Empower Your Business, Courtesy the Cloud

The world of locksmithing is changing. Newcomers are entering the business, eager to get familiar with the industry. Current locksmiths are in a state of flux, looking for ways to extend their projects into complementary, integrated technologies. It’s a sign of the times, and a signal that locksmiths need to evaluate, change and adapt their business.

Taking advantage of cloud technology eases the pathway into new services and is a smart strategy that will protect your company profitability while making it future-ready.  

Locksmiths and other security professionals are moving to smart locks, wireless and electronic access control as end-user customers continue to shift their preference to intelligent, unified and convenient technologies. According to IBIS World, “as external competition mounts, the industry’s performance will increasingly rely on the ability for locksmiths to adopt value-added locking and security systems.” In addition, as reported in Locksmith Ledger’s 2025 State of the Industry Report, locksmiths continue to diversify their product portfolio to include electronic access control, biometrics, network-connected locks, mobile access and other technologies.

Cloud benefits clear

It's within this backdrop of opportunity that installers are discovering the power of cloud-based technology. Electronic access control is surging in popularity, like the way IP video gained acceptance when it moved to the network and the cloud. Cloud-managed, networked systems can help locksmiths and installers adapt to the changing entrance control and locking environment.

A browser-based cloud management interface leveraging Software as a Service (SaaS) lets you add new services, devices and connections as the user’s needs change, or the facility grows, while expanding your business to new projects. These direct-to-cloud integrations allow installers to add and manage single or multiple services, including:

·       Security and intrusion detection

·       Access control (wireless and hardwired)

·       Mobile access credentialing

·       Visitor management

·       Video and related analytics like gunshot and vape detection

·       Energy management

·       Critical environmental monitoring

·       Service and repair tracking

·       Asset management

·       Incident case management

·       Event response history

Customers want information

One of the primary reasons users move to higher levels of technology is to gain more data and accountability from their systems.  Today, it’s all about information, like who is coming and going from the building, who’s still in the facility or where they are in an emergency (when mustering is required). A traditional lock and key doesn’t provide that data. However, a connected electric strike, maglock or keypad does.

With a cloud management software interface, system and device information is unified, with everything in one place, accessible with an internet connection. For security pros, the benefits include remote system management, for example, being able to view, manage and control customer accounts for support without dispatching technicians to the customer location. Remote system testing provides real-time status updates and system control, eliminating unnecessary trips to onsite keypads or connected locks. You’ll see what the customer sees and their issues – streamlining support and making your service call more responsive and profitable.

Most security cloud management platforms offer different support levels: end-user self-managed; dealer managed; and blended service customizing the level of access and control for each customer. Users are added or removed across multiple sites (batching) quickly, with system permissions specific to the user and their access level.

A natural migration

The flexibility built-into these types of platforms will help locksmiths decide on the direction of their business and the services they want to add. Many times, locksmiths are already handling entrance locking solutions for another company. Why not finish the job and add access control to the installation for a turnkey solution? Locksmiths can add access control with popular modular access panels and direct cloud-management integration. This allows them to expand their business into a full access control solution for one to hundreds of doors – at their own pace – and as they continue their technology transition.

There’s also the new value proposition when leveraging the cloud – and that’s recurring monthly revenue (RMR). Not only is it an important part of regular, predicted revenues, but RMR creates a more valuable company now and in the future when you want to sell or require financing. Services equal more revenue from each customer and a stickier client who finds value in staying with you long term as a turnkey solution provider.

Wireless eases the transition

Electronic access control is the perfect, next-level-fit for locksmiths to move to higher levels of entrance and locking controls.  Wireless is also a way to start transitioning to electronics, without jumping in with both feet right away. For example, installers may want to start small with a wireless electronic lock or keypad. Wireless is available in a range of locking devices, including readers, keyless entry control, cabinet locks and other devices. Rather than hardwiring at the door and connecting to a network where IT permissions and expertise are required, installers can use WiFi from the lock to a wireless hub for point-to-point communication and real-time door status monitoring.   

There are so many ways for installers to add services. The beauty of the cloud is the ability for installers and their customers to adapt to new security and safety requirements by selecting from a wide range of services – easily deployed through the platform.

Here are two real-life implementations of the cloud in action:

- A growing financial services and payment processing company headquartered in the northwest suburbs of Chicago was looking for higher levels of security and human resources accountability for its 5,000-square-foot facility. The company handles sensitive and confidential customer data and needed a reliable access control solution for its main entrance and select areas – and information on who entered where and at what time.

The company installed a mobile credential reader at the main door, offices and other areas, integrated with a network camera at the front receptionist area. The reader is unique in that it uses only a barcode sticker affixed at the point of entrance to identify the door to be opened, so users with a smartphone, tablet, iPad or any device with a camera and WiFi or cellular connectivity can gain entry. It requires no software to install or maintain, eliminating access control cards/fobs and the installation of readers and door controllers. The ability to receive immediate notification via smartphone for authentication of access control activities is another feature that boosts security.

- Holy Cross Parish desired security, safety and simple data management for its K-8 school and other buildings on the Grace Catholic educational campus in Green Bay, Wis. The Parish priest and school administration wanted to implement a system that would be easy to use and provide for better identification and access control management without a local server – so they turned to a cloud security platform.

In addition, Holy Cross Parish needed to protect rare artwork, paintings and other artifacts dating back to the 1800s that reside in the church building. The building was normally open 24/7, but a rash of break-ins and vandalism at nearby churches necessitated the decision to close the facility after hours. The cloud-managed access control platform gave Holy Cross Parish the flexibility to easily manage its access control solution at the campus and remotely, and yield the operational data and business intelligence it required to retain an open setting while keeping students safe and facilities secured.

Technicians installed a point-to-point wireless network for connectivity throughout the campus, narrow-stile numerical, touch keypads at the church and rectory and proximity (touchless) readers with key fobs at the school – all controlled and managed by the cloud building security management platform and accessible by computer, tablet or smartphone.

The cloud security platform disseminates an event log to the user that displays usage and allows users to run activity reports. It also generates customized reports, for example, collecting data on who comes to visit the church between specific hours, so the church can meet parishioner’s scheduling needs.

Parishioners who come to visit the church after hours call the office and get a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access the facility. From there, the PIN is tracked via the cloud for additional business insights for the church. They know who the PIN has been disseminated to and when it’s used to gain access. The keypad is connected wirelessly to the rectory/parish office and managed fully over the network, making for a cost-effective solution.

Tips to get started

As you make your move to the cloud and new products, who you partner with is important. Look for a manufacturer with a flexible platform that makes it easy to add different systems and components from other, leading companies that you already do business with.

Building security management cloud platforms should allow for different levels of service – so you can start small without a significant initial investment. And of course, one of the most critical elements is customer training and ongoing support. You should be able to contact your manufacturer with questions, get specific training and receive assistance when you need it, without waiting days or more.

It’s time to look at the big picture and where technology is headed. Connected systems, whether wireless or hardwired, bring smart insights and unified intelligence that both you and your customer can benefit from. Start planning for a technology change, with products that already pair well with your current offerings – like wireless or electronic keypads. Cloud technology fits well in your toolbox – but you need to use it to realize all its potential.