All kind of locks experience some wear and tear, become sticky, or stop functioning properly, thus putting your business at serious risk of threats such as unauthorized access or a break-in. Damaged, weak or outdated locks with less-advanced security features make it easier for intruders and criminals to exploit vulnerabilities and gain unwanted access, jeopardizing the security of your staff, assets, mission-critical data, and inventory.
Our team has put together a comprehensive list of signs that it is time to replace your outdated commercial locks and get upgraded to advanced locks and access control system.
Top signs that your business needs to upgrade to modern locks and access control systems
- Damaged or malfunctioning locks
Worn-out or damaged locks not only cause operational roadblocks, but also lead to vulnerabilities that criminals or former employees can easily exploit. For example, natural wear and tear on the locks can make the locks to fail without warning.
In addition, malfunctioning locks are easier to tamper with, leaving your property unprotected and putting your employees at unwanted risk. If you notice that your keys keep sticking, locks are slower or inconsistent in locking or unlocking or you hear unusual sounds coming from the locks, it is time to call a commercial locksmith. By addressing these signs, you can prevent unexpected lock failure that may cause operational as well as security challenges.
- Outdated locks with obsolete technology
Traditional locks often use outdated technology and require manual operation that is vulnerable to usual methods of manipulation such as lock picking, bumping, and drilling. Seasoned criminals are well aware of these potential loopholes and often target businesses with older and worn-out locks as it may take less efforts and attract less attention. Also, it is common to lose or misplace physical keys, and if they fall in the wrong hands they can carry additional security risk.
In addition, traditional commercial locks often lack scalability and can quickly become a problem for a growing business with evolving security needs. If your business is still relying on such outdated and obsolete locking mechanisms, it is certainly time to consider an upgrade. Modern locks and access control systems such as biometric locks, smart locks, electronic keypads, electric strikes, and other keyless entry mechanisms provide better protection while also offering other benefits such as streamlined access management, scalability, ease of integration, customization, remote access, and of course reduced need of physical keys, which brings us to the next challenge.
- Lost keys
Physical keys can compromise the security of your business in many ways. A lost, misplaced or stolen key is more than just a plain inconvenience. Former employees or even current employees with bad intentions can easily misuse a physical key to gain unauthorized access, opening doors to many situations that can put your employees, sensitive data, inventory and premises at a great risk. We have seen that businesses respond to lost keys by rekeying their locks, but this is a costly and time-consuming solution.
Upgrading to advanced locks ensures better access control, preventing unauthorized key duplication and avoiding the typical risks associated with traditional keys. You can also install electronic access control systems that offers better access management. These systems allow you to modify access, which comes handy for businesses with high employee turnover.
- A recent break-in
If your business has recently experienced a break-in, replacing your locks should be your top priority. In fact, it can also be the perfect opportunity to upgrade, as the break-in has clearly exposed weaknesses in your existing locks. It is common knowledge that a tampered lock is far easier to manipulate, leaving your property vulnerable to repeat break-ins. Installing high-tech locks and investing in electronic access control not only strengthens overall security but also reduces the cost of rekeying your locks every time you lose or misplace a key. Replacing compromised locks also offer insurance benefits as many insurance providers insist on replacing or upgrading the locks after an incident.
- Expanding business
As your business experiences growth and you are ready to hire new employees and open new locations, it’s very important not to overlook your evolving security requirements at this stage. In our experience, we have often seen businesses not paying enough attention to upgrading their locks during the expansion stage. Your plans to rely on your old locks with outdated technologies can hold your business back in terms of security. It is because traditional systems are not scalable and they do not adapt very well to modern technologies. So when you are adding new employees and managing multiple entry points, modern locks and electronic access control allow you to manage your access without wasting any time, thus reducing the hassle of lock re-keying or lock replacement. In addition, modern locks can be easily integrated with your existing security devices.
If you are looking for a trusted and professional locksmith in Killeen, tx, for lock upgrade, Texas Premier Locksmith is here to help. At Texas Premier Locksmith, our team of licensed and highly skilled professionals specializes in designing and installing custom locks and access control solutions for businesses. Whether you need to upgrade outdated locks or replace them entirely, we will send an expert to your property to assess your unique needs and recommend the most effective option. We are integration specialists and will ensure your new locks and access control systems work perfectly with existing devices, thus offering complete protection for your business or commercial space.