» DAVID O ’ TOOLE HAS BEEN the President of the European Locksmith Federation since 2005 . As a leader and forwardthinker in our industry , David is now investing his time in technology , specifically , handsfree solutions for access readers and smart locks . But , along his journey – he has encountered far more resistance than he had realised . Will locksmiths lose out to other trades , let ’ s hope not …

“ I founded Touch2Access Limited after my mother suffered with a stroke and was unable to use keys or even type in a door code . This is a patented technology that enables a simple , yet secure door opening solution for all those with disabilities . It is a touch-free , integrated technology that can be used across the domestic and commercial sector .

“ I am proud of what I am creating here , it ’ s driven by a desire to help those less fortunate . We can often take for granted our ability to enter or exit a building , but there are those that are simply unable to . During my exploration and creation of such a technology , I discovered that the industry is even more resistant than I had initially realised . The locksmithing industry has always been traditional – and that is great . But my concern is that we ’ re going to be left behind …”

We want dependability .

“ Dependable . It ’ s something we all strive for . And it ’ s something we have always associated with mechanical keys ; they ’ re tangible , real and in our control . But we cannot deny that the market is changing , along with the end-user . With the rise of automated technology , homeowners – in particular – our investing heavily in smart technology . However , despite the huge interest in electronic locking , there is a trend with homeowners buying cheap products online , which means things tend to go wrong .

“ So , what happens here ? Well , it obligates the industry concern , doesn ’ t it . When locksmiths are needed to mechanically override such a device , it validates the rejection of such technology . I can completely understand this . But – in my opinion – it ’ s short sighted and could lead to terrible consequences .

“ As an example , if we ’ re to continue to remain afraid of electronics and technology , we ’ re neglecting future generations . The homeowners of tomorrow , our children , do not differentiate between the real and the virtual , technology is intrinsically a part of their daily lives . Mechanical keys will become irrelevant at some point and the entire concept outdated to the future marketplace . Let ’ s take what has happened in the US , the industry didn ’ t

take on electronic locking , so the locksmiths lost it to other trades .”

Driven by consumers .

“ The locksmithing industry is reactive , more often than not . Whereas smart technologies and access control systems are a conscious purchase . The consumer is now driving this change and after high-quality electronics . The larger lock manufacturers are telling us that this is what ’ s happening , the products are developed with more on the way . My fear is that locksmiths will remain resistant in the here and now , and later on will realise that the ‘ smart ’ opportunities and business will have been captured by other trades or companies . Perhaps a tech company ? Or perhaps other trades will start providing a smart lock installation service as an add-on ? It ’ s all possible .

“ We need locksmiths to start looking into the opportunities right now . It ’ s time for the

industry to start being proactive and acknowledge that the reactive jobs aren ’ t always going to be there .”

Find your niche .

“ For our industry to thrive , it ’ s time to look at what ’ s coming and provide a unique , specialist service that sets you apart . The growth is in electronic locks and smart locks – across both domestic and commercial sectors . Fire doors is also a niche yet growing sector with plenty of opportunity . The same goes for automotive . My advice is to engage more with manufacturers and suppliers , discover what training options there are and dive headfirst into learning . If locks , security and access does not sit within the Locksmithing industry , it will inevitably become absorbed into other businesses – an alarm company , for example .

“ Let ’ s put aside our fear and scepticism and embrace what ’ s coming , now .”