Preventive commercial lockouts include being proactive and planning ahead. The most important measure is keeping spare keys in secure, easily accessible, and off-site locations. Other modern solutions that can help prevent lockouts include moving from traditional to keyless entry systems and smart and digital locks that eliminate the need for physical keys. Regular maintenance is also crucial in reducing accidental lockouts.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Business Lockouts
01. Secure Spare Key Management
The best way to prevent commercial lockouts is to store a spare key in a safe, accessible place. The best places where you can keep one are with a trusted employee or in a secure, off-site location. Having a spare key available outside the building is the best way to protect your business from lockout situations.
02. Upgrade to Smart or Keyless Locks
Preventing commercial lockouts can be done easily by eliminating traditional locks and keys. Modern locking mechanisms include smart and digital locks that eliminate the need for a physical key. Instead, these locks use a security code to unlock the doors. These keyless systems help simplify access and allow better access control management.
03. Regular Lock Maintenance
Locks fail when they are damaged or wornout. The damages don’t have to be visible (and usually they are not), but they are hidden inside the locking mechanism. The malfunction can happen as a result of normal wear and tear, grease buildup, or some physical damage. In all cases, it happens when least expected, so it is important to regularly maintain and inspect the locks and repair the broken or damaged parts to prevent commercial lockouts.
04. Implement Master Key System
Master key systems are very popular with business owners, since they allow access to every individual area with a single master key, while the individuals still keep their privacy and their own set of keys. Implementing such a system can reduce commercial lockouts, even in such situations where an individual has lost access; it can easily be restored by the person trusted with the master key.
05. Define Clear Protocols
Businesses rely on different kinds of protocols. Creating and implementing strict key handling protocols can help track the key location, distribution, and emergency access. When the protocols are in place, there are fewer chances that the employees will misplace the keys or leave them unattended, which are all situations that can lead to lockouts.
06. Consult Security Professionals
The best way to prevent commercial lockouts is to hire a commercial locksmith to inspect all the locks and their conditions. They are trained professionals who can successfully audit the security levels, identify vulnerabilities and weak spots, and propose the system’s upgrade. This way, you keep all your locks in mint condition, while the security levels are at their highest.
What to Consider During a Business Lockout
01. Locksmith Services
During commercial lockouts, the first thing to consider is calling a reliable and trustworthy locksmith. Professional locksmiths are trained to deal with any type of lock-related issues, and can unlock them and restore access without causing any damage to the hardware, locks, and doors. Their services are fast and efficient, and they minimize downtime, ensuring smooth business operation.
02. Legal Consideration
Most landlords have very strict protocols that need to be followed in case of lockouts due to non-payment. These strict guidelines must be followed, and failure to comply could lead to possible legal disputes. Of course, the best way to avoid this is to be regular with payments, but even when late, the tenants should receive warnings and proper notice.
03. Security and Prevention
Commercial lockouts that happen very often are a sign of poor key management or security system flaws. A good and solid security system should have protocols that prevent emergency situations such as lockouts. These rules could help reduce the risk of business lockouts. This is achieved with close collaboration with locksmiths, who provide valuable intel on weakspots and propose improvements for the security system that improve protection in the long run.
04. Locksets and Hardware
Commercial door locks and hardware are very different from personal use ones, and can play a vital role in obtaining and maintaining the security of a property. Choosing the right set of equipment depends on the specific security requirements, door type, and intended use. When such specific hardware fails and causes a lockout situation, hiring a professional locksmith is crucial to avoid any further damage.
05. Business-specific Solutions
Each business requires a specific solution. Only professionals in the business are able to correctly troubleshoot what went wrong and what has caused the lockout (if it is not a result of a forgotten key). If you are experiencing lockout emergencies with your mailbox or safe, the commercial lockout can successfully restore access without causing any damage to the hardware.
Final Thoughts
Lockout situations can be very unpleasant, and avoiding them, especially in a business environment, is a must. Commercial locksmiths are trained to deal with any kind of commercial-grade lock issues, causing lockouts, and have the right tools and equipment to solve them effectively. Having the right and reliable locksmith on speeddial is a must, and working on prevention is essential.
Does Your Business Have a Commercial Locksmith? Let’s Partner Up!
We at A1 Locksmith Service LLC provide all kinds of commercial locksmith services to businesses, including custom-tailored security solutions, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of advanced and high-security locks, while keeping your expenses within the budget. Call us at +1 (813) 817-5576 to schedule your commercial locksmith service.
