Contact our security experts today for help!