Your Guide to Access Control Locks

Are you a business owner looking to take every possible measure to protect your business and assets? If you are like most business owners, the answer is an obvious ‘yes.’ Making sure day-to-day business operations run smoothly, in addition to upholding security and safety, is no easy feat to undertake. However, thanks to technology and advances in lock and key technology, business owners can take control of their businesses, one lock at a time.

Access control locks are the most popular choice for business owners that want to upgrade from traditional locks and keys, as well as increase their security at the same time. Keep reading to learn more about how access control locks operate, how different kinds of access control locks might benefit your business, as well as how to get access control locks installed professionally and quickly.

The Purpose of Access Control Locks

The name ‘access control’ encompasses a broad category of different lock types that are used in a variety of commercial and business settings. Access control locks always operate electronically, no matter what kind of mechanism is used to lock and unlock them. Access control locks can work as standalone devices for individual rooms or spaces, or they can be connected to one another and controlled through a separate, external monitoring system.

Keypad and Combination Devices

The most commonly used types of access control devices that you have likely seen before are keypad and combination devices. Keypad access control locks use a four- or five-digit pin code to allow individuals to access a given space. The great thing about keypad and combination access control locks is that they can be customized and part of a highly complex, interconnected system of locks, or they can work as a singular device for one entryway.

Some keypad devices allow the primary operator to assign individual number combination codes to each employee. This makes it so that owners can see who has accessed certain parts of the business and when. If you want to stay on top of individual employees or simply want to keep a detailed record of the day-to-day happenings in and around your business, combination devices are a great option.

Card and Proximity Readers

Some businesses may prefer some sort of physical key or way to access their businesses, but do not necessarily want to use traditional keys and locks. Luckily, card and proximity readers are an access control lock option that give users a physical card that can be used to access the building. Card readers are especially convenient if you own a business that requires its employees to carry employee identification or I.D. cards on them at all times while in the business. Some card and proximity readers allow businesses to customize the cards and combine them with employee I.D. cards. That way, an employee can use their employee I.D. card as both an identifier and an access card.

Biometric Readers

The most secure kind of access control you can purchase involves scanners known as biometric readers. Biometric access control locks identify users not by a keycard or combination, but by personal identifiers instead. Fingerprint biometric readers use a fingerprint or thumbprint to identify users. Another type you may see is a retina scanner. These scanners take a picture of one’s retina, or eyeball, in order to correctly identify authorized individuals.

While most businesses will not require biometric readers in order to maintain proper security, they may be ideal for certain types of businesses. You may have even seen them for yourself in certain government buildings, laboratories, and other spaces that require strict security measures. Depending on your security needs, you may consider installing retina scanners or thumbprint readers.

How to Install Access Control Locks

Access control will, without question, increase the security of your business and the safety of your assets and employees. No matter which type of access control appeals to you most, or which type you inevitably choose to install, working with a certified locksmith is highly recommended. Locksmiths are now trained to work with electronic locks of all kinds, as well as program, repair, and set them up properly.

If you are a business owner planning to install access control, call an expert to help you right from the very start. Electronic and access control locks are unlike traditional locks in many ways. Not just anyone can simply install electronic locks due to their complexity and technological elements. If you hire an amateur to install your access control locks or attempt to do so yourself, you may regret it. These installation procedures will always require a professional with prior experience and training.

Call a locksmith near your business if you plan on installing access control locks. Access control installations require lots of programming, craftsmanship, and prior training in order to get them up and running properly. A professional locksmith that is able to perform access control lock installations will be able to do so quickly and easily, all in the same day. Working with an expert initially will prevent problems with your access control locks right from the start and set-up your business to be properly protected.