What You Need to Know About Commercial Safes

No one likes to think about a break-in or robbery at their business. The unfortunate reality of the world, however, is that these and other crimes occur every day. While door lock security is important, some assets require greater protection. Commercial safes can be a valuable form of security for asset protection at your business. No matter what industry your Lawrence Township, PA, business is involved in, a commercial safe can protect your most crucial assets from theft, both internal and external. A safe can be one of the most cost-effective and beneficial investments you make to protect your business’s essential documents and assets. Don’t skimp when it comes to the security of your business. A commercial safe can be purchased and installed by a qualifying locksmith company, such as Lawrence Professional Locksmiths.

Types of Commercial Safes

There are many types of commercial safes available on the market to suit different needs in terms of what they will be used for. When evaluating which type of safe is best, consider what you will be using it for, who will be accessing it, and where you want to locate it inside your building. With a commercial safe, your assets will be close at hand and easy to access while still being protected. A locksmith expert can assist you in determining the answers to these questions if you’re having trouble. Types of commercial safes available include:

• Under-Counter Safes
• Burglary Safes
• Lockboxes
• Drop Safes
• Cash Deposit Safes
• Mail Box Drop Safes
• Fireproof & Waterproof Safes
• Inventory Control Safes

Each type of safe has its benefits and uses depending on the situation. Fireproof safes are perfect for keeping records safe in case of fires. This is especially crucial if you’re storing documents inside the safe. Fireproof safes are rated depending on the time they are able to withstand the heat of a fire during testing. Burglary safes employ additional levels of security to discourage theft and can also help you decrease your insurance rates for your business.

Choosing & Installing a Commercial Safe

The type of safe you choose should be determined by what you need to house inside, the location where it would be most effective, and what level of security is sufficient to protect your assets. Size is an important factor as well, as it’s important that the safe is large enough to house everything you need to protect. Multiple safes of different types may be beneficial if you have different categories you need to protect, for example, cash deposit safes at the counter and a burglary vault kept in an authorized access only area. It’s often best to size up and purchase a safe with extra room in case you want to add additional items inside later.

Safe Location

Safes can be installed in several different types of areas in your building. Each has pros and cons. The best location can be determined by assessing the layout of your business, considering who will access the safe on a regular basis, and assuring that it is out of the way of customer reach. Location-specific types of safes include:

• Freestanding Safes: Freestanding safes, as the name suggests, are not connected to any part of the building and stand on their own. Popular for home use, they are less often used for commercial properties due to their small size and concerns about security. 
• Wall Safes: Popular for both residential and commercial properties in Lawrence Township, PA, wall safes hide your assets and documents out of the way while still being easy and convenient to use. Wall safes can be installed in most walls and connected to the wall’s internal frame.
• Under Counter or Desk Safes: These are small safes that can be installed discretely within easy reach onto a counter or desk. They are often found in banks and hotels. Cash deposit under counter safes are a common feature in these types of businesses.
• Floor Safes: Floor safes are the least convenient to access but one of the best ways to hide your assets so that criminals are unaware there is even anything to find.

Locking Mechanism

Safes on the market today may have one of several types of locking mechanisms. Compare the particulars of each type of mechanism to determine which will be most appropriate for your use. Some offer higher security or more convenience than others, for example.

• Combination Locks: Mechanical combination locks are still a popular choice of locking mechanism that has been utilized for many years. They are relatively tough and time-consuming to break into.
• Key Locks: The biggest problem with traditional locks is if the key falls into the wrong hands. If your safe has multiple keys, it’s crucial that they be kept safe and accounted for at all times. Depending on the durability and complexity of the particular brand of safe, the locking mechanism may also be vulnerable to lockpicking.
• Electronic Locks: Electronic locks are usually opened using a pin number. There is usually a wider variety of number combinations with electronic locks versus mechanical combination locks. The pin number should be easy enough to remember but be wary of writing it down anywhere because this is something criminals often know to look for. The same goes for any employees who have access to the safe.
• Fingerprint Locks: One of the most secure forms of safe locking mechanisms available, fingerprint locks use your own fingerprint as a key to grant access. Since you or designated others have to be physically present to open the safe, it’s very difficult to bypass these locks.

A professional locksmith company, such as Lawrence Professional Locksmiths, will have access to a full selection of commercial safes for you to choose from. Look for a locksmith company with a solid reputation for commercial locksmith services, as a locksmith technician from such a company will be able to assist you in choosing the most appropriate safe to suit the needs of your business.