Notice Board
Physical locking solutions come in so many shapes and sizes . The customers I deal with day to day aren ’ t really looking for large , networked systems . Their focus is securing a door with a generic access control set up , smaller standalone systems . I ’ ve found that this is mainly due to the cost of upgrading and the intricacies around installation . Customers are going for battery handle sets as they ’ re so easy to install .
As the demand for different products and security requirements changes , friends in the trade are branching out . I ’ m hearing that general locksmithing is becoming saturated , flooded as people feel it ’ s an easy entry point into our industry . Vehicle security , vehicle keys , and smart home technology are where traditional locksmiths are now upskilling and reskilling to service demand . This , plus extensive hardwired systems . There is an increasing demand for specialists , not generalists .
Since Grenfell , customers know they need to comply with something but often aren ’ t sure what that is . I ’ m increasingly being asked about hardware for fire doors because there is uncertainty about what they need . And that ’ s all door hardware , not just locks . Electronic panic hardware to use with access control systems – that ’ s really taking off . Having recently completed the GAI diploma course in access control , I ’ m much better placed than I ever have been to deal with these changes in enquiries from our customers and end users .
L : Fortune telling – what is your forecast of the future of locksmithing ?
M : Residential properties – it has to be smart home technology . It is convenient , fun , engaging , interactive . You can combine the control of perimeter security with your heating , all from your smart phone . End users are embracing the shift in technology . They expect it . As a company , we ’ re still on the peripheries of this but are seeing it increase in popularity , even in the rural South West of the UK .
Commercially , it ’ ll continue to be the shift towards electronic locking and access control at the expense of physical door and window locks . Master key systems , despite existing lengthy patents being in place , have been supplanted by cost-effective imports , and I can ’ t see that reverting to what it was previously . There is a greater initial expense of both the hardware and installation , but access control provides greater flexibility and control of safety and security measures in a built environment . It ’ s here already and isn ’ t going anywhere .
In general terms , I ’ d predict a continued focus on safety over security , looking at the locking of fire and escape doors whilst maintaining their safety focal point . We ’ ve started down this road , with guidance such as BS EN 13637 , and it will only continue to gain traction .
L : Any advice on someone new coming into the industry ?
M : I truly feel that general locksmithing is dying a death . It ’ s such a shame as it ’ s where I came from . So , my advice would be to pick your niche ; find a groove and stick to it . Specialise . Technology-led locking solutions , new and emerging technologies – that is the future of the wider construction industry and locksmithing .
Closing words from Mike , his loves and losses , and moving forward :
M : I love everything old fashioned , or what many would now call old fashioned – lock repair , refurbishment , the bench side of the job . I ’ m fortunate in a way because I still get to turn my hand to this kind of work thanks to the stately home side of our specification work . Part of our customer base continues to work on large private residences that require rim locks , new and refurbished models , so we offer a service that many have moved away from .
My heart lies where I started but I ’ ve chosen to move with the times . Working for Door Controls Direct allows me to stay hands on in the workshop balanced with technical support in the office . I get to do a bit of everything , I love the diversity , and I can ’ t see that coming to an end any time soon .
www . doorcontrolsdirect . co . uk
MARCH 2024
11
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal . co . uk