“Access control locks” is kind of a confusing term in the door and lock industry. When I was assigned a post on access control locks my immediate reaction was something along the lines of, “But aren’t all locks technically access control locks?” While technically speaking, that is true, since the actual point of locks is access control, these days most people in the lock industry think keyless entry when they think access control.

Access control locks have a ton of benefits. With the way technology is advancing, especially in smart locks, access control locks are sure to be the next big thing. Right now though, they’re still a tad pricey – even  the basic locks – so it’s important to examine their benefits before you decide to buy.

High Turnover Rates

Some businesses naturally have a higher turnover rate than others. This can lead to worry about lost keys or employees not returning keys when they leave, which can, in turn, lead to a rekey of every single door in the facility. This is a good example of a facility that would benefit from access control locks. The fewer keys that are given out, the less a facility manager has to worry about those keys getting lost or ‘stolen’. With access control, a code can be given out instead. It’s much easier to changing a code for a lock than rekeying an entire building.

Access Control & Timing

Just like telling your favorite joke or going in for a kiss on the first date, timing is everything! The same rule applies to access control locks. If you hand someone a key, they now have the ability to come and go as they please through any door that key opens. If you replace your locks with access control locks, you now have the ability to restrict entry, allowing only certain employees access during predetermined hours of the day. (Or never,if you don’t want that person in your facility again.)

Audits

Personally, my favorite thing about access control locks is that some provide audits of who has entered and left your building, and at what time and day. While I would have no other use for this aspect than to just be nosy and see who’s leaving work at what time, facility managers can use it in the event of a theft or a break in. This can help figure out who was in the building at what time. It’s essentially like solving a real life game of Clue, but hopefully without the murder. (In case you’re wondering, it was Mrs. Peacock in the library with the candlestick!)

Temporary Access

During the construction of a new facility, or if you have employees who get grumpy when the vending machine runs out of Cheetos, you might have to allow vendors or tradespeople , to access your facility. I’m willing to bet you probably don’t want to issue them their very own key. Access control locks allow you to do one better: Issue them their very own code. They’ll feel so special! Unless they try it after their code has expired; then they’ll probably just feel sad.And I’ll be able to tell because I’ll check the audit!

If you aren’t sure whether or not you want to take the plunge and splurge on new access control locks, give us a call here at LockNet. We can point you in the right direction and help you make educated choices that will pay off in the end.