Take access control systems, for example. Did you know you can control access to everything from a supply closet to an entire office complex? Or that access control systems don’t have to be expensive? Let’s take a look at five things you might not know about access control systems and why they might make sense for your Dallas-Fort Worth business.

1. They Take Security to Another Level

For starters, you might not even know what an access control system is. Access control systems can range from electronic deadbolts with keys that are programed to open a lock at specific time ranges to full proxy card and access logging systems. All of this gives your DFW business top-quality security in a way that regular door locks can’t. 

2. They’re Not All Expensive

Again, access control systems can range in complexity, so they can range in price as well. “Access control” simply means controlling access to areas that allow some users in while keeping others out. People have been using simple, affordable access control systems for years. Once you determine your budget, you can find an effective access control system that meets your DFW business’ needs.

3. Top Companies Use Them

Several well-known businesses in Dallas-Fort Worth and beyond use access control systems and other high-security solutions. For example, the City of Arlington, AAA, Burger King, The Cheesecake Factory, Taco Bueno, Chipotle, The Salvation Army, Little Caesars, the City of Dallas, Walmart, DFW airport, Baylor Health Care Systems and Zoës Kitchen all are happy corporate clients of companies like A-1 Locksmith Security & Safes that sell and install access control systems and digital locks.

4. Brands Matter

You don’t want to trust the security of your Dallas-Fort Worth business to a generic brand or a brand that can’t be trusted. When it comes to access control systems, brands matter. A few of the best access control brands are ASSA Abloy, BEST Access and Mul-T-Lock.

5. The Possibilities Are Endless

Lastly, your access control system can be personalized to fit your DFW business’ needs. The right access control system installer will ask the right questions to recommend the perfect solution for you. There is no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to access control systems. At A-1 Locksmith Security & Safes, for example, we’ll make sure to identify what your real needs are, what you want to protect, how much control you need and what areas of your business to limit access. The possibilities really are endless.
If you’re interested in an access control system for your Dallas-Fort Worth business, give the A-1 Locksmith Security & Safes team a call at 972-284-7500 or visit one of our DFW locations today.

Of course, like anything else, each type of system has various benefits and drawbacks, all of which should be considered before purchase and installation. If you are interested in adding extra safety to your home or business, make sure to understand the specifics of these three most popular types of security access control systems before you make the final decision.

Card Access Systems

Perhaps one of the most commonly utilized security access control system involves the use of security cards that can be swiped to open the door. Once the access card is placed in front of the scanner, access is provided to the user and the door is then unlocked.

Naturally, this is a convenient way to eliminate the need for keys, and one that makes it significantly more difficult to overcome by burglars than a traditional lock. And keycard access can be granted or revoked remotely; as such, if you lose your card, there’s no need to worry about it ending up in the wrong hands. There is one drawback, however; if the scanner malfunctions or breaks altogether, access will be permanently denied to everyone until it is fixed.

Keypad Systems

In addition to card readers, keypads are also commonly seen adjacent to locks on homes and businesses. And, in general, these are extremely reliable; the door will only be unlocked once the correct sequence of numbers or letters is pressed.

Naturally, one downside to this is relatively evident; if the keypad number becomes common knowledge, it entirely defeats the purpose of the access system.

Biometric Scanners

Finally, with the recent popularization of biometric scanners, a number of companies have utilized this technology to work in conjunction with locks. And this type of system can be highly beneficial, as access is only given to those with a certain fingerprint, for example, the replication of which is nearly impossible.

But while fingerprint scanning can be highly accurate most often, difficulties may arise if the person’s finger has a substantial injury, or if the scanner or the finger is dirty.

Contact a Locksmith with Questions

Are you considering installing a security access control system in your home or business? The best way to make the right choice is by enlisting in the help of a locksmith. At A-1 Locksmith in Dallas, we have experience installing and maintaining security access systems, and are happy to work with you today.

Of course, many see biometric locks as a staple of the future, and one that will help replace the necessity of carrying a set of keys. But do these biometric locks offer the same security as traditional key locks? Or do they comprise a recent fad that simply fails to provide the same safety as a lock and key?

What Are Biometric Locks?

Biometric locks, per their name, utilize an individual’s biometric markers to open the associated lock. Specifically, this piece of technology allows the home or business owner to press his or her fingerprint against a scanner; if the scanner recognizes the fingerprint, it will unlock the door. Of course, the added safety seems relatively apparent; anyone whose biometric markers, or fingerprints, don’t match those connected with the device will be unable to unlock the door to the home. This seems incredibly convenient, and allows these individuals to gain access to their homes without needing a key or a fob.

And some even come with alarm systems that warn of intruders who may be attempting to break the device in order to gain entry to the premises. This does, in fact, provide an extra sense of security not readily available with traditional key locks.

Are There Any Possible Drawbacks of Biometric Locks?

There are visible benefits of utilizing a biometric lock. To be sure, it allows for the individual to gain access to his or her home or business using nothing but a fingerprint scanner, and, in turn, prevents others from breaking in.

But are there specific drawbacks of biometric locks that could potentially put you at risk? Perhaps the most significant downside to biometric locks will emerge if the home or business owner has an injury on the tip of the finger used to open the lock. While the lock may open if it recognizes the specific fingertip, it may fail to do so if the fingerprint is altered at all due to an injury, ranging from a small slice to a serious burn. In this case, the individual would be unable to utilize the fingerprint scanner until his or her wound healed completely; or, he or she could take the time to reprogram it altogether.

However, even in this case the home or business owner could still likely access the premises, as biometric locks may also come outfitted with traditional key locks or number pads as well designed to aid in this specific situation.

Do You Have Questions About Biometric Locks?

The decision to install biometric locks on your home or business should be considered carefully with the help of a professional. If you have questions about biometric locks and how they could benefit you, please reach out to the locksmiths at A-1 Locksmith today to learn how we can be of assistance.

But when considering the business’ future, many owners often overlook the importance of consulting with an expert who can help ensure the safety of the company’s physical assets; specifically, a locksmith. A-1 Locksmith teams with businesses large and small to be a critical partner in the development of their enterprise. While the topic of a locksmith often comes up on an as-needed basis it is a good idea to be prepared for this inevitable need and have an established partnership with a local commercial locksmith.

Protecting Your Physical Location

In addition to offering emergency services for those locked out of their homes, cars, or businesses, locksmiths offer a variety of other forms of assistance that may significantly improve the safety of your business’ most prized assets. For one, a trained locksmith can recommend and provide you with a high-quality safe to store your most precious valuables, either on-site or in another location. Furthermore, locksmiths are often experts on the topic of security systems; as such, if you have other valuable assets, within your business’ building, you can turn to a trained locksmith who can suggest a lock and security system that will provide you with unparalleled protection. Of course, the security system may offer the traditional experience of a lock-and-key mechanism; or, if you have multiple visitors entering and exiting throughout the day, your locksmith can help you select a security access control system using a swipe-card instead.

Access control, CCTV, exit alarms and lockouts are just a fraction of the services a commercial locksmith can perform for your business. Indeed, a good commercial locksmith can be one of your business’ most important allies.

Avoiding Scams in the Future

In addition to the aforementioned benefits offered by conducting business with a reputable Dallas/Fort Worth area commercial locksmith, developing a relationship with such a security professional can help ensure that you avoid falling prey to any scams in the future, should you need emergency services.

Imagine, for example, a situation in which you are locked out of your building, or cannot find the keys to the safe you recently installed. And further, imagine that up until this point, you have not had any contact with a professional locksmith. Here, you are faced with the prospect of calling a stranger to come to your building and render services, which may often times be sensitive to your business. Considering that some business locations may house thousands or even millions of dollars worth of assets it is imperative that you have a trusted, bonded and insured locksmith to better safeguard your interests.

Opposed to scrambling to find a commercial locksmith in an emergency situation, we invite you to contact us at A-1 Locksmith for all of your commercial locksmith needs. We offer both preventative and emergency services for businesses in the Dallas area, and have been doing so for over 60 years. Whether you’re locked out of your business, need lock rekeying or replacement or you need the best security system on the market, don’t hesitate to call.