Commercial Door Entry Systems

Commercial Door Entry Systems: My Journey from Clueless to Confident in Business Security

Discover the best commercial door entry systems for your business with expert tips, real examples, and top-rated solutions in 2025.

Let me show you what I mean. It’s a cold Tuesday morning, and I’m outside my office building with a cup of coffee in one hand and my keys in the other. I’m already late for a call, and my fingers are freezing. That’s classic, right?

This time, though, I can’t find my office key. Anywhere.

It wasn’t the first time, but it was the first time I said, “That’s it.” We need a better way to do things. That morning was the start of my trip into the realm of commercial door entry systems, and let me tell you, it was a rabbit hole.

And if you’re thinking entry systems are enough, think again—pairing them with a reliable camera system for business can take your security setup to the next level.

So, if you’re in charge of security at work, operate a business, or are just someone who has to “figure out security,” get ready. I’m going to tell you what I learned (and wish I had known sooner) about how to pick the best commercial entrance system for your business.

What are commercial door entry systems, anyway?

They are like the bouncers at your building, but smarter and nicer.

A commercial door entry system is a way to control who can enter (and sometimes leave) a building or certain rooms in it.  These systems don’t use metal keys, which are easy to lose or copy. Instead, they employ things like key cards, PINs, biometrics, or even smartphones.

These systems are most often seen in:

  • Office buildings
  • Stores that sell things
  • Warehouses
  • Colleges and schools
  • Health care facilities
  • Any business space that cares about safety and control

There are many different types of door entry systems for businesses nowadays, from mobile-based access to advanced biometric scanning.  These systems are basically security, convenience, and accountability, which are things that are worth a lot of money, as I learned the hard way.

Why I Needed One (And You Probably Do Too)

Let me tell you what made me lose my mind (besides losing my keys)

before we go into the types and features. We were a tiny marketing agency that was getting bigger.  We had interns, part-time workers, and freelancers coming and going all the time.  It became a logistical nightmare to keep track of the keys.  Someone left?  Change the locks.  Did someone forget their key?  Stay outside.  It was crazy.

Then came the big one: someone took our laptops over the weekend.

There are no traces of forced entry.  Just… gone.

That was my wake-up call.

If you manage a team, work with important data, or just want to feel safe, you need to get commercial door entry systems.  Commercial door security systems now come with strong, cloud-enabled features that allow even small firms to limit access and lower hazards.

Different kinds of commercial door entry systems (in plain English)

This is where things get a little technical, but don’t worry; I’ll explain it how I wish someone had for me.

1. Keypad Entry Systems

2. Key Card or Fob Systems

3. Mobile-Based Systems

In fact, some of the most modern commercial entry systems today offer mobile credentialing. This means your employees can use their phones instead of badges or fobs—something that definitely came in handy for our always-on-the-go sales team.

4. Biometric Entry Systems

5. Video Intercom Systems

This type of door entry system for business works beautifully in places where you want to verify a person visually before allowing them in—like a clinic or a private school.

What I Learned About Picking the Right Commercial Entry System

It can be hard to handle everything.  I sure was.  This is what helped me narrow it down:

1. Think about how big your business is.

Smaller teams might perform better with simpler office door entry systems, while bigger firms need more flexible commercial entry systems that let them set different authorization levels and monitor users.

2. Think about how safe it is.

3. Working with other systems

We needed a commercial door entry system that could work with our cameras, alarm system, and tools for managing employees. …

Top 10 Access Control Systems Companies (Tested and Proven)

Here are the top 10 access control systems firms I found during my investigation. If you want to get a jump start, these are the best.  These are the big names that people in many fields trust: 

  1. Brivo is easy to use and works on the cloud.
  1. Honeywell is strong and works well for big businesses.
  1. HID Global is known for making safe ID systems.
  1. Kisi is modern and mobile-first (what we utilize).
  1. Avigilon: A great combination of video and access
  1. Salto Systems: Works for businesses that are growing
  1. LenelS2 is an enterprise-level tool with powerful analytics.
  2. DoorBird is great for video entrance and intercom.
  1. Paxton is well-known in the fields of education and health care.
  1. Openpath is a cloud-based breakthrough that doesn’t need hands.

Most of these organizations are also known as top-tier commercial access control providers that offer a full range of services, including hardware, software, maintenance, and regular updates.

Cost Breakdown: The Real Cost of What You’ll Spend

When comparing services, always make sure that the quote includes all parts.  Be careful of hidden expenses when you work with a commercial access control company. Some of them charge extra for cloud storage, user licensing, or API connections.

Installation & Support: DIY or Pro?

Whether you’re dealing with a sleek new office door entry system or retrofitting your existing setup, always ask about support packages, warranties, and service response times.

Office Door Entry Systems and Company Culture

Here’s something most people don’t talk about: a secure, well-managed office door entry system actually improves team morale.

Once we upgraded to a smart commercial door entry system:

  • Staff felt safer coming and going, especially after hours
  • Onboarding new hires was smoother (no key handovers)
  • We could track access logs during an incident

And honestly, it just felt more professional. First impressions matter—even with your doors.

Key Takings: 

  • Looking back, I wish I had made the switch sooner.
  • Investing in commercial door entry systems wasn’t just about preventing theft or avoiding the hassle of lost keys. It changed the way we thought about our space—more secure, more efficient, more modern.
  • If you’re sitting on the fence, I get it. It feels like a big step. But trust me, it’s one of the best decisions you can make for your business.
  • And hey, no more freezing outside because you lost your key.

Additional Resources: 

  1. 6 Best Commercial Door Entry Systems in 2024 – Safe and Sound Security: A top-tier comparison of industry leaders like Openpath, Brivo, and Kisi. Ideal for understanding features like cloud access, mobile control, and ease of integration.
  2. 4 Best Commercial Door Entry Systems – ButterflyMX: Great overview of entry types (intercoms, buzzers, keypads) with guidance on system pricing, cloud capability, and mobile-based operation.
  3. Commercial Door Security Best Practices – 12Points Inc.: Outlines a 12-step plan for improving commercial security—from locks and access control to surveillance and team protocols.

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