Best Lock Systems For Retail Businesses

According to CTV News, retail crime contributed about $5bn CAD in losses across Canada in the pre-pandemic context. These losses, as stated by CTV News, are likely to be higher in 2024 and 2025. Theft in Canadian businesses can have a clear impact, not only financially, but in terms of employee safety as well. For this reason, you need to ensure your business has the right lock systems to stay protected.

If you need a way to protect your inventory, staff, and customers, you might have already begun looking for the best lock systems for your premises. To make the search easier, our commercial locksmith in Toronto will look closely at the options you might want to consider for your retail business.

Why You Should Focus on Retail Security

So many businesses face unique security challenges, and retail businesses are no exception. Retail businesses are particularly vulnerable because they experience high foot traffic. Potentially, hundreds of individuals pass through a retail business each day, meaning there is a chance that retail owners may find it difficult to manage the customer flow—this means individuals with malicious intent can easily go undetected.

If there is easy access to valuable goods, opportunistic individuals may make these goods a target. And, at the same time, retail businesses need to handle cash transactions every day, which may be an additional target for malicious individuals.

Our professional locksmiths suggest that theft and vandalism are some serious consequences of poor security. But it’s also important to remember that data breaches can happen as a result of insufficient lock systems, as opportunistic individuals may target company data on the premises, as well as financial assets.

Examples of Retail Business Lock Systems

Of course, there are many examples of retail business lock systems that can make a difference to security. You’ll find that each example comes with its pros and cons, so you will have to weigh up these advantages and disadvantages. Our experienced locksmiths have outlined the top security solutions you might want to consider below and shared their pros and cons.

Traditional Mechanical Locks

These types of locks are just regular turn-key security measures that rely on a key to operate. You’ll find that they won’t need any power to function and are typically made from steel. You may also know that these locks have a lever on both sides of the door to grant access to the premises.

Pros: These locks have been around for hundreds of years and are far from complex to operate. They are also an economical choice that may save your business money in terms of installation.
Cons: Mechanical locks are not advanced and are limited compared with other security systems. They’re targets to opportunistic individuals who may breach these locks and gain unauthorized access through key duplication, lock bumping, and lock-picking.

Electronic Keypad Locks

An electronic keypad lock works using digital features. You’ll notice that they have a keypad that will require a code to grant users access. So, these locks will not need a physical key or even a fob—instead, they offer keyless entry.

Pros: You’ll not need to rely on a physical key with these locks, so there is no risk of misplacing keys to the building. Since there’s also the option to create customizable access codes, these systems offer a higher level of security and you can change the code whenever required.
Cons: With electronic keypads, however, employees might forget which code to use or could potentially share the code with others. This means there’s still a risk of inconvenience when accessing the building and the premises might still be vulnerable.

Smart Locks

This type of lock can be controlled with a mobile application and connects to these devices using WiFi or Bluetooth. You’ll see that they’re functional without a traditional key and combine electronic components with advanced technology.

Pros: You’ll be able to track the use of these locks through compatible applications and grant employees remote access to the premises, so two benefits of this type of lock include enhanced security and convenience.
Cons: Because of the technology they feature and their hardware, these locks are expensive. You’ll also find that if you don’t have an internet connection, you will not be able to access all of their features.

High-Security Deadbolts

A high-security deadbolt is more resistant to lock picking when we compare it to a traditional mechanical lock. These locks feature heavy-duty screws and a steel bolt that extends into the frame of the door. It also has a reinforced strike plate.

Pros: You’ll notice that this kind of high-security lock is highly durable and will resist lock picking. Its hardware and features ensure your business stays secure in the event a malicious individual attempts to gain unauthorized access.
Cons: Since they’re not suited to every type of door or access point, high-security deadbolt doors might not be a possible security solution for your premises. For example, a door that has a weak frame might not be compatible with this door lock.

Selecting the Optimal Lock as a Retail Business

As a retail business owner, you’ll need to choose the optimal lock to ensure the premises stay secure and that the solution aligns with your requirements. For this, it’s worth thinking about the size or layout of your business. For instance, you might consider choosing specific high-security locks for the main entrance area or front door and use a simpler lock for the back door.

You’ll also need to think about any budget constraints. Since some locks can be more costly than others and some zones in your retail business may require greater security measures than others, you’ll need to choose locks after allocating specific amounts to them and selecting accordingly.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the number of employees who will require access to the retail business. If you have a high number of employees, you might want to include locks that do not require physical keys, such as electronic keypad locks, as this will minimize the chance of misplaced keys falling into the wrong hands.

For comprehensive security, you also have the option of selecting custom security solutions for your retail business. This might involve combining two unique lock systems, such as a deadbolt and a smart lock, which is convenient, and secure, and also gives you the chance to monitor the access and gain greater visibility into how the locks are being used.

Boosting Security with Extra Solutions

Locks and keys are important for security in retail businesses, but we also advise integrating secure door locks with other security systems. For instance, alarms and CCTV are commonly used with secure door locks in retail businesses, and these integrations can help you monitor zones that have high foot traffic. They help you notice when security has been breached.

After you have the security systems installed, you should complete regular security audits. Audits can help you spot any vulnerabilities, such as outdated technology, electronic lock elements, or the effectiveness of the surveillance system, to ensure there are no gaps in security.

Advantages of Upgrading to a Modern Lock System

Upgrading lock and key systems to modern lock systems with the help of a licensed locksmith company is also a critical step for enhancing your retail business’s security. First, it can deter theft and minimize unauthorized access since modern locks may feature complex, robust, tamper-resistant features, and electronic elements that will work without a misplaced physical key.

Secondly, they’re convenient solutions since you can manage options such as smart locks, remotely. If you need to, you can also customize the access with some solutions. This means if you need to change who has access to the building when an employee leaves, you can update the access without changing the locks or physical key.

Additionally, you will also find that your retail business will notice the difference in financial terms and savings with these modern lock systems. With fewer thefts thanks to these lock upgrades, your retail company will lose less in terms of cash, assets, merchandise, and more, ensuring you keep all profits and valuable items.

Install the Best Lock Systems for Your Retail Business with Lock-Up Services

The security of your business, its employees, its customers, and its assets needs to be upheld. Whether you are the owner of a large or small retail business, it’s important to have the right lock systems in place. If you’re looking for the best solution, evaluate your current lock systems. You can then consider making an upgrade to a more secure option if required.

To successfully install a new lock, an experienced locksmith such as Lock-Up Services can help. We offer locksmith services in Etobicoke and across the Greater Toronto Area for commercial businesses and are here to help you make your company more secure. Contact our Toronto commercial locksmiths for retail businesses today to let us install the best lock systems with prompt service.

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