When was the last time you handed out a physical key to an employee — and then worried about getting it back? Many business owners face this same question: should you stick with traditional locks, or upgrade to an electronic access control system with key card or key fob technology?
As a trusted full-service commercial locksmith in Polk County, we’ve helped many businesses make this decision. Here’s the skinny.
What is Electronic Access Control?
In short, electronic access control exchanges old-fashioned keys for a fob, key card, or even a mobile app on your phone. Whether a user has the ability to open a door is controlled by the administrator within the organization, and can be modified at any time. Access can be added or removed anytime, from anywhere, for anyone.
Most of our access control customers utilize varied levels of access depending on the role of the user. Sets of openings can be grouped together to easily grant standard sets of access tailored to a given user’s position.
These features make electronic access control especially popular for:
- Offices with many employees or frequent turnover
- Warehouses with multiple shifts
- Regulated industries such as childcare, schools and healthcare facilities
What about Traditional Locks?
Traditional mechanical locks rely on physical keys. They’re cost-effective, easy to use and time-tested. Many small businesses employ these out of familiarity and simplicity.
However, when an employee is terminated or the office manager loses their keys over the weekend, that opens you up to vulnerabilities. Typically this means having a locksmith (and we’re happy to help!) come out in an emergency to rekey the property. That can be costly and quickly offset the lower upfront cost compared to access control.
Pros and Cons
Traditional Locks
✅ Affordable upfront investment
✅ Familiar to everyone
❌ Risk of lost or copied keys
❌ Rekey costs add up
Electronic Access Control
✅ Key card and key fob systems allow instant updates
✅ Detailed entry logs improve accountability
✅ Works with alarms and camera systems for layered security
❌ Higher upfront cost for equipment and installation
❌ Requires network/power support
Which is Right for Your Business?
- Small businesses with just a few employees: Traditional locks may still be the best option
- Mid- to large businesses or those with turnover: Electronic access control is likely going to save you money and headaches in the long run
- Regulated industries: Electronic access control may be necessary in some cases to conform to security standards
- High-security environments or areas: For some, a blended approach may be the best choice to secure higher-risk rooms or areas while saving on low-risk openings
The Bottom Line
Decisions this impactful should be considered thoroughly. Don’t go it alone, Precision Safe & Lock is here to help. As commercial locksmith’s with nearly 39 years of experience, we can help guide your business to the security solution fits best.
We provide solutions on both ends of the spectrum, from traditional to full electronic and hybrids in between. Our goal is to find the solution that provides the right balance of flexibility, security, cost and convenience for each specific case.
Call or email today for a free security assessment of your property. Be Safe. Lock It Up!