Signs of outdated commercial security systems include blind spots, unclear footage, manual access, on-site recording, poor integration, and repeated failures or false alarms.

These issues can reduce system effectiveness, increase cost and complexity, and slow incident investigations. The sections below explain what to look for.

Is Your Video Surveillance System Cloud-Based?

Cloud video surveillance lets you review footage remotely through a smartphone or tablet app. You can investigate an incident using video saved within the system’s configured storage period and share footage with authorities when appropriate.

If your system still relies on on-site servers and DVRs, you may not have features such as:

• Remote access
• No server to replace
• The latest system features
• Automatic software updates
• Secure off-site data storage
• Mobile capabilities
• Ability to scale the system along with business growth

When your system is outdated and relies on on-site storage, it could limit your visibility and slow down incident investigations.

Limited Coverage and Poor-Quality Video

Outdated commercial security systems can leave blind spots or provide video that makes incidents harder to review. Cloud video surveillance can provide high-definition footage and may include features such as analytics and motion detection.

Some cameras can support face and license plate identification, depending on the model and configuration.

Key-Based or Manual Access Control

Traditional keys can be difficult to manage. If you still rely on them, access control systems can help you issue or revoke access without replacing each lock.

Modern access control systems let you:

• Revoke or issue access instantly
• Email mobile credentials
• Use biometrics, mobile credentials, key cards, or face authentication
• Track entry activity in real time with audit reports
• Improve security without having to change locks

Access control systems are vital for multi-use properties or asset storage.

System Failures and False Alarms

Repeated false alarms and system failures can cause downtime and leave a facility less prepared during a real emergency. They can also lead to fines or strained relationships with emergency responders.

Modern systems can offer greater reliability, lower maintenance, and easier adjustments as needs change.

How Can You Review Outdated Commercial Security Systems?

A review of outdated commercial security systems can help identify the right equipment and placement for a clearer view of your building. Alen Security can review your facility and current security measures.

We install the systems, train your staff to use them, and provide maintenance and service. Schedule a consultation to review your facility and discuss the next steps.

Schedule a consultation with Alen Security

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my video surveillance system is outdated?

A system may be outdated if it depends on onsite servers or DVRs and does not provide remote access, mobile viewing, automatic software updates, secure offsite storage, or the ability to expand as your business grows.

Why are blind spots and poor-quality footage a security problem?

Blind spots can leave important activity unrecorded, while unclear footage makes incidents harder to investigate. Modern surveillance cameras provide high-definition video and can include motion detection, analytics, and the ability to identify faces and license plates.

Should businesses replace traditional locks and keys with access control?

Traditional keys can be difficult to manage and easy to compromise. Access control systems allow businesses to issue or revoke access immediately, send mobile credentials, use cards or biometrics, and review audit reports showing when and where credentials were used.

What problems can repeated false alarms and system failures cause?

False alarms and system failures create downtime and can leave a facility unprepared during a real emergency. Repeated false alarms may also result in fines and strained relationships with emergency responders.

What should a business do before updating its security systems?

Start with a review of the facility and its current security measures. This can reveal outdated equipment, weak coverage, and poor system placement while helping determine which upgrades, training, and ongoing maintenance are needed.

What are the signs of outdated commercial security systems?

Common signs include video surveillance that isn’t cloud-based, limited camera coverage or poor-quality footage, key-based or manual access control, lack of integration between system components, and repeated system failures or false alarms.

Why does relying on on-site servers and DVR systems create problems?

On-site servers and DVR systems limit visibility and slow down incident investigations. Businesses using these older setups miss out on remote access, automatic software updates, secure off-site data storage, mobile capabilities, and the ability to scale the system as the business grows.

How does cloud video surveillance improve on older systems?

Cloud video surveillance gives owners remote access through a smartphone or tablet app, offers high-definition footage, and includes intelligent features like analytics and motion detection. Modern cameras can identify faces and license plates with clear footage.

What can modern access control systems do that traditional keys cannot?

Modern access control systems let businesses revoke or issue access instantly, email mobile credentials, use biometrics, mobile access, key cards or face authentication, track activity with real-time audit reporting, and improve security without changing locks.

Why are repeated false alarms and system failures a liability?

Repeated false alarms and system failures cause down time and can result in fines, unpreparedness during real emergencies, and strained relationships with emergency responders. Modern systems offer more reliability, lower maintenance, and easier adaptation to changing situations.