Maintaining security and protecting your assets hinge on selecting the appropriate locks for your business. Commercial properties have distinct security demands, and making the wrong lock choices can leave your business open to theft or unauthorized entry. In this in-depth guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to help you pick the right locks for your business.
Execute a Security Appraisal:
Before delving into lock choices, start by conducting an in-depth security appraisal of your business premises. Consider these elements:
Type of Business: Specific security needs might be industry-specific.
Location: Does your business reside in a high-crime district or a generally secure community?
Access Control: Decide who needs access to various spaces within your organization.
Property Size: The dimensions of your establishment can impact security concerns.
Budget: Gain an understanding of your budget for lock installation and maintenance.
Legal and Insurance Specifications: Certain enterprises might be subject to legal or insurance specifications regarding security.
Verify the Key Entry Positions:
Find out the crucial access points requiring lock installation, which may involve exterior doors, interior doors, storage rooms, offices, and beyond. Grasping the specific areas in need of locks will assist in choosing the appropriate lock types for each use.
Pick Out the Appropriate Lock Kind:
Settling on the appropriate lock type is crucial. Commercial spaces typically demand heightened security compared to residential ones. Some common lock types for businesses include:
Cylinder Locks: Cylinder locks, which consist of rim and euro cylinders, are versatile and often seen in commercial applications. They are compatible with a range of locksets and deliver robust security.
Mortise Locks: Mortise locks are robust and suitable for both interior and exterior doors, delivering a high level of security and durability.
Deadbolt Locks: Deadbolts are recognized for their sturdiness and are a superb fit for exterior doors. For the ultimate security, opt for Grade 1 deadbolts.
Keyless Entry Systems: The adoption of keyless entry systems brings forth convenience and an elevated level of security. Integration with access control systems amplifies your ability to manage business entry.
Weigh Key Mastery:
Businesses, especially those with multiple employees or various locations, must emphasize key control. Here are some key control options to explore:
Master Key Systems: Master key systems empower you to govern multiple access levels, all administered by a single master key.
Restricted Keyways: Restricted keyways prevent key duplication by ensuring that only authorised staff are capable of making duplicate keys.
Scrutinize Lock Characteristics:
Different locks offer features that contribute to advanced security and convenience.
Anti-Bump Technology: Bump keys are a preferred tool of choice for burglars, yet locks equipped with anti-bump technology offer protection against this form of break-in.
Features that Help Prevent Lock Picking: Locks with anti-pick pins or other devices help prevent lock picking efforts.
Keyless Entry Systems: For a keyless entry solution, explore locks that can be seamlessly integrated with access control systems.
Audit Trails: Some electronic locks come with audit trail capabilities, empowering you to oversee the entries and exits in designated areas.
Verify the Accreditations and Ratings:
When shopping for locks, give preference to those that have been certified after thorough testing by respected organizations. In the United States, ANSI/BHMA standards are often used to grade locks, and Grade 1 locks offer top-tier security.
Interact with a Seasoned Professional:
When faced with uncertainty regarding the best locks for your business, turn to a professional locksmith or security expert. They can assess your particular needs and offer guidance on suitable lock solutions.
Setup and Upkeep:
Without proper installation, even the greatest locks won’t offer enough security. Ensure that your locks are installed by a licenced locksmith or experienced contractor. Additionally, it’s essential to do routine maintenance, such as lubrication and periodic inspections, to make sure your locks continue to function as intended.
Think About Future Requirements:
Reflect on your future needs. If you expect changes in access requirements or are planning to expand your security system, choose locks that have the capacity to accommodate these changes.
Assess Locks Before Finalizing:
Before making a choice, physically test the locks to ensure that they satisfy your requirements for security and use.
Seek Various Quotes:
If you’re having new locks installed, ensure that you reach out to multiple locksmiths or security companies to obtain quotes and assess both pricing and services.