Most Read
Most E-mailed
E-mail Article
Print Article
As security evolves away from traditional keys and locks as the primary means of authorizing and denying entry, electrically operated hardware and self contained access controls are taking their place. Supplying and installing ‘electric locks and access control is a growing revenue stream for locksmiths.
I got a call from a local government agency to come survey for an upgrade to electronic access control. When I arrived, I was somewhat disappointed to learn that they had solicited proposals for electronic access a few months ago and the project had already been awarded. The winning bidder had not included the locking hardware and that is what they wanted for us to quote them. If we had bid the entire job, the client would have received a ‘turnkey’ price which would have included everything, and the project would probably have been completed by now.
SITE SURVEY
A thorough site survey is the first and most important step towards the successful project.
By doing a good survey you will be able to properly advise the client, specify the correct electrical locking product on the first try and avoid do-overs and wasted time later. You can also hopefully spot other problems with worn hinges, leaky door closers, or inappropriate lock functions.
This job involved nine openings, and none of them had any electrical locking hardware presently installed.
