How Often Should A Business Replace Its Locks?
A good lock should stand the test of time. Unless it has been compromised in some way (such as an attempted break-in, or it has been poorly maintained), a good lock should last for years, and essentially for as long as the door in question is yours to lock. This is true for both residential and commercial locks, but the locks at your business require special consideration. Not only do they safeguard your premises and your stock, but unless you work completely alone, chances are that your employees will also need to be able to unlock a door or two. But do the locks at your business need to be occasionally changed for the sake of security?
After a Break-In
Clearly, a lock needs to be changed after a business has been broken into. This is even the case when the attempt was unsuccessful. A lock that has been tampered with is a compromised lock, and this requires an urgent visit from your preferred commercial locksmith provider. All external locks (alternative entrances and all windows) should be professionally inspected for signs of tampering and should be replaced as needed.
Former Employees
It's not as though locks need to be replaced each time a staff member leaves your employment. That being said, some former employees pose more of a security risk than others. If an employee leaves on bad terms, you wouldn't hope that they plan to re-enter your premises without authorization, but if they have not returned their key, then this possibility cannot be ruled out. Locks don't need to be changed, but they should be rekeyed, which is when the lock is reconfigured and a new key is required.
Upgrading Your Locks
This rekeying (which is far less expensive than replacing a lock) should be an occasional consideration. As the years go by, some keys will be lost or misplaced, and when you cannot physically account for each and every key that has been made for the lock, then the lock must be updated. You could consider upgrading your locks to an access control system, requiring an entry code. This code can simply be changed to maintain security, instead of needing to rekey or replace the lock.
While total lock replacement should only be a last resort (except in the case of a break-in), rekeying or upgrading your locks is an efficient way to manage access and keep your premises safe.
For more information on commercial locksmith services, contact a local company.
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