From my experience customers are usually unaware of keyless system solutions. Those who are aware are also certain it is way beyond their budget and instantly associate keyless entry to CIA and government agency security. Well, like anything else some locking system can be extremely expensive, but there are also solutions for the small business and apartment complex. Customers request keyless entry when it makes for a more efficient solution. The first concern any customer should have is the return on investment they will have. Most customer have an idea of what they would want, but sometimes the results can be disappointing if the expectations are not clearly understood by the locksmith, so make sure to get a full understanding of what you would like to achieve.
Here is an example of a customer who recently had me install a keyless entry system for him. The customer was on the board of a very nice condo complex in center city Philadelphia. The complex consisted of about 30 units and had well over 100 tenants. There were altogether three entrances to the complex from various locations. The customer had initially called to replace the locks because one of the tenants had lost their keys, and was therefore worried someone would now be able to gain entry without any effort. I immediately suggested to the customer to install a keyless entry system instead. The reasons were that with over 100 key holders, it’s inevitable that eventually someone will lose their key again. It just happens. And when it will happen, I will be called again to replace the locks. Another emergency and another inconvenience and of course another pile of new keys cut all over again. With a keyless system, each unit can have their own unique pin code. They would never lose their key, because there simply wouldn’t be one. If a tenant decides to move out at some point, his pin code can be deleted and a new pin can be made for a new tenant. The situation of having keys lost and the need to call a locksmith to quickly replace the locks will be eliminated.
There are various keyless system solutions available. There are keyless pushbutton mechanical locks which do not require power to be operated. The most popular brand for these is Simplex. The thing about these locks is that there can only be one code rather than a unique code for each user. Another option would be card readers, these are based on having cards or fobs rather than keys, when a card or fob is swiped it will allow entry. If a card or fob is lost they can be erased from the main system as soon as they are reported missing. I for one do not like this solution as it is very expensive and requires a lot of work to get done. You will need a main computer, you will need to run wires to all entrances and you will also need to be able to produce new cards or fobs when needed. My preferred solution would be a standalone keyless entry system.
Standalone keyless locks do not require any special wiring. Instead they feature batteries that last a long time which can also be easily replaced when the time comes. They can be installed and retrofitted into most existing door preps, requiring less labor which means a lower bill for you, the customer. Some have the ability to receive programming instructions wirelessly, and some even have an option to wirelessly transmit access history – audit trail. These are electrified locksets that incorporate power, controller assembly and locking hardware all in one. There is an option to have a key override for these systems. This is in case of a malfunction perhaps. This key can be kept in a safe place and not distributed to anyone who is not authorized.
Another example of an environment that would benefit from a keyless entry system would be a stock room or a server room, etc. These are examples of places where employees and managers can be fired and concern can arise from them having a key. A keyless entry system will not only eliminate keys, but also the chance of any ex-personnel gaining access – without the need to call a locksmith. In addition this can also help prevent theft by employees. As mentioned earlier some of these locks have a feature known as audit trail. This allows you, or whoever is authorized to check and see when and who has entered the room in question. Any thief that will know his entries are being monitored will think twice before attempting to make away with any of your goods.
