April 17, 2019
Traditional keyed door locks are still among the most common component of home and business security to this day. These locks are inexpensive, easy to install and effective, yet many home and business owners find keys to be a nuisance.
Especially for properties with more than one entry point, keeping track of keys can be time-consuming. Lost keys, stolen sets, changing locks, making duplicates and keeping track of copies given to other residents or employees are frustrating challenges. To make life easier, some property owners have resorted to using one key for multiple locks.
Today, thanks to technology, we have many more effective solutions. Find out how you can simplify security with master key systems, access control systems and smart locks.
Disadvantages of Using the Same Key for All Locks
Convenience is clearly the biggest convenience in using one key for all the door locks at your home or office. You don’t have to search for the right key or carry around a big key ring. But this practice puts the safety of your family, staff and valuables at risk. The benefit of convenience doesn’t outweigh the potential danger of that one key falling into the wrong hands. So, what alternatives are there for simplifying residential and commercial access?
Solutions for Simplifying Key Management
Managing keys for multiple locks has never been so easy. If you’re looking for a better alternative to:
- Carrying a bulky ring of house keys,
- Handling keys for multiple properties,
- Tracking keys for numerous residents, staff or employees,
- Regularly changing the locks to maintain security, or
- Dealing with ‘Do Not Duplicate’ keys,
…there are some great solutions available.
Master Key System
This type of key management system is not new. Master key systems have been around for some time. They enable property owners to decrease the number of traditional keys needed to effectively manage a facility. In short, a master key system allows one keys to open multiple different locks. At the same time, more than one key can open the same lock.
In an office building, for example, each employee can have their own key which unlocks the door to their office. In the average master key system, an employee would not work to unlock the doors of other offices. Although multiple different employee keys could be used to access the lounge or supply closet. Additionally, the owner, manager and cleaning staff could have copies of one key that effectively unlocks all the doors inside the building. This is just an example of how this type of system simplifies key management of larger facilities with multiple access points and levels of security.
Keyless Entry
These days, there are many keyless lock options that you can easily be integrated as part of an access control system at work. For companies, going keyless streamlines everyday activities at the office, boosts security and eliminates a lot of time-consuming headaches.
Keyless locks require input from each individual user in order to gain access at the entry point. This could be an entry code typed into a keypad. Other systems use access cards or key fobs that are programmed to work with proximity readers. More advanced biometric systems provide a higher level of security through increased accuracy and traceability.
For each type of keyless system, it’s easy for property owners to change access restrictions for individual users as needed. Remote lock functioning is convenient for business owners managing multiple service providers, contractors, visitors or deliveries. Keyless entry systems also deliver real-time traffic reports which can help track staff and employee attendance.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are designed for residential use or light commercial applications. Either way, you don’t have to manage numerous keys, make duplicates or worry about copies being lost or stolen. Plus, you can forget about carrying around house keys.
Smart locks offer a plethora of advantages for homeowners. They are controlled and managed remotely from a smartphone via an integrated app and allow users to grant customized access to guests. Smart locks can even send an alert when someone has accessed their property. This is a helpful feature if guests, contractors, delivery service, friends or family members need to stop by during the day.
Residential & Commercial Locksmith Services
Our company stays up to date on all the latest developments in the hardware industry. For more information on new lock technology and advanced security solutions for your home or business, contact Great Valley Lockshop today at (610) 644-5334. It’s easy to a href=”/free-estimate” title=”GVLock Free Quote Request Form”>request a quote online with our simplified form.
