Most commercial businesses will at one time or another need their locks rekeyed or replaced. While the average business owner is already aware that a Commercial Locksmith is the one to call in this case, many owner/managers are unaware of all the other security related services that a commercial locksmith can perform. It is for this reason that in the following we will briefly outline the most common services that a commercial locksmith can provide.
To begin with, as stated above, a mobile business locksmith can rekey locks and produce keys on site. Some of the most common reasons for this include employee turnover, lost keys, and the change of ownership or management. Often there are just too many doors with there own keys and it comes down to the desire to simplify things. In this case it may be time to introduce a master key system. A simple master key system allows the owner or manager to have access to all the offices and areas in the business while at the same time limiting others to just their own offices. By using a master key system a business locksmith can provide both a level of simplicity and key control.
Key Control is an important security concern for many businesses; if you don’t know who has the keys to your business then you can’t go to sleep confidently knowing that all will be as you left it the next day. Furthermore, one can not have key control unless they know beyond a doubt that no unauthorized copies of their keys will be made. The most rudimentary way of preventing unauthorized duplication of your keys is to have the keys stamped “Do Not Duplicate”. Unfortunately, even though it is illegal in many states to do so, hardware stores and such ignore this meager request and produce copies regardless of what it says. One highly effective way of gaining absolute key control is by requesting that your locksmith replace all of the exterior lock cylinders with a restricted keyway variety.
A restricted keyway is one that is registered to a specific locksmith. This means that no one else in the area will be able to obtain the key blanks, thus, no copies of the keys will be possible unless done through your designated locksmith.
Restricted Keys and keyways are one way by which a commercial locksmith can provide access control to a business there are other ways as well. For example, one could have electronic locks install. These locks require that the users know a combination or code in order to gain entry. There are also biometric locks that require a fingerprint or a retinal scan. Key fob systems are another option; these require that everyone carries some sort of badge to scan in order to gain access. All three of these approaches offer the advantage of producing an audit trail. An audit trail can indicate who has come or gone and when.
Another valuable service that a commercial locksmith can provide is the repair and or installation of emergency exit devices. In most commercial buildings if the expected occupancy is above a certain level, based upon the squared footage of the area, then a single function exit device is required by law. If for example, it is the back door to a restaurant and the door is considered an emergency exit, then the door must be equipped with a panic bar. A panic bar allows, in the case of a fire, an individual to gain exit by just bumping up against the unit. If the door is an exit on a small office or business such as a unit in a strip mall then the best solution may be a single function lock. These locks incorporate a deadbolt as well as a lever handle; once the lever handle is pushed down both locks release simultaneously. These locks are advantages over a panic bar because they offer the security of the deadbolt while maintaining the emergency egress requirements. Whether one needs a panic bar or a single action lock installed it is a good idea to have a business locksmith install a latch guard thus making the door resistant to door spreading as well as latch attacks such as sawing through the bolt.
Unfortunately, all the security in the world does not matter if the door does not close properly or completely. In order to insure that it does a business locksmith can adjust, replace or install a new door closer. When functioning properly a door closer will insure that the door closes and is fully secured every time it is used. Door closers are an essential component to the security of any building and are therefore an important service for a locksmith to provide.
ADA compliance is a major factor and important consideration for all public buildings whether it is a private business or a government operated facility. The laws very from state to state but as a rule of thumb it is better to error on the safe side avoiding a law suit. A commercial locksmith can help inform and guide your business toward being ADA compliant. For example, if the door currently has a knob on it and the door is a public entrance then the knob must be replaced with a lever handle. In addition, all entry doors must be accessible by people with disabilities; therefore, all storefront doors must be equipped with a pull handle on the outside and a push bar on the inside. These are just a few of the ways that a locksmith can help your business become ADA compliant.
The last area of service that a locksmith can provide is that having to do with business safes. Any properly structured business should have considered the importance of securing their valuable documents or cash. Theft is not the only concern either; statistically thirty percent of businesses do not recover after a fire. So be proactive and help protect the future of you business. A business locksmith should be considered the go to guy for all your business safe related needs. A professional locksmith will sell safes, deliver and install safes, open and repair safes, change the combination and provide lock upgrades if required. In short when it comes to business safes a locksmith should be the first professional that you consider.
