Keeping employees safe and company assets protected are prime concerns for any business owner. In today’s world, threats come from all directions and while some of us may be busy focusing on cyber threats, we could be missing those walking right through our front doors.
Staying apprised of the available commercial locks will help assure you and your staff that everyone is as safe as they can possibly be from unwanted intruders. So, which type of commercial lock is best for your business?
Commercial Strike Locks
Electric strike locks are locking systems which require visitors to be “buzzed” in. Generally, you’d need to install a doorbell or an intercom system for the person to announce themselves, but this type of locking mechanism is perfect for organizations working with sensitive or confidential information (like a law firm or doctors office) or for companies that house high value items inside their building (think on premise data centers … or daycares!).
There are two types of strike locks with the most popular being a fail secure system, which stays locked even in the case of a power outage.
Keyless Entry
A keyless entry lock requires a passcode to access the interior of the building. The beauty of this system is not only its simplicity but also the amount of control you have over who has access to your building and when.
Most keyless entry locks are programmable, allowing you to set time restrictions in which your building may be accessed. Another perk? They’re able to keep track of who accessed the door and when by logging times and employee access codes at the time of use. Having this type of information allows you to track who is coming and going and goes a long way in preventing employee theft.
Magnetic Locks
This is the type of lock you see on doors without functional door knobs or levers. Picture an interior glass door with nothing more than a handle to push or pull it open. Generally installed at the top of the doorframe will be a magnet with its compatible partner attached to the actual door.
Electromagnetic locks, like strike locks, come in a fail secure system design wherein the door will remain locked if the power goes out. This locking method is usually accompanied by a release system to disengage the magnetic charge allowing people in and should have a release button inside the door in case the sensor, which tells the door someone’s coming (just like the automatic doors at the grocery store have), is on the fritz.
Restricted Key Systems
“Restricted” key system couldn’t be a better name for this type of lock. Basically, it limits the places your key may be copied to an authorized locksmith and must be signed off on by an approved individual. These high security key systems offer the added peace of mind that your keys may not be copied at your local hardware store.
The keys you get with a restricted key system are more durable than typical keys and will normally be replaced at the manufacturers expense should they become damaged. If, however, you find that a key is lost or stolen, the only way to secure your building is to have the place rekeyed.
Door Closers
This should be a standard for any commercial building. A door closer guarantees that any door that is open will be closed whether the individual who walked through it participates in the process or not! A good door closer will not only shut any door automatically but will also insure the door is properly latched and locked. You can invest in all of the locking systems you want but they won’t do you much good if you leave your doors wide open.
Master Key System
Implementing a master key system allows you do designate who has access to what in and outside of your building. Master key locking systems are designed to open with both 1) specific keys, allowing you to control access to various areas, and also with 2) a “skeleton”, or master, key which unlocks all doors in the ecosystem.
The benefits of this type of locking system are vast. It allows you to keep record of who exactly has been given access to specific doors, you can cut down on the number of keys on your keyring, and duplicating a master key is regulated as they are patent protected.
Of course, no system is foolproof which is why we always recommend taking extra precautions like a safe when there are sensitive items inside your business or home. But, choosing the proper commercial locking system will absolutely be a step in the right direction toward safe-guarding your property.
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