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Whether you’re exploring a career in security or simply want to protect your home or business, choosing the right equipment is one of the smartest investments you can make. Security isn’t just about gates, cameras, or locks—it’s about protecting families, employees, and property from risks that can cost much more in the long run.
A well-designed security system reduces liability, prevents theft, and gives you peace of mind. For professionals, it ensures safer work environments and reliable tools to do the job right. For homeowners and business owners, it’s about creating secure spaces where daily life and operations can run without fear of interruption.
This guide walks you through some of the most common security equipment essentials—from sturdy bollards that stop vehicles to smart locks that keep doors secure, and video surveillance systems that let you monitor everything in real time. By the end, you’ll understand how these tools fit together to improve safety and deliver lasting value.
What Are Bollards?
If you’ve ever noticed sturdy vertical posts along sidewalks, in front of stores, or around government buildings, you’ve seen bollards. Simply put, bollards are typically short, sturdy posts used to guide traffic and protect restricted areas from vehicles.
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Traffic Control: Bollards help guide traffic, separate lanes, and protect pedestrian traffic in public spaces like parking lots or downtown walkways.
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Security Applications: Crash-rated bollards are tested to stop vehicles during a crash test, making them essential for government buildings, airports, and storefronts.
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Types:
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Fixed security bollards for permanent protection.
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Removable bollards for flexible access to restricted areas.
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Retractable bollards that lower into the ground when vehicle access is needed.
Browse ASE’s parking systems for more options that guide traffic and protect entry points.
Magnetic Door Locks
For access control inside commercial and residential properties, magnetic door locks (or maglocks) are a reliable option.
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How They Work: A magnetic lock uses an electromagnet and a metal plate to secure a door. When powered, the magnet holds the plate tightly, preventing entry.
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Advantages:
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Strong holding force for doors in offices, schools, and restricted areas.
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Easy integration with card readers, keypads, or biometric scanners.
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Fail-safe design: in case of power loss, doors unlock for safe evacuation.
See ASE’s access control systems for magnetic locks, keypads, and card readers.
Yale Smart Locks
Smart locks bring advanced access control to your home or small business. One of the best-known names in this space is Yale smart lock technology.
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Features:
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Keyless entry with PIN codes, smartphone apps, or even voice assistants.
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Remote control to lock or unlock your door from anywhere.
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Integration with home automation platforms for added convenience.
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Why It Matters: Smart locks are perfect for Airbnb hosts, families with kids, or anyone who wants added control and visibility over who enters their property.
Explore ASE’s locks & hardware collection to find smart lock solutions for your home or office.
Network Video Recorders (NVRs)
No security system is complete without surveillance. NVRs (Network Video Recorders) manage and store footage from IP cameras.
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How They Work: Unlike older DVR systems, NVRs connect to cameras over a network, often using Power over Ethernet (PoE) for easy installation.
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Advantages:
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High-definition video recording.
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Remote access to live or recorded footage via apps.
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Easy integration with alarms and smart home systems.
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Use Cases: NVRs are ideal for homeowners, retail stores, and commercial facilities looking to monitor entrances, parking lots, and restricted areas.
Check ASE’s video surveillance systems to build your own monitoring setup.
Other Essential Security Equipment
While bollards, locks, and NVRs are foundational, a full security plan often includes additional systems:
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Gate Operators: Automate vehicle access with swing or slide gate operators like the FAS Slide Gate Opener.
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Garage Door Operators: Control access with heavy-duty openers such as the LiftMaster CSL24UL.
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Safety Accessories: From photo sensors to warning lights, small devices add an important layer of protection. See ASE’s safety collection.
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Tactical and Storage Gear: Options like the Vaultek LP-C48 keep valuables safe with advanced locking technology.
Bringing It All Together
Security equipment ranges from large-scale solutions like crash-rated bollards to everyday conveniences like Yale smart locks. Each piece plays a role: bollards protect against vehicle traffic, magnetic locks secure restricted areas, smart locks simplify residential access, and NVRs provide oversight.
Whether you’re outfitting a business, upgrading home security, or managing a public facility, the right mix of devices can improve safety, convenience, and peace of mind.
Explore All Security Equipment’s full range:
