Selecting the right commercial door lock is a crucial security decision for businesses of all sizes. Commercial locks not only prevent unauthorized access and theft, but also allow monitoring of employees and flow of customers.
For businesses with sensitive inventory, equipment, data or cash, having a comprehensive approach to access control and an effective door lock system is key. During our modern era a comprehensive security system for your commercial space can help business owners gain peace of mind.
When choosing commercial grade locks, managers need to assess their security risks, doors, traffic flow, budget and access control requirements. This guide to commercial door lock systems will walk you through the key factors businesses must consider when picking the type of commercial lock systems and hardware to secure their facilities.
Guide to Commercial Access Control Locks
Access control refers to managing who can enter your business and what they can access once inside. Key considerations for access control include:
Perimeter access – Securing exterior doors and loading bays
Interior access – Controlling access to offices, inventory rooms, labs, etc.
Isolated access – Special areas for sensitive items like safes or server rooms
Timed access – Setting certain doors to lock/unlock at specific hours
Modern access control systems integrate permissions through credentials like keycards, fobs or smartphone apps. Managers can configure which employees have access to different areas and set schedules for customers.
Commercial Locks and the various Types
There are a variety of lock types businesses can use for access control:
Keypad/pin code locks – These allow assigned PINs or codes to open doors. They can be configured per employee.
Smart locks – Connected to WiFi and accessed via app. Activity is logged and schedules/access customized.
Electronic strikes – Locks that electronically release the door for authorized credentials. Fail secure.
Magnetic locks – Electromagnets that lock doors until powered off by a switch or credential reader.
Cylindrical locks / deadbolt locks – Basic key locks. Should have restricted key systems, not standard keys.
Perimeter Locks
Exterior doors, loading bays, gates and other perimeter access points need maximum security. These entryways are most prone to break-ins or unauthorized access. Durability, pick/bump/drill resistance and ANSI grade-1/2 certifications or lock grades are ideal for best commercial perimeter locks.
Options like heavy duty deadbolts, steel padlocks, security strikes, high security key systems and electronic access control are best for the perimeter. Consult with a qualified locksmith about grade-1 hardware for exterior doors. Facilities with cargo/garage doors can install slide bolts, electromagnetic locks, padlocks and keypad door locks to add reinforcement.
Interior Door Locks
Within a business, interior locks control employee and visitor access to restricted areas like private offices, inventory rooms, equipment closets, research labs, IT rooms and anywhere sensitive assets are kept.
Many businesses opt for electronic access control or simple keypad/pin code locks for interior doors. This allows for logging access attempts and managing what employees can enter without issuing scores of metal keys. Match keys and lock cylinders to a restricted key system.
Best Commercial Master Key System
For businesses with many doors across multiple interior areas, having a master key system offers convenient access control. Senior staff are issued master keys that open all locks. Employees are given access keys for their assigned work areas. This eliminates the need for hundreds of individual
keys.
When creating a master key system:
Use restricted key blanks to boost security
Limit key duplication to locksmiths you authorize
Only essential senior staff should have grandmaster keys
Document which employees receive which access keys
Change key cylinder combinations if keys are lost/stolen
Proper implementation of a master key system balances convenience and security. Consult an experienced locksmith to set up an optimal system.
Keypad & Smart Lock Options
Keypad and smart locks offer state-of-the-art electronic access control without physical keys. Staff use assigned codes or mobile apps to unlock doors. These types of electronic commercial smart locks can be highly effective for commercial use.
For interior offices and sensitive areas, keypad and WiFi enabled locks give managers the most granular control over access. Audit logs provide visibility on who enters secured rooms and when. Power is also less likely to impact electronic locks with built-in batteries.
Premium smart lock options like Ultralock integrate seamlessly into existing access control systems. Their locks also offer advanced features like auto-locking, tamper alerts and encryption. Smart locks present the future of scalable access control for growing businesses.
Locking Hardware
In addition to choosing the lock type, businesses need proper auxiliary hardware for maximum security:
Heavy duty strikes – Reinforced strike plates to prevent lock tampering/forcing
Door reinforcements – Armor plates, longer screws to fortify door jambs
Exit device bars – Ensure safe egress in emergencies
Door position/motion sensors – Alerts if doors are left propped open
A holistic approach combines high-security locks with robust door installations to resist attacks. Again, consulting an experienced locksmith helps select optimal hardware.
Access Control Implementation
When installing or upgrading commercial lock systems:
Assess all entry points – Doors, windows, bays, skylights, etc.
Categorize restricted areas for access control
Determine necessary lock types for each application
Outline protocols for assigning and monitoring employee access
Work with reputable locksmiths to handle installations
Train staff on new access control procedures
Continually audit that the system is followed
Rushing access control implementation leads to gaps that compromise security. Take time to methodically evaluate needs and risks.
The Bottom Line
Securing a business facility requires strategic access control policies and commercial locks. While electronic access systems offer powerful tracking and customization, high-security mechanical hardware is still needed at critical entries.
With an array of options now available, managers can balance security, convenience and costs through layered access control. Ultralock’s premium smart locks and commercial locks integrate strong mechanical protection with scalable wireless security.
By proactively securing vulnerabilities, training employees, restricting keys and monitoring access, businesses can safeguard their assets and data. Professional locksmiths and security consultants can help target protection where needed most.
