Lewisville, Texas — Horton Automatics, a manufacturer of automated pedestrian door systems, has released a Data Analysis Report, "How to Calculate Total Ownership Costs When Specifying Door Entrance Systems." While the report is written for architects and building owners, it's a resource locksmiths and door hardware technicians can put to immediate use — especially those advising commercial customers on which entrance system makes financial sense over the long haul.

As access control and entrance hardware jobs increasingly hinge on energy codes and sustainability requirements, the pressure to justify a spec has shifted from "what's it cost today" to "what's it cost over 20 years." Horton's report lays out a step-by-step method for calculating total ownership cost — energy use, maintenance, and lifecycle performance — across a 20-year window, comparing revolving doors, automatic sliding doors, and single swing doors.

The report draws on MIT research to answer a question locksmiths hear from clients regularly: how long before energy savings pay back a higher upfront investment? Knowing that break-even point gives locksmiths a stronger hand when a customer is choosing between a cheaper door now and a more efficient system that costs less to run.

"The industry has traditionally focused on first cost, but that approach often overlooks the long-term financial and environmental impact of entrance systems," said Elias Campos, Vice President of Marketing at Horton Automatics. "When total ownership costs are calculated accurately before plans are finalized, your project benefits from lower operating expenses and an entrance system that performs reliably and cost effectively for years to come."

For locksmiths who specify or recommend hardware, the report's variables — door configuration, building usage patterns, and regional climate zone — are the same factors that shape a real-world install, making the numbers easy to apply to an actual job rather than treating them as generic averages.

Horton has also built an interactive Door System & ROI Calculator to go with the report, letting locksmiths plug in climate zone, traffic volume, and building type to generate a customer-specific projection of energy savings and lifecycle costs — a tool that can back up a recommendation in the field, not just on paper.

"With increasing pressure to meet energy codes and sustainability targets, [professionals] need reliable data they can act on," Campos added. "This report brings clarity to the specification process and helps ensure that the chosen entrance system delivers measurable value over time."

"How to Calculate Total Ownership Costs When Specifying Door Entrance Systems" is now available through Horton Automatics. For technical documentation, architectural files, or sales support on any Horton product, visit hortondoors.com or email [email protected].