What You Need to Know About Commercial Safes
Basics of Commercial Safes
A commercial safe is a part of a comprehensive business security plan, offering protection for your most valuable company assets and documents. Housing these items in a safe ensures that they will have the utmost defense against any form of criminal activity. By keeping your valuables, cash, and documents inside of a safe, they will stand the best chance of not falling into the wrong hands. While no available form of security is completely crime-proof, a high-quality commercial safe is an effective deterrent that you can trust. It’s especially important for businesses with daily customer interaction and cash handling to have a dependable, sturdy safe for keeping accumulations of cash and other important assets on a daily basis.
Almost every business could benefit from having some kind of safe on the property, including:
- Banks
- Bars
- Entertainment Facilities
- Medical Establishments
- Restaurants
- Retail Shops
- Schools
Most types of commercial safes have customizable features to suit the needs of the business in which they will be used, including adjustable shelves and different sizes.
Types of Commercial Safes
Many types of modern commercial safes are available on the market, all with their pros and cons. An effective safe keeps your assets fully protected while still keeping them nearby for convenient access. A professional locksmith can help you determine the proper safe that suits the particulars of your business, no matter what industry your work is involved with. The available types of commercial safes include:
- Burglary Safes
- Fire- and Water-Proof Safes
- Cash Drop Safes
- Inventory Control Safes
- Floor Safes
- Under Counter Safes
- Deposit Drawer Safes
Different types and models of commercial safes feature various types of locking mechanisms. Modern safes usually have electronic combination or keypad locks or fingerprint locks for maximum security. The benefit of these locks is that they provide sturdy protection while offering you easy access. If you prefer, however, you can certainly choose a safe with a keyed lock. The preferences of the business owner as well as the needs of the business are important factors when it comes to choosing a safe. You don’t have to worry about cumbersome keys that can be lost. Most modern safes are constructed out of durable steel.
Burglary Safes
Burglary safes are one of the most widespread commercial safe types. Burglary safes contain features that contribute to these safes being very effective at deterring theft. This type of safe is available in many sizes and dimensions, with various levels of locking mechanisms and security features. Most burglary safes are B-Rated, which means they have ¼ inch thickness on the body portion of the safe and a ½ inch thickness of the door. A burglary safe is a good basic type of safe for protecting your assets. There are many models of burglary safes on the market that are also fire-rated.
Fire-Rated and Water-Proof Safes
While most business and home owners worry about how to protect their assets from potential fires, water damage can be just as destructive. What most people aren’t aware of is that floods are the top natural disaster in the United States, and excess water has the ability to destroy your assets as much as fire. While these types of safes are most commonly found in homes, they can be beneficial to your business, too. Fire-rated and water-proof safes offer additional features that allow them to stand up to an excess of heat or water for a certain period of time. These safes are usually professionally rated by an independent company.
Cash Drop Safes
This type of safe features a drop slot in which to deposit cash or other paper items like business receipts. The deposit slot is usually placed on the top, with an access door on the front to pull the accumulated cash out at a certain point, usually at the close of business for the day, to take to the bank. Cash drop safes are an excellent option for any business that handles a significant volume of physical cash, such as retail establishments, restaurants, and similar businesses.
Inventory Control Safes
This type of safe is very effective in a retail establishment setting. It provides a protected place for your business-related assets while still keeping them close at hands. You can customize the features of your inventory control safe to suit the needs of your particular store. Access can be limited to only those employees who need to use the safe. These safes are an excellent option if your store carries limited amounts of high-end goods that need to be kept off of your floor. Inventory control safes include burglary-protection features that work as an appropriate deterrent against theft and break-ins.
Floor Safes
Floor safes are less convenient to access, but provide a high level of security. Because of their discreet installation, they may go undetected by most criminals. A locksmith can assist you in determining whether a floor safe can be installed onto your commercial property.
Under Counter Safes
Under counter safes are another form of depository safe, not just for cash but receipts, other financial papers, keys, and more. They are affixed beneath your business counter, and employ a front-loading slot into which you or your employees can make necessary deposits. Because of their discreet placement below your counters, they are kept out of sight.
Deposit Drawer Safes
A deposit drawer safe is much like a deposit slot safe, however, the larger drawer allows for bulkier items to be deposited into the safe.