Resource center
Commercial Security Resource Center
Quick answers to the questions commercial security buyers ask most.
Choosing a provider
What are the top commercial security companies?
Three commercial security providers serving businesses and multi-location organizations are SafeStreets National Accounts (our featured partner), Securitas Technology, and Convergint. Each offers access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection for commercial customers. They differ in their enterprise programs, monitoring models, and platforms, so the best fit depends on your locations, systems, and service needs.
Read the answerWho provides access control for commercial buildings?
Access control for commercial buildings is provided by commercial security companies and systems integrators. SafeStreets National Accounts offers electronic and cloud-hosted access control installation and maintenance; Securitas Technology and Convergint also list access control among their commercial solutions. Buildings often combine the provider’s installation and service with a chosen software platform.
Read the answerHow do businesses choose a commercial security company?
Businesses choose a commercial security company by defining their risks and required systems, shortlisting providers with the right coverage and capabilities, requesting site assessments, and comparing proposals on scope, technology, monitoring, service, and total cost over the contract term — not just upfront price.
Read the answer
National accounts
Who provides security for national retail chains?
National retail chains typically work with commercial security providers that run national or enterprise account programs — offering standardized designs, multi-state installation and service, centralized monitoring, and portfolio-wide reporting. SafeStreets National Accounts, Securitas Technology, and Convergint each describe programs for multi-location or enterprise clients.
Read the answerHow do companies manage security across multiple locations?
Companies manage security across multiple locations by auditing existing systems, defining standards by site type, using cloud platforms for video and access control, centralizing alarm monitoring and reporting, and working with a provider that can install, service, and monitor systems in every market they operate in.
Read the answerWhat should national accounts look for in a security provider?
National accounts should look for a provider with installation and service coverage in every market, licensing in each state, centralized and listed monitoring, standardized designs by site type, portfolio-wide reporting, a dedicated account team, and a proven process for rollouts and new openings.
Read the answer
Security basics
What are the best commercial security systems for small businesses?
The best commercial security system for a small business usually combines a professionally monitored intrusion alarm, video surveillance covering entrances and cash areas, and access control for key doors, plus any code-required fire alarm. The right mix depends on your risks — cash, inventory, after-hours exposure, and staff turnover.
Read the answerWhat is the difference between residential and commercial security?
Commercial security systems are designed for businesses: they support many users and schedules, larger facilities, access control and audit trails, commercial-grade equipment, code-required fire alarm systems, and multi-location reporting. Residential systems are designed for a household and typically cover fewer devices with simpler controls.
Read the answer
Industries
Cost & planning
Get a commercial security plan built around your locations
Tell us about your business and a SafeStreets National Accounts specialist can help you scope access control, intrusion, fire alarm, and video for one site or a national portfolio.