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Insights from the 2025 Southern California Facilities Expo
Securing your building is no longer just about locks and cameras. As threats evolve and technology advances, facility managers and property owners must rethink how they approach physical security. At the 2025 Southern California Facilities Expo, experts from top security firms shared valuable tips to help organizations modernize and optimize their safety strategies.
Here are six key takeaways to help you strengthen your building’s physical security and stay ahead of modern challenges.
1. Ensure System Integration Across All Security Technologies
One of the most common gaps in physical security today is poor system integration. Many buildings use outdated or piecemeal security solutions that don’t communicate with one another. According to Jamison Remmers, technology advisor at Willikins Enterprises, seamless integration should be the foundation of any modern security system.
Instead of juggling footage from separate camera systems or manually searching logs, you should aim for a unified system. A properly integrated setup connects access controls, alarms, and surveillance, streamlining alerts and reducing response time. Think of it as moving from managing multiple subscriptions to using one centralized app—it saves time, reduces stress, and ensures a faster reaction to security events.
2. Find the Right Balance Between Convenience and Safety
Today’s workforce values ease of access—mobile credentials, single-login systems, and flexible access points. But convenience can sometimes weaken your overall security framework. Chris Franza, general manager of BEI Connect, warns that these requests should be carefully evaluated.
He recommends that facility managers educate stakeholders about the risks associated with overly simplified access control systems. For example, using one mobile credential across various systems may create vulnerabilities. The goal should be to find a balance: deliver user-friendly systems while protecting sensitive areas through proper segmentation and access limitations.
3. Focus on Long-Term Value, Not Just Initial Cost
Security upgrades often get delayed because of budget concerns, but as Franza pointed out, “the cheapest system today might be the most expensive over time.” Investing in future-ready solutions now—such as scalable platforms or smart access controls—can reduce maintenance costs, improve uptime, and lower risks in the long run.
Always request product demos and consider the total cost of ownership. Avoid short-term thinking by evaluating how systems perform and evolve over time. A smart investment now could mean fewer service calls, better data, and improved security for years to come.
4. Eliminate Physical Keys When Possible
Still relying on traditional keys? That could be putting your building at unnecessary risk. Andy Koclanakis, outside sales rep at Golden West Security Supply, emphasized how much easier it is to manage access through digital means like key fobs or electronic locks.
If an employee leaves and they still hold physical keys, you may have to rekey your entire building. With digital credentials, it’s as simple as disabling access from a dashboard. This cuts costs, saves time, and avoids lapses in security. While a master key system is still advisable for emergencies or long-tenured employees, digital access is the smarter option for daily operations.
5. Evaluate Your Security Staff and Vendor Practices
When hiring 24/7 security personnel, reliability and transparency are critical. Keith Ornelas, senior sales manager at Nationwide Security Service, highlighted red flags that facility managers should watch for. If you’re receiving paper reports, encountering frequent guard turnover, or dealing with staff who show up unprepared, it’s time to re-evaluate your vendor.
Ornelas recommends working with local partners who pass strict vetting standards and deliver digital, image-based reports tailored to each facility’s needs. Whether you prefer daily summaries or only incident alerts, having customizable reporting helps you stay informed without micromanaging.
“What you do best is manage your facility,” Ornelas said. “Let professionals manage your security.”
6. Don’t Assume Upgrades Are Out of Reach
The term “security upgrade” often triggers thoughts of major expenses, but Jamison Remmers urges facility leaders not to dismiss the idea too quickly. Many times, improvements can be made by reallocating resources, consolidating systems, or phasing upgrades over time.
Start with a conversation. Review your current setup with a technology advisor to uncover inefficiencies or areas where small changes can yield significant results. Security doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. Even minor upgrades—like automating alerts or improving camera placement—can dramatically boost your safety profile.
Making security a priority doesn’t always mean blowing the budget. What matters most is awareness, planning, and taking the first step.
