Today’s security integrators are busier than ever.

Demand for video surveillance and access control systems has only grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden office vacancies, as well as recent advances in security technologies, have helped the integrator market soar. Current estimates project that the security solutions market will reach nearly $400 billion by 2024.

New and emerging solutions on the market are also paving the way for advances in physical security and access control. One of these solutions is cabinet security.  Traditional locks and safes have been around for a long time, but new advancements in this space may make this area even more profitable for system integrators.

Here’s what security integrators need to know about modern cabinet security.

1. Cabinet security solutions have improved in the past five years.

For integrators imagining the old lock-and-key cabinet solutions of the past, cabinet security has improved drastically over the past five years.

While “dumb” key-based locks are still around, today’s market is full of alternative solutions. A casual search will reveal everything from combination and keypad locks all the way to low-profile, RFID locking systems.

RFID locking systems, such as Senseon Plus, can be discretely installed into new or existing fixtures.

RFID technology uses keycards to release locks through an electronic signal. Innovative manufacturers have leveraged this technology to build cabinet locks that are installed inside the cabinet. This unique feature allows RFID locks to be installed with no outward indication that it exists. As the lock protects the contents of the cabinet, it also protects itself from tampering and damage.

These locking solutions can fit easily into an enterprise security plan without compromising installation quality, making them a perfect fit for many security plans.

As you might expect, higher-end cabinet security solutions can rise in cost. As with access control doors, one of the biggest obstacles to upgrade is sticker shock. Security systems integrators may see the best success here by isolating specific opportunities during a site walk and offering cabinet locking solutions at specific locations.

2.  Cabinets are essential in almost every business.

The security industry thrives on essentials.

Video surveillance and access control systems are the backbone of any security system and are often the bread and butter for security integrators.

Cabinets are often overlooked as a potential opportunity for upgrades. This is a unique oversight because cabinets are essential in nearly every business operation. Shelving is typically used to store products and information that are vital to a company’s success.

Using the right security equipment, a reinforced cabinet could act as a safe, a display case, or a storage cabinet for critical supplies. Without the right system in place, many cabinets may end up as wasted space while end-users shop for reinforced safes or filing cabinets in an attempt to secure their information.

Security professionals can take advantage of this opportunity by simply pointing out the presence of office cabinets and proposing a security solution that fits with the customer’s existing architecture.

3. Modern cabinet security solutions can integrate with existing security software.

As we mentioned earlier, “dumb” locks are still accessible on the market. While many of these locks have considerable shortfalls around security and access, other solutions in the market have much more to offer.

Thanks to the onset of the Internet of Things, many manufacturers now offer cabinet security solutions that integrate directly with a customer’s existing security software.

Senseon systems enable organizations to expand their access control to the cabinet-level.

This kind of seamless integration is similar to smart home security and video monitoring setups. Using wireless access and/or API solutions, customers can now integrate with their electronic security system. This level of integration offers better intrusion detection and an easier way to monitor cabinet access.

Security companies that offer monitoring services can also add value to their existing service offering. A security system with a greater number of connected devices requires a greater amount of attention — and monitoring services can take a load off a customer’s shoulders.

4. Cabinet locks provide layered, ground-level access control.

One of the biggest problems with many security systems is the lack of layered control.

If an intruder gets past the outer layer of security, they often have access to an entire facility. Many alarm systems are linked to entrances and exits, and a video surveillance system is only as good as the security team or monitoring services assigned to watch the cameras.

This is where access control plays a critical role in your customer’s security needs. When an alarm system fails or a CCTV network contains exploitable gaps, access control solutions serve as an internal stopgap between intruders and their goals.

Clearly, customers see the value of access control as part of their security network. Overall, integrators handled an average of 84 access control security projects in 2019.  For integrators, this results in a key opportunity because cabinet locks can act as an access control solution at a more granular level.

While an entire team of employees may be able to work on a secured floor, the number of individuals able to access a cabinet on that floor can be reduced even further. Using smart cabinet security, this can be done without the need for heavy and expensive safes or lockboxes.

For companies with critical information, product, or cash on hand — such as a pharmacy, cannabis dispensary, or retailer — security services that further restrict access are great additions to an existing floor plan.

5. RFID locking solutions can offer analytics, discrete access, and data visualization.

In the same way that some locking solutions can integrate with security management systems, some RFID cabinet locks offer data, insights, and audit trails for customers who rely on cabinet-level access.

This data-driven intelligence can help customers operate more effectively, improve workflows, and protect access in a way that makes sense for their business. Combined with discrete access and dual authorization protocols, RFID solutions provide an unparalleled level of control for any security program.

With Senseon Plus audit trail software, organizations can monitor access and track user activity.

Thanks to these reporting tools, customers can audit access to specific cabinets, identify trends, and make a plan that respects both their security and their business needs.  In the event of a break-in or attempted theft, this data can also be used throughout the investigation.

The best part is that these audit trails are trackable without complicated biometrics or keycodes. Because these systems are adjustable, it’s easier than ever for customers to set them up or change them based on performance — without contacting the integrator to constantly review network fundamentals.

Learn More About the Power of RFID Cabinet Security With Us!

Between the coronavirus, the ongoing security boom, and the constant demand for security installations and upgrades, security system integrators are already pressed for time.

We completely understand, and we want to help.

We’d love to show you how to go above and beyond by offering incredible cabinet locking solutions to your customers. Get in touch to learn more about cabinet security, and find out how to become a Senseon partner!