A number of security options exist for commercial buildings, and technology is enabling security to become more personalized. While traditional security methods such as metal detectors and push bars are still popular, the trends in building security this year are card access control panels, video monitors, and biometric systems, according to Buildings magazine.

Card access control involves assigning each user a private five-digit code that is entered onto a keypad to grant building access or using an individually coded card.

Video monitors are a surveillance system commonly used in conjunction with a monitoring service.

Biometric systems are considered a superior form of security, since technology is used to provide highly personalized and nontransferable ways to identify users. An example of a biometric system is a hand geometry system patented by San Antonio-based LARES Technology Inc. Users place their hand on a reader, which recognizes specific qualities such as shape, thickness, and individual measurements to accurately identify users.