Nexkey is a simple way to update a mechanical opening to electronic access control, controlled by smartphones. Locksmiths download an app, build a profile and swap out the existing mechanical cylinder for this electronic cylinder. The product is compact and takes up no more room on the truck than a traditional cylinder.
In Episode 9 of the Locksmith Security Network podcast, Wayne Winton interviewed Nexkey President Brandon Douglas about the Nexkey products, billed as a bridge from mechanical to electronic access control.
“If you can operate a flathead and a Phillips head screwdriver, you can install electronic access control,” Winton said while demonstrating the installation. “I truly believe this is the wave of the future and a great middle ground for access control.”
Douglas is a third generation locksmith, who also worked at Allegion before taking over at Nexkey, which is under new ownership.
“We are really trying to help the locksmith that’s mechanically focused in their hardware, sort of reactive repair, to build a business around access control by making it easy to get into that,” Douglas said, describing Nexkey as an intermediary step between full bore access control and mechanical locks.
Products include mortise cylinders, key-in-knob cylinders that will screw right into a door, panic bar cylinders, padlocks and an electric strike. Profile cylinders may be added in the future.
They are wireless and battery operated. All the intelligence is stored on the phone app. The phone becomes the panel where all the intelligence and decisions are made, Douglas explained.
Emily Pike | Managing Editor
Emily Pike is managing editor of Locksmith Ledger International.
