Every year, millions of property crimes occur across the U.S., leaving business owners vulnerable to theft and security breaches. While violent crime makes headlines, property crime is far more common - accounting for nearly 7 million annually. According to the FBI, there were 1,954.4 property crimes per 100,000 people in 2022, compared to 380.7 violent crimes.
In commercial properties, doors are critical for both security and convenience. Traditional (or "dumb") doors often require manual operation, which can be inefficient and prone to security risks. Thankfully, with advancements in technology, transforming a regular door into a "smart door" can provide more control, enhance security, and streamline operations. This process can be achieved without fully replacing the door itself.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to make your commercial property’s doors smarter, improving both the safety and efficiency of your building operations.
1. Install a Smart Access Control System
A smart access control system is the most effective way to upgrade your commercial doors. With this system, you can grant and manage access remotely, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter certain areas.
- Select a Smart Access Control System: Choose a system that fits your commercial needs. Consider factors such as access control features, integration options with your existing infrastructure, and compatibility with access control systems. Popular options include keycard systems, biometrics (fingerprint or facial recognition), and PIN codes. Choose a system that suits your needs—whether it's for high-security areas or general employee access.
- Install the Hardware: Replace the standard lock with a smart mechanism. This process typically includes installing an electronic lock on the door and a reader, keypad, or biometric scanner on the door frame. For most systems, you’ll also need a control panel or hub to manage access credentials.
- Set Up Access Credentials: Assign user codes, proximity cards, or mobile app credentials to authorized individuals. This allows you to have control over who can access the door and when.
- Integrate with Cloud-Based Software: Many modern systems allow you to manage access remotely via cloud software, where you can easily add or revoke access, monitor entries, and receive alerts about unauthorized attempts.
- Connect to Your Network: Ensure the system is connected to your local network for remote management and monitoring.
Smart Access Control eliminates traditional keys, enhances security, and provides real-time access tracking - all with digital convenience. It allows for real-time tracking of who enters and exits the building, providing enhanced security. This system gives greater control over access to sensitive or restricted areas, ensuring that only authorized individuals can enter. Additionally, it streamlines access management for employees, contractors, and visitors, automating the process for greater efficiency and security.
2. Install Smart Locks with Remote Control
If you want to make your commercial doors smarter without overhauling your entire access system, installing smart locks is an effective solution. Smart locks allow you to control your doors remotely, grant access via smartphones, or integrate with an existing access control system. Smart door systems are suitable for multi-family buildings, healthcare facilities, retail spaces, and educational environments, boosting security while streamlining management. Smart locks combine convenience, security, and technology into a comprehensive solution.
- Choose the Right Smart Lock: Pick a commercial-grade smart lock that suits your door’s hardware. Brands like ASSA ABLOY, Schlage, Yale, and Kwikset offer smart locks that are designed for commercial properties.
- Replace the Existing Lock: Remove your old lock and replace it with the smart lock, ensuring it fits into your door’s existing structure.
- Pair with an App or System: Smart locks often come with mobile apps or can integrate with a building’s central access system. Follow the setup instructions to pair the lock with the app.
- Set Up Access Permissions: Using the app or the system’s central hub, assign access to users, track entries, and manage access remotely.
Types of Smart Locks for Commercial Use
- Keypad Locks: Users enter a PIN code to unlock the door. This removes the need for traditional physical credentials. Some systems allow smartphone integration allowing codes to be entered on virtual keypads.
- Proximity Card Readers: Users swipe or hold a card near the reader to access the door. Proximity-based or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) uses key cards or fobs to replace traditional keys.
- Biometric Locks: These locks use fingerprints or facial recognition for authentication. They grant access using biometric information unique to each user. Common credential types include fingerprints, retina or iris scans, and facial IDs. These are ideal for high-security areas.
- Mobile App-Based Locks: Allows users to unlock doors with a smartphone. This type of system functions similarly to RFID locks by mobile credentials in a user’s device held in proximity to an access reader. This removes the cost of physical key cards needed.
Important Considerations when choosing a smart lock:
- Security: Does it meet the protection level required for high-risk areas?
- Durability: Is it built for heavy commercial use?
- Power Reliability: Does it have battery backup for outages?
- Integration: Can it sync with existing security systems?
Benefits of Smart Locks in Commercial Properties:
- Cloud-Based Management: Manage access remotely via the cloud, eliminating the need for on-site updates or troubleshooting.
- Proptech Integrations: Smart locks can connect with other systems, like video intercoms and smart lighting, creating a streamlined, automated experience.
- Multiple Unlocking Methods: Options like geofencing or Bluetooth-based unlocking provide flexibility and convenience.
- Real-Time Notifications: Integrate with video systems to receive real-time photos and logs of access events.
- Detailed Audit Logs: Track who accessed the door and when through a web dashboard or mobile app.
- Virtual Keys: Send time-specific or one-time-use keys to guests or service providers.
3. Upgrade to a Smart Doorbell or Video Intercom System
For offices, warehouses, and high-traffic entrances, smart doorbells and video intercoms provide an extra layer of security—allowing real-time communication and access management from anywhere. This is especially useful if you need to monitor who is entering or leaving the property at all times.
- Choose a Commercial-Grade Smart Doorbell or Intercom: Opt for systems with video capabilities, motion detection, and the ability to integrate with mobile devices or central monitoring systems. Products such as Aiphone or 2N offer business solutions.
- Install the Video Doorbell/Intercom: Mount the device at the entrance or gate of your commercial building. If it's a video intercom, it may need to be connected to a monitor inside.
- Integrate with Your Existing Systems: Some devices integrate with your building's security systems or other smart devices, like smart locks.
- Set Up Remote Access: Allow managers or security teams to monitor the door remotely and speak to visitors via their phones or computer.
Why Smart Video Systems Are Valuable:
- Communicate with visitors and delivery personnel without opening the door.
- Record video footage for security purposes.
- Manage entry from a distance, especially in high-traffic areas.
4. Add a Smart Door Sensor for Security and Automation
Adding smart door sensors to your commercial doors can help monitor door status (open or closed) and enhance security automation. These sensors are great for tracking whether a door has been left open or tampered with.
- Install a Smart Door Sensor: Attach a door contact sensor (often magnetic) to the door frame. When the door opens, the sensor will detect the change and send a signal to your control system.
- Integrate with Your Security System: Connect the door sensor to your existing security system. Many smart door sensors can integrate with commercial alarm systems, video surveillance, or automation platforms.
- Set Automation Rules: Set up rules that trigger specific actions when the door is opened, such as notifying security, turning on lights, or sending alerts to building managers.
Smart door sensors offer significant advantages by monitoring whether doors are left open or have been forced open, enhancing security. They provide real-time tracking of door access, allowing for better oversight and control. Additionally, these sensors can trigger automated actions, such as activating alarm systems or lighting, further strengthening the building's security and responsiveness to potential threats.
5. Install Smart Lighting for Commercial Doors
Smart lighting improves security by keeping entrances well-lit and automatically turning on when motion is detected.
- Choose Commercial Smart Lighting: Select weatherproof, durable outdoor smart lights that can be integrated into your existing smart home or building management system.
- Install the Lights: Replace your existing outdoor lights with smart lights or install new fixtures around the entrance.
- Set Up Automation: Use motion sensors to automatically turn on the lights when someone approaches the door. You can also use a central hub or app to control lighting remotely.
Smart lighting is a valuable addition as it allows for automation of lighting around doors based on movement or schedules, ensuring that areas are always well-lit when needed. This enhances safety, particularly at night, by making doorways visible and accessible. Additionally, smart lighting offers the convenience of remote control, helping to reduce energy costs by ensuring lights are only on when necessary.
Upgrading Your Commercial Property’s Door System
Enhancing your commercial property's security with smart door solutions is a pivotal step toward safeguarding your assets and personnel. However, the true advantage lies in comprehensive management and proactive monitoring. Our Managed Services - encompassing Access Control, Proactive Video Monitoring, and Security Health Monitoring - are designed to simplify security management, reduce costs, and provide unparalleled protection.
Request a live demo to discover how our tailored solutions can transform your security infrastructure and offer peace of mind for your organization. Experience firsthand the benefits of streamlined access control, real-time monitoring, and proactive system health checks.
Tired of lost keys and outdated locks? With smart access control, you can unlock convenience, security, and peace of mind. See it in action today.
