Commercial Door Lock Guide: Types and Benefits for Commercial Use

Securing your business with the right commercial door lock protects your property, employees, and customers. With many options available, it’s essential to understand the most common types of commercial door locks and door closers USA systems to choose the best solution for your needs. This guide will cover the benefits and features of various lock types to help you make an informed decision for your business.

 

Most Common Types of Commercial Door Locks

When equipping your business with door locks, you will typically choose from three main types: keyed, keypad, and smart locks. Here’s an overview of each lock variety and its benefits:

1.     Keyed Locks

Keyed locks are the most traditional option requiring a physical key to unlock the door. They provide a high level of security since keys can be restricted to authorized staff only. Keyed locks are available in a few main categories:

 

Cylindrical Locks

These widely used locks feature a cylinder into which a keyed cam or tailpiece is inserted and rotated to retract the latch bolt. Popular options for businesses include:

1.       ADA-Compliant Cylindrical Locks

 

• Designed to meet accessibility standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

 

• Include levers instead of knobs for easier gripping and turning.

 

• Meet requirements for maximum door opening force and accessible door hardware height.

 

• Often feature tactile markings on levers for the visually impaired.

 

2.       Commercial Cylindrical Ball Knob Door Locks

• Designed for durability in high-traffic commercial settings.

 

• Feature all-metal construction and heavy-duty grade 1 cylindrical locks.

 

• Include a rounded ball door knob shape to prevent catching on clothing or equipment.

 

• They are typically made with a corrosion-resistant brass or bronze shell.

 

• Often have optional vandal-resistant features.

 

3.       Commercial Door Deadbolt Locks

• Designed to maximize security by being highly pry, kick, drill, and pick resistant.

 

• Feature solid steel or titanium deadbolts one or longer for strength.

 

• Have protective armor plating and reinforced strike plates to thwart attacks.

 

• Use pick-resistant keyways to prevent lock picking.

 

• They are available in ADA-compliant models with levers.

 

• Provide robust protection for vulnerable exterior doors.

 

• The features of these locks make them ideal choices to cater to commercial spaces’ needs.

 

2.     Mortise Locks

With a mortise lock, the lock case is mortised or recessed into the door. Mortise locks are more sturdy and secure compared to other options.

 

3.     Rim Locks

Rim locks mount to the door’s surface without mortising into the edge. They’re easy to install but less secure than mortise options.

 

4.     Keypad Locks

Keypad, or combination, locks provide keyless convenience requiring only entering a code on a built-in keypad to unlock the door. They eliminate the need to carry keys, providing shared but controlled access.

 

Keypad locks store multiple codes so you can give unique codes to each employee and easily delete codes when staff leaves. Many even allow temporary codes for contractors or visitors.

 

While convenient, keypad locks still need to be considered more secure than keyed options since codes could be observed and stolen. However, improved technology has enhanced keypad lock safety with built-in alarms, security seals, and encryption.

 

5.     Smart Locks

Smart locks take access control to the next level by connecting to WiFi and the internet and allowing unprecedented flexibility through smartphone control. Features may include:

 

• Remote smartphone access to lock/unlock doors from anywhere

 

• Activity tracking to see who enters and when

 

• Setting schedules and temporary access codes for visitors

 

• Integrating with existing access control systems

 

• Voice assistant compatibility for hands-free control

 

Smart locks make it easy to manage access and enhance security without the hassle of changing keys or codes. However, they function on power and WiFi, making keyed or keypad locks-wise backups.

 

Benefits of Smart Door Lock Systems: The Future of Business Security

 

While the initial investment is higher, smart locks offer compelling benefits that make them the future of advanced business security:

 

1.     Unique UnAccess Control

Smart locks allow granular control over who can enter which doors and when with features like:

 

• Individual access credentials for each employee

 

• Temporary credentials for visitors, delivery drivers, etc.

 

• Schedules to restrict access during closed hours

 

• Real-time monitoring and revoking of credentials remotely

 

2.     Detailed Activity Tracking

The ability to monitor lock activity in real-time and pull detailed audit trails of who unlocked which door and when enables identifying issues proactively. Activity logs act as digital sign-in sheets, providing accountability.

 

3.     Improved User Convenience

With smart locks, users never need to worry about carrying or losing keys. Unlocking doors with smartphones is highly convenient while remaining secure. Features like auto-unlock and voice assistant integration enhance the experience further.

 

4.     Remote Management & Real-Time Notifications

Administrators can manage locks and user access fully remotely without physical contact. Instant notifications inform you of suspicious activity or door alarms so threats can be addressed in real-time.

 

5.     Integration with Existing Systems

Many smart locks readily integrate with existing access control systems, video surveillance, fire alarms, and more. This allows unifying all systems into one central dashboard for easy yet powerful building management.

 

Prioritizing Benefits for Business Owners- Door Closers USA

 

When selecting commercial door locks, you’ll want to prioritize benefits that impact your business’s specific security needs and budget.

 

• For storefronts and offices open to the public during business hours, keyless entry, detailed activity tracking, and limiting access during closed hours may be priorities.

 

• Healthcare facilities may focus on features that integrate with existing healthcare systems and provide elevated hygiene.

 

• Warehouses and manufacturing companies may emphasize restricting access between production zones while enabling time-bound visitor access.

 

• Hotels may focus on providing guests with secure yet convenient room access via smart locks with keyless mobile entry, self-check-in, and automatic deadbolts.

 

• No matter your priority, today’s commercial smart locks can take your business security to the next level.

 

Consumer Preferences for Controlling Smart Locks

User-friendly operation and convenience are key for consumers and employees interacting with smart locks regularly.

 

Surveys indicate the following user preferences

 

1.      Smartphone control

Most respondents prefer unlocking doors via smartphone for maximum convenience and avoiding lost keys. Apps should be intuitive and reliable.

2.      Keypad or fob fallback

Many still like having a traditional keypad or fob as a backup for phone battery loss or when lacking a phone on hand.

3.      Biometrics

Features like fingerprint or facial recognition are growing popular for quick, keyless entry.

4.      Hands-free operation

Voice control or proximity detection appeals to unlocking doors completely hands-free when carrying items.

5.      Guest access

Users want an easy way to grant temporary access to visitors, such as by emailing a secure guest code. When employees and consumers find your smart locks simple and convenient to interact with, it fosters higher engagement and satisfaction.

 

Conclusion

Equipping your business with the right commercial door lock is one of the most vital elements for ensuring safety. While traditional keyed and keypad locks still provide reliable security, smart locks are the future with unparalleled access control, activity tracking, and convenience.

 

Consider the options to identify the ideal lock capabilities and features to meet your business goals. Leveraging smart locks enables robust protection for your assets and people so you can focus on accelerating success.