Commercial security systems are integral to the daily operation and long-term success of your business. Helping you protect your assets and employees, deter criminals and keep compliant, they will be invaluable for business continuity and profitability.  

But, with so many security solutions at your disposal, it can be tricky knowing where to start and where to invest. There are solutions to suit every business and budget, so identifying what your business actually needs can be half the battle.  

In the year ending March 2025, there was a 50% increase (15,520 offences) in business robberies. And, as businesses up and down the country look to strengthen their security ecosystem as a result, we've seen rising interest in access control systems.  

A more sophisticated and intelligent alternative to traditional security solutions, it’s easy to see why access control systems have become so attractive to businesses and their owners. But are they the right solution for your business? 

Both solutions have the same goal: protecting your business, its operations, and assets. But each works in different ways and will bring their fair share of pros, cons and considerations.  

Today, we’re covering all you need to know, exploring the differences between access control and traditional security systems, as well as the factors that will help you make a more informed choice for your business.  

Without further ado, let’s jump in... 

Traditional security solutions 

Traditional security solutions – including locks, keys and physical barriers – are simple and straightforward ways to control access to your premises or limit access to specific spaces. They’ve been a security staple for decades for a reason! 

However, they’ll also bring some downsides and may not suit the complex security needs of modern businesses. 

The advantages of traditional security solutions 

Simplicity – everyone in your business will have used a lock and key before, meaning these systems are easy to use and require no training. They can quickly be installed into your business with minimal downtime or no bedding-in period.  

Cost effective – basic locks and keys are extremely affordable when compared to advanced solutions such as access control. This makes them a good choice for temporary solutions, small businesses or those on a tight budget.  

No power source – with no power source required, you can be confident lock and key systems will continue working and protecting your business, even during power cuts and other instances of forced downtime.  

The disadvantages of traditional security solutions 

Limited customisation – traditional measures provide you with very little customisation and flexibility. You can’t restrict access to certain people at certain times or instantly revoke access if keys are lost or stolen.  

Difficult to manage – keeping track of who has keys can be a logistical nightmare, especially if your business has a high turnover of staff or multiple locations.  

No audit trail – traditional security measures won’t provide an audit trail or real-time monitoring, meaning there’s no way to see who accessed an area at what time. 

Vulnerable to manipulation – physical locks can be picked, and it’s relatively easy for a bad actor to duplicate or steal a key to gain access to your premises. This puts your business at increased risk and could compromise your long-term security.  

Access control systems 

Access control systems are a modern approach to commercial security and provide you with greater control and oversight of your business. They use advanced technologies such as biometric scanners and keycard systems to verify and control access to entire premises, specific rooms, or assets.  

These systems will bring a lot of benefits – such as increased flexibility and tracking – but also their own issues, including higher costs and a dependence on technology. 

Access control systems may verify identities and grant or deny access by using: 

Keypads and PINs 

Card readers 

Biometric systems that use fingerprints or facial recognition 

Mobile-based access control using smartphones or other devices 

The advantages of access control systems 

Better security and customisation – access control systems afford you greater control over your premises. You can easily restrict access by area, time, authority level, and so much more. And the solution is more robust and difficult to manipulate than traditional locks.  

Centralised management – these systems give you more flexibility, as you’re able to manage access, add and remove users, and change access permissions from a central location or even remotely. 

Integration – access conntrol systems can easily integrate with CCTV, alarms and other security measures, leading to a more robust, comprehensive security ecosystem.  

Easy reporting – able to log every time someone enters or exits a location, access control systems provide useful data for audits and investigations. They also provide real-time monitoring, meaning you gain full oversight of who’s on-site at any given time.   

Scalability – as your business grows, an access control system can grow with you. It’s simple to add users and change permissions as the company evolves.  

The disadvantages of access control systems 

Higher costs – these intelligent systems will require a much larger upfront investment, as well as ongoing maintenance and management costs.  

Reliant on technology – access control systems depend on electricity to function properly, meaning power loss and system failures can be a big disruption.  

User error – access control systems can be more complex than traditional locks and some users might find them an adjustment. 

Cybersecurity – access control systems can be susceptible to hacking and cyber threats.  

Choosing the right system for your business 

As we’ve outlined above, both options have their strengths and weaknesses. The best choice for you will depend on the unique needs and requirements of your business.  

To help you make the best decision, here are the key factors to consider: 

Business size – for smaller businesses with minimal security risks and access points, traditional locks could be all that’s needed. But for larger organisations with multiple sites, varying access levels or sensitive information, you could require a more nuanced, in-depth solution. 

Security requirements – conducting a risk assessment will help you identify your security risks and vulnerabilites. From here, you’ll be able to figure out how robust (or basic) a security system you’ll need. High-risk environments or organisations handling sensitive data or high-value assets will always be better suited to more intelligent, secure solutions.  

Budget – while access control systems will cost you more upfront, they can save you money in the long–term on key replacement and reduced damage and losses. Consider both the upfront costs and ongoing maintenance, upgrades and system management when deciding on your budget.  

Existing solutions – if you already have CCTV and alarms installed, an access control system could be the logical next step for building a robust security network. You’ll want to consider how your chosen solution will integrate with the systems you already have.  

Users – while tech-savvy users will have no problem adjusting to an access control system, if your staff aren't proficient with technology, they could struggle, and you might face a longer bedding-in process.  

Growth plans – when choosing a solution, consider your plans for growth and expansion. If you want to scale your solution and have the flexibility to adapt to future growth, an access control system will be your best bet.  

Which solution is right for you? 

For smaller organisations with only a few access points, traditional locks and keys could be all you need. Especially if your security risks are minimal and you don’t need to assign access by role or clearance level.  

However, access control systems will provide you with more intelligent, robust security protection. Their flexibility, oversight and decreased risk of manipulation make them a great choice for organisations who want more control when it comes to their security. They might require a bigger upfront investment, but they’re a modern solution that will continue to grow with your business and provide a lot of convenience and peace of mind day-to-day.  

For more support building a multi-layered, bespoke security system for your organisation, get in touch with our expert team today.