Do I feel a mini-series coming? I know we’re just wrapping up a behemoth series on key systems…  I promise this one won’t be nearly as long, but it’s an important thing to consider nonetheless. Does your architect know everything there is to know about doors, frames, and hardware? What about fire and life safety codes? Do you trust the safety of your employees, patrons, and facility to them? Don’t get me wrong, architects are incredibly knowledgeable, but there’s something to be said about having an expert to work with when specifying your doors and hardware.

The Problem(s)

When are key systems installed during your new store construction phase?  Are they installed before store turnover? If so, how many people were given a key to your facility in order to finish the build – one, five, a dozen? Are you receiving every key that’s been distributed after construction is finished? Have you ever even thought about these things?

For most people, the answer to that last question is no. Unfortunately, we’ve heard the same story a dozen times. It usually begins with a frantic phone call that sounds something like this “I need to rekey the new store at X location; the GC lost the keys.” Basically, the new facility isn’t even operational yet and you’re facing ANOTHER expense head on. Sounds lovely doesn’t it? Lucky for you, there is an option to ease the headache of new store construction, lost keys, and extra expenses.

Construction Cores – The Solution

Delay the installation of your key system until right before store turn over. Undoubtedly you need to secure the facility, especially during the later phases of construction. When specifying we recommend construction cores are used instead.

Construction cores allow the project manager to purchase temporary cores to be used by workers and other project participants through out the construction phases. Typically, they are only installed on exterior doors, leaving the interior doors unlocked during construction.  They can be easily removed and replaced with permanent cores at the end of the construction period. Construction cores are said to be “construction keyed” (usually keyed alike) and use “construction keys.” The construction cores can easily be replaced by a security officer or facilities manager.

In the photo above (left to right):

1. Standard Small Format Interchangeable Core – this is a permanent core to be used upon turnover of the facility.
2. A low security option that allows for interior openings to be locked and unlocked using nothing more than a screwdriver.
3. Standard temporary core to be used on exterior openings, allowing for the facility to be secured before installation of the permanent key system.
4. Another standard temporary core from another vendor – it acts the same as number three.

What do you think – are construction cores a viable option for your new stores? Do you have any experience with them in the past? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

For more information, check out our comprehensive Key Systems 101 article or download our white paper.
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