A locksmith, normally associated with helping people gain access back into their homes or cars if they happen to be locked out, is a professional who can be called on to service businesses and commercial establishments.
But what is a commercial locksmith, and how does the range of services they offer differ from that of a traditional locksmith?
In this blog, we are going to discuss the roles of a commercial locksmith, the type of services offered, and how they are useful to businesses.
Whether you have a small-scale store, a large office building, or perhaps a warehouse, you’re bound to appreciate what a commercial locksmith has in store to keep your property both safe and functional.
What is a Commercial Locksmith?
A commercial locksmith is a trained and certified professional who deals exclusively with the installation, repair, and maintenance of locks and security systems for commercial properties. In contrast to residential ones, the work of a commercial locksmith entails dealing with more complicated security systems, including high-grade locks, master key systems, and electronic access controls. Their expertise helps to shield businesses from theft, unauthorised access, or other security breaches.
Moreover, they also advise the business owner on finding the best solutions for security that fit their needs.
Key Services Provided by a Commercial Locksmith
The services commercial locksmiths cater for are numerous, aimed at ensuring that safety and security are accorded to the property. Some of the main services they offer are:
High-Security Locks Installation
High-security locks are designed specifically with full resistance to forced entry and tampering in mind. Some of the high-security locks that commercial locksmiths can install include:
- Deadbolts and Mortise Locks: These are heavy metal, solid locks that are much more protective compared to the normal latch lock.
- Keyless Entry Systems: The locking system doesn’t need any key but codes, biometric scanning, or smart cards.
- Smart Locks: Wi-Fi afterward-controlled locks are ideal for modern businesses with fluid security needs.
Master Key Systems
Special access to various areas of the commercial property is a hassle to manage. Master key systems can help in this area. A master key system is one in which a single key opens multiple locks, and other employees have keys to only the locations where they work.
- Key Hierarchies: Commercial locksmiths are able to implement a specific key hierarchy for the purpose of giving out various levels of access, based on the level of authority.
- Convenience and Security: Business owners may only need to carry one key that opens a building or facility using a master key system. The amount of keys in circulation will be reduced, which decreases the likelihood of losing keys.
Master key systems are ideal for offices seeking office apartments, and industrial complexes for controlling access.
3. Commercial Lock Repair and Maintenance
Like any other piece of machinery, locks can wear out after some time. Such malfunctioning locks can pose a real security hazard if left unattended. Commercial locksmiths in Melbourne provide routine check-ups and maintenance services for all installed locks. Here is what they do:
- Lock Lubricating and Adjusting: With time, locks develop jams due to dust accumulation and dirt. If the lock was greased and adjusted periodically, these things would not happen.
- Broken Key Extraction: Whenever a part of a key happens to break off inside a lock, a commercial locksmith will be able to extract it using proper tools and knowledge without further damaging the lock.
- Replacement of Parts: They replace the worn-out or broken internal parts in the locks and get them back to their original state.
This service extends the life of your security systems and reduces disruptions to your business.
Installation of Panic Bar and Emergency Exit
The panic bars, more widely known as crash bars, represent an essential safety feature in any commercial building; in case of any emergency- such as a fire, they allow quick escape. Any good commercial locksmith must be capable of maintaining these systems in order to meet the safety regulations.
- Compliances of Fire Codes: Proper installation of panic bars is an important necessity when fulfilling fire safety requirements.
- Regular Inspections: Commercial locksmiths may perform routine inspections to ensure bars function properly and meet the legal requirements.
Access Control Systems
The access control systems are a must for businesses where the need for higher security is felt. Among such businesses, access control systems guarantee the entry or exit of any individual on the premises using specific hardware and software solutions.
- Card Readers and Keypads: The card readers and keypads allow access by means of cards and PINs, or even through biometric scanning, rather than with a traditional key.
- Audit Trails: A majority of the access control systems keep a record of who came in contact with a building and at what time.
- Integration with Other Security Systems: Commercial locksmiths can integrate access control systems with surveillance cameras, alarms, and intercoms for a comprehensive security solution.
Access control is best suited for sensitive areas, such as server rooms, executive offices, or research labs.
Safe Installation and Servicing
Many businesses require safes for storing money, significant documents, and other non-replaceable assets. For such, commercial locksmiths are trained in the installation and servicing of safes with the following:
- Digital and Mechanical Safes: From little cash boxes to big vaults, a commercial locksmith will always be able to recommend and install the correct safe for your needs.
- Changes in Safe Combinations: It always is a good thing to change your safe combination from time to time to keep it more secure.
- Safe Opening and Repairs: If a safe happens to malfunction or, for some reason, one forgets the combination, then it is the job of a commercial locksmith to professionally open such without inflicting damage.
These services are particularly important to retail stores, financial institutions, and businesses that concern themselves with sensitive information or cash.
Security Consultation and Risk Assessment
Perhaps one of the most valuable services a commercial locksmith like Top Pick Locksmiths can offer is security consultation. They will be able to come and investigate your business premises to make recommendations on items that need attention due to potential vulnerabilities.
- On-Site Evaluation: A locksmith will assess your existing security installations for defective conditions of locks, doors, and windows.
- Tailor-made Solutions: After that, they will indicate appropriate solutions based on their findings, whether through lock upgrades, the addition of other security systems, or even access control.
- Compliance Checks: They also make sure your security systems are compliant with local regulations and industry standards.
Why Commercial Locksmiths are a Necessity for Businesses
Investing in a commercial locksmith’s services goes beyond just security reasons. Some of the reasons a business may want to hire a professional include:
- Prevent Unauthorised Access: By the installation of top-notch locks and access control systems, unauthorised personnel would be impeded from sensitive-area access.
- Improved Safety for Employees: Appropriately installed locks and mechanisms of emergency exits greatly help in keeping your employees safe, particularly when working in hazardous environments.
- Minimise Downtime: Should a lock malfunction, a commercial locksmith will immediately replace or repair it, ensuring minimal disruption to the normal functioning of your business.
- Save Money in the Future: Lock maintenance and security systems at regular intervals avoid having to make expensive repairs or replacement later on.
Conclusion
Commercial locksmiths can be much more than a person who installs locks and sells keys. They are specialists in security matters who dedicates themselves to the protection of a business. Be it a high-security lock installation, access control systems, emergency services, or security consultations- the expertise a commercial locksmith offers becomes quite indispensable for any owner of commercial property.
If your need is related to business security upgrades or if you have systems that don’t work and need solutions, then seeking a trusted commercial locksmith to undertake the work is worth considering. They can guide, install, and maintain what’s required and necessary for your business, employees, and assets.
