Access Control Systems

Do you own a business and want to keep it secure at all times? Even though you may get by on traditional lock and key setups, you should seriously consider upgrading your security system. Why? Because the more valuable your assets, the more likely your business is to be targeted by an attacker. Thieves and burglars are always on the prowl for easy victims. Don’t let them think that your security system is weak. An access control system is extremely difficult to break, so an attacker would need to spend a lot of time bypassing it. If you use alarms with motion sensors and other security systems in your business, breaking through an access control system becomes nearly impossible. In fact, most thieves and burglars won’t even think about attempting to steal from you.

What Are Access Control Systems?

Access control systems are exceptional at mitigating security risks and are also designed to help you better organize your business and your employees. These systems allow only authorized personnel to enter the building or various parts of your business. A sturdy electronic locking mechanism on each door prevents intruders from opening the door. To enter, one needs to use a keycard or must have their fingerprint or iris scanned. This means that you can configure every door to give access only to specific people. For example, customers should not be able to enter areas reserved for staff only. Also, cashiers should not be able to access the storage areas or the areas where the IT equipment is located. These are just examples of how one can use access control systems to prevent access to restricted areas in a business. 

Benefits of Access Control Systems

Even though an access control system is more expensive to buy and install than a traditional lock and key solution, it provides a lot of extra benefits. Truth be told, these systems usually pay for themselves over time, so they are definitely worth the investment. Here are some of the most important benefits to using an electronic access control system:

• You don’t have to change the locks under any circumstances. If a keycard gets lost, you simply invalidate it and create a new one. There is no need to replace the locks.
• You have a master keycard or access code that allows you to open any door in your business. You don’t have to carry an entire set of keys with you everywhere you go.
• Duplicating an electronic key is very difficult and most thieves and burglars don’t even know where to start. This makes access control systems a lot more secure than traditional lock and key systems.
• You can prevent specific employees from accessing sensitive areas of your business. To do so, you just need to properly configure their electronic keys.
• You can save energy. Electronic access control systems can be integrated with other systems, such as lighting and heating. This means that the system will control lighting and heating, and activate them only in areas that require them.
• Electronic locks log who opens the door and when. In some cases, the system can be connected to CCTV cameras that will start recording when the door is accessed. This means that you always know who accessed various areas of your business at any given time.

And, of course, electronic access control systems provide the enhanced security your business requires. These systems are very difficult to bypass – almost impossible in many cases. Unlike traditional lock and key systems, an attacker can’t duplicate keys or attempt to pick the locks.

Importance of Access Control Systems

Of course, all security systems are important when you own a business. You are a prime target for thieves and burglars and also have to worry about the integrity of some of your employees. It is important to understand that breaking through a secure access control system requires a lot of finesse and years of experience – something most attackers don’t have. And if you pair the system with various other security measures – such as CCTV cameras, motion sensors, etc. – your security will be impenetrable.

The ability to set up multiple levels of interior access is also very important. Giving access to sensitive areas only to specific people is very important. It makes your security system a lot more flexible. Also, keep in mind that an access control system logs whose keycard is used to open the door and also record the exact time it happens. You can view who accessed certain areas at any time with ease. In case something happens, you will definitely be happy you have this information.

Who Installs Access Control Systems?

An access control system is quite complex. After all, this is why it is more expensive than traditional lock and key solutions. The locks must be installed properly and the system must be configured by an expert if you want to make sure everything works as it should. The security of your business assets, employees and customers is nothing to joke about. It is very important to properly install and configure the system so that it never malfunctions.

Although you may be able to install locks and other relatively simple security systems, you are advised to avoid attempting to install an access control system if you don’t have the necessary experience and the required tools. The solution is quite simple: a Racine locksmith is your best option. These people have years of experience installing this kind of security system. They know exactly what they are doing and are also insured and bonded. You can be sure that the access control system will be installed as it should be and that its warranty will not be voided by mistake.

An expert from Racine Locksmith in Racine, WI can assist you as soon as possible if you’re nearby. We are proud to say that we are the best locksmith company in the city and that our services are the best in class. A locksmith from our company can install your access security system in no time and configure it according to your requirements. We are ready to help you protect your business from any kind of attack!

Steps for Dealing with Your Key Being Stuck in the Ignition

You may try to remove your key from the ignition before hoping out of the car but to your surprise, the key won’t bulge. This can be upsetting and frustrating all at the same time. You don’t know what to do at this point. The last thing you want to do is make things worse by pulling the key out and breaking it in the ignition. Rest assured that you do not have to resort to such measures. At Racine Locksmith in Racine, WI, we can tell you that this is a rather common occurrence. It could happen for several reasons; there might be a problem with the key itself or the ignition could be warped. Whatever the reason is, at this point, you likely do not care. You just want to be able to get your key out without breaking it.

Ways to effectively disengage your key from inside the ignition:

The Keys Position 

The first thing we would suggest that you do is to make sure that the key is not in the ‘lock’ position.  Also, when your cylinder is old it might turn beyond the ‘on’ position and cause your key to become stuck. You may have heard someone say that it isn’t a good idea to have heavy objects attached to you key chain. It is for this very reason that you wouldn’t want to have a lot of things on your keychain; it affects your ignition, wearing out the cylinder. Also, if your key is not in the correct position within the ignition, it will not properly engage with the operating system, therefore, your key will not move. If you’re not sure if it is or if it is not in the right position, rely on a qualified locksmith to assist in getting your key out of the ignition and avoid breaking your key.

Slowly Repositioning the Steering Wheel

Slowly and carefully begin to move your steering wheel back and forth as you ease the key out of the ignition. Sometimes your steering column will lock up causing your key to become stuck until you have been able to unlock the steering wheel. At this point your attention should be on repositioning the steering column so that the steering column will unlock and you can easily remove the key.

Your May Have a Dead Battery

This is important to do and could save you a lot of frustration. Check to see if your battery is dead. If it is, you will not be able to remove the key from the ignition. This actually can serve as a way to prevent auto theft. However, you will need to make sure you can recharge your battery, if it is dead, and it should be safe to remove your key from the ignition without damaging it.

Lubricate Your Keys

This may not sound like a resolution but it actually is. You may be able to get your key out simply by lubricating it with electrical cleaner. All that you’ll have to do is spray a small amount of cleaner between your key and the ignition. We warn you not to put too much pressure on your key or you could damage the ignition.

Damaged Keys

Your key may be damaged and you were not even aware of this. This can cause your key to become stuck inside the ignition. However small the damage might be to your key, it is a possibility that your key can get stuck. If you are eventually capable of getting your key out, do not, we repeat, do not put the key back inside. Call Racine Locksmith and let us make another key for you. It could be possible that you are using a spare key that was never properly cut. This isn’t a resolution once your key is already stuck but it can prevent it from occurring again.

These are simple things that you can do to get your key out of the ignition without making the situation worse. If you want to know why your key may have become stuck in the first place, here are a few reasons to consider.

Reasons for Keys Jamming in Ignition

·         Loose cables

If you have a loose cable in your dashboard, you might find yourself in this situation. The cables will need to be replaced in order to get your key.

·         Lock Cylinder Damaged

If your cylinder is torn, it will not be able to make a complete turn that engages your auto mechanisms, making it impossible for the key to come out.

·         Dead Battery

We mentioned this previously but it is certainly worth mentioning again, especially since this is one of the most common reasons for your key getting stuck in the first place.

When you have done all that you can do on your end to get your key out of the ignition, it may be time to break down and give us a call. We deal with this issue regularly and generally know very quickly, exactly what the problem might be. Give us the chance to get you going again. We don’t do anything to make the problem any worse. Our locksmiths take their time to make sure we do the job right. Rely on a reputable locksmith service that will offer you efficient services and will not make it worse for you. 

Don’t just use the first locksmith that you come across. Make sure whomever you use is reputable and reliable. Since you rely on your car so frequently, it is likely that you can’t afford for your key to be stuck. You need to keep moving. Prepared with the above information, you can likely get yourself out of this predicament without even bothering to call us. However, we are always here for you when you need us. Some motorists tend to veer on the side of caution, not wanting to take the chance of breaking their car key; they turn to Racine Locksmith.

PANIC BARS – THEIR IMPORTANCE IN COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

Have you been thinking of adding panic bars to your commercial store or building? Maybe you are interested in them because you’ve heard good things about them. Or, you might be required by your fire code or property manager to have them installed. Either way, you are in for a pleasant surprise; panic bars have many advantages and benefits with no obvious drawbacks. Here in Racine, WI many hundreds of local businesses and institutional locations use them with great success. Read on and see how installing panic bars at your firm may be a good thing!

What are panic bars?

We’ve all seen and used them; some people just didn’t know their name! Panic bars are also called push bars, crash bars and exit devices. This is because they are horizontal, spring loaded bars attached to back doors that allow users to push on them and simultaneously unlock and open the door without any hassle or effort at all. Panic bars are all over town; in fact, Racine Locksmith has installed many of them. You can find (and use) these panic bars in movie theaters, restaurants, retail stores, schools, hotels, churches, public libraries, clinics, hospitals, office buildings, fine dining, fast food, car repair shops and thousands more. They are in such use because they work and they keep people safe and moving along without having to stop, unlock the door, turn a knob and fight incoming traffic. If you’ll notice; panic bars are always installed on one-way doors. This is by design. People can’t exit safely or rapidly if they are dodging folks coming the other way. In almost all cases, the outside of the door with the panic bar on the inside does not have a door knob! It may have a lock on it but no handle or knob to grasp or turn. This is so that people leaving have one easy thing to do; lean on the panic bar and walk out the door!

Much like buying a new car and suddenly noticing the same make and model everywhere you look, you’ll start to notice panic bars wherever you go. This is a good thing; you’ll appreciate this useful tool and the numerous lives it has saved over the years.

Why the word:“panic?”

Do you know why it is illegal to yell “fire” in a crowded theater? Of course you do; people would panic and stampede each other in an effort to get out the door…but what about when this really happens? The problem may be a fire or a water leak. It could be a person acting deranged or an armed assailant. Anytime people feel the need to leave in a hurry there can be problems evacuating the premises. Panic bars help them do this faster, easier, and with less steps involved. 

Do I have to have them?

Maybe you do. Sometimes having panic bars installed is a requirement according to building or fire codes. To be sure, check with your fire department, property manager, architect or builder of your development. Each locale is different and you’ll want to be sure. 

Do panic bars ever break down?

Anything mechanical will malfunction eventually. Panic bars are no different. They can become jammed or stuck in the locked or unlocked position. If this happens, it may prevent you from closing your doors for the night as it will be hard to “lock up” with your back door unable to lock. There are some useful remedies that can help you fix the problem yourself or you can contact your commercial locksmith in Racine of choice and they can unlock your panic bar so that it is usable and safe to use once more. Be sure and save your owner’s manual and model number in case you want to do your own servicing.

Where can you buy panic bars?

You can purchase panic bars online or in local stores. You can have your builder or local contractor install them for you or you can buy from them, as well. Our recommendation is that you buy from a commercial locksmith and have them do the installation and service if, it is ever needed. Panic bars are a vital part of your building and should be treated as an integral part of your business equipment. As such it is worth the investment in quality materials and service and in many cases, you can write off purchase, service, installation and care as a tax expense. Be sure to check with your tax professional for the details and documentation needed.

A commercial locksmith will have better access to a greater number of panic bar brands and models, and will be able to provide on-site installation as well as 24-hour emergency care for it if and when it is needed.

You can also purchase your panic bars from local home improvement stores, hardware stores and from national chains like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, and Ace Hardware. The problem with doing all of this yourself is that you are having to shop, investigate, install and maintain your panic bars, all on your own. As a business owner or operator, your time is better spent actually running your company and increasing sales or service and not doing mundane, do-it-yourself projects that you are not specialized in.

When questions arise…

As with anything new, questions will come up. Another drawback to adding panic bars on your own is that you virtually have no one to answer them for you. Sure, you can ask around but are the answers truthful and accurate? Why not use a commercial locksmith and have fast and honest answers to your panic bar questions and problems at a moment’s notice? For instance, you cannot install a deadbolt lock in addition to a panic bar. Panic bars are meant to be opened quickly and easily and having to work a deadbolt lock in addition can be against building codes and a safety hazard. Your locksmith will be able to advise you on issues and questions like these anytime they arise.

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It’s difficult to find an affordable but reliable locksmith. Racine Locksmith is what you have been searching for all along. Call us to hear about our amazing rates at (262) 806-0001. We offer many types of services and we can come to you in or around Racine. We want to make locksmith services accessible to everyone. We will never charge you ridiculous prices. That’s our pledge to you. Enjoy the services of licensed and insured locksmiths for the best rates throughout Racine.

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Our number is (262) 806-0001 And you can also check us out at www.racinelocksmith.com