The Locksmith Journal Nov/Dec 2019 - Issue 65 | Page 39

ACCESS CONTROL EXTRA premises and can be held by the building manager and maintenance staff. Then in the case of a building with multiple occupants, such as office blocks, further sub-master groups can be established to allow more specific access. For example, each sub-master key, perhaps held by the manager of each tenant business, would allow access to the main entrance and all the locks on one floor. Each employee is then given one key that opens the main entrance, their own office door and their filing cabinets. For the client, this helps maintain better control, reduces key replacement costs and is more convenient, as there are fewer keys in circulation. It also has safety benefits as it provides quick access to all rooms within the premises by security staff and management personnel in the case of an emergency. Furthermore, the same capabilities can also be utilised where an older lock that has no direct replacement has reached the end of its life. Using a manufacturer that can create a housing that matches the old lock exactly based around a new, modern cylinder that also benefits from the most up to date security features, can solve further problems and open new business opportunities. Interchangeable cores also have the advantage of allowing simple and cost-effective repair and maintenance. There are a number of benefits of recommending customers to take a longer-term approach rather than selecting an option that simply meets their current requirements. By adopting a system with an interchangeable core, a lost key does not necessitate replacing the whole system. This also makes it much less expensive in the event that the lock needs to be replaced. For example, a school may benefit from this type of system to protect against potentially costly accidental or intentional damage to the lock. As it is most often only the cylinder that has been damaged, this can be swapped at a far lower cost. However, the choice of product is crucial as many systems on the market do not allow this. The world is changing. A lot of applications are being upscaled from a traditional stock system to high security systems, based on a need for tight accountability. Here, using further engineering options can meet client requirements. This may include adding remote monitoring and alarm functionality to physical security. There is an increasing recognition that data and organisational security should not only rely on the implementation of cyber security and that securing data physically is just as important as digital measures. In a growing number of environments security is being upgraded to deliver greater traceability of both authorised and attempted unauthorised access. As an example, dormakaba has designed and installed systems that include microswitches to allow the position of the lock to be tracked and monitored remotely, providing a full record of any interaction with the lock. In applications for high security, manual locking is still critical, and locksmiths can look to open their business services further by utilising technology that exists within the market, to provide a bespoke, non-standard facility. Bespoke and engineered industrial locking solutions provide a number of business opportunities. It enables locksmiths to take on new types of work, meet specialist requirements and provide a better service for customers. Services such as CAD design and prototyping can be a significant competitive advantage for locksmith businesses to utilise. As a design partner, manufacturers with this capability can add services and capabilities to complement the locksmith’s own. www.dormakaba.co.uk NOV/DEC 2019 Proud sponsor of Access Control Extra Issue Takeover locksmithjournal.co.uk 39