For a house, office, or corporation protection, the selection of an effective door security is very important. For many years the conventional locks were considered an ideal tool to restrict the unknown, or uninvited guests, but now the world time is changed, and the need for modern access control systems provides more reliable solutions. So, when we compare access control with traditional locks? The answer depends on your security preferences, available budget, and required level of security control. In the following blog, we will compare the two security solutions and explain why more and more companies are switching to innovative access control systems from the traditional locks.
What Are Traditional Locks?
Traditional locks are one of the most widespread kinds of door security. Most of the time, such locks need a real hard key to operate. Examples of traditional locks include; deadbolts, knob locks, cylinder locks, etc. These locks are cheap and simple to install, but they can cause problems because they can be opened by anyone who possesses the right key. When someone loses or when someone copies the key, the whole locks must be changed for the sake of safety. Moreover, dealing with all the keys given to employees, relatives and other people can be quite problematic.
What Is Access Control?
An access control system uses modern technology to limit the access to an area or a building. The users can use various means such as mobile phones, fingerprints, PIN codes, and smart cards instead of keys to enter the building. The access control mechanism can record the in and out movement of people, enabling the property owners to know where and who access the property. The value of the access control system is more in the office, schools, buildings, warehouse, and residential apartments. Where you need to keep the employee, student, more safe and secure.
Key Differences
The main difference between access control and conventional locks is how the access is handled. In the case of a traditional lock, the access relies on the management of physical keys. In the case of access control systems, access can be granted, modified, or cancelled electronically. For example, the access card of an employee leaving the place can be deactivated without changing the entire lock.
Traditional Locks Vs Access Control
| Features | Traditional locks | Access Control Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Method | Physical key | Key card, PIN, mobile app, or biometrics |
| Security Level | Basic security | Higher and more controlled security |
| Lost Key Risk | Lost keys can create security risks | Access can be removed or disabled digitally |
| Access Management | Difficult to control who has a key | Easy to add, change, or remove users |
| Access Records | No entry history | Can record who entered and when |
| Remote Control | Not available | Many systems allow remote management |
| Employee Access | Requires physical keys | Individual access can be assigned to employees |
| Visitor Management | Manual | Temporary or scheduled access can be provided |
| Scalability | Less convenient for multiple doors | Easy to manage multiple doors and locations |
| Maintenance | Generally simple | Requires electronic components and occasional maintenance |
| Best For | Homes, small offices, basic security | Businesses, offices, apartments, and high-security areas |
Security Matters
In terms of security capabilities, the two types of systems work differently. Traditional locks are mostly secure, but they have the chance of being compromised because of copying keys or losing them. Also, there is no record of who accessed the facility. On the other hand, modern electronic access control systems require unique credentials for every user and make it possible to monitor access and control unauthorized entry to certain restricted areas or rooms.
Easy Management of Access
Keys can become a problem to manage as the number of employees grows in an organization. Let’s suppose in an office where 30 people need access to various zones. Providing them keys to the different zones is very difficult. Access control systems, on the other hand, make it possible to grant different access to specific places to each particular worker. And they will access it without any issue.
Convenience Counts
The traditional key-locking system can create a lack of convenience for people who may forget things, misplace or lock themselves out of their own home. With the arrival of modern keyless locking systems in the market, anyone can access their house through different forms of credentials, including a PIN code, fingerprints, smartphones, and key cards. With the help of such modern technologies, it is possible to save a lot of time and avoid carrying the burden of keys in the pockets. Businesses may benefit greatly from adopting the modern keyless access system in terms of easy access management for employees, contractors, and other people who access premises regularly.
Cost and Maintenance
In terms of costs and maintenance, old locks are less expensive to install, although when it comes to managing large properties, maintaining security becomes too expensive. A typical electronic access system runs significantly higher in cost than a traditional locking system because the overall expense goes far beyond the cost of installation, especially when they include advanced software and hardware technologies. However, even with all the costs involved, it is undoubtedly worth the money for businesses that are in need of enhanced security systems for effective access management.
Where Access Control Works Best
Access control is useful for the properties where controlling and monitoring of human traffic is important. The common applications include:
- Office buildings
- Apartment complexes
- Retail stores
- Warehouses
- Schools
- Medical facilities
- Industrial buildings
- Commercial properties
- Gated entrances
- Server and equipment rooms
Traditional Locks Still Have a Place
Although access control has numerous modern capabilities, there are still some places where traditional locks are relevant. A traditional lock may be a suitable choice for a small house, a storage space, an interior room, or any property that has simple security needs. Traditional locks are basic and do not need to use any network systems to operate. The choice depends on how much security or convenience a property needs.
What Should You Choose?
The distinction between access control and traditional locks depends entirely on your requirements. One should opt for traditional locks if one wants cheap and easy door security and only a select number of people are going to use them. It is advisable to choose access control systems if better control over users is needed, as well as keyless entrance, access records, or various levels of permits. For many modern companies, access control is a more flexible solution because usage can be changed without replacing locks and getting new keys.
Choose FDS Security Solutions
If you need professional installation of an Access Control System in Los Angeles, we recommend you to choose a reliable security company that can advise you on the right solution for your property. For such purposes the FDS Security Cameras deal with security solutions specifically for homes and businesses all over Los Angeles. We can handle installation of the systems, such as the door access control system, electronic access control system, keyless entry systems, CCTV security cameras, and many other commercial security systems. It is very important to use professional installation services because proper configuration, installation, and connection of your system is essential for its effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
Access control compared with traditional locks is not simply based on old vs. new technology. Traditional locks are still capable of keeping the specific area free from intrusion, but access control systems are capable of offering higher flexibility and convenience, among other benefits. In case your property involves several users or restricted areas for accessing or changing factors that require changing access requirements, it would be a better choice for you to opt for access control instead of traditional locks. Thanks to the professional installation of FDS security cameras in Los Angeles, we know how to make the security of your property more effective and reliable.