Electronic Security Products - Should We? or Shant We?

Every so often, I am asked to recommend electronic locking products. Having been in the physical security industry over 25 years and worked in multiple continents, I have seen many and varied applications.

The electronic components in security products started way back in the early 20th century when the first electric strike was installed in an upmarket New York apartment complex.

Up until that time, multi-level apartment complexes required doormen and an escorted elevator trip. The advantage that the electric strike presented was the ability to enjoy a secure entrance unmanned 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at a significantly reduced cost.

Most electronic hardwired systems available today are required to be "fail-safe". This means that if the power fails or is interrupted, the device is un-secure. Many product manufacturers started putting in battery back-ups in their products to assist with security necessities.

The advent of wireless systems actually negates the fail-safe mentality until the battery runs out.....but even still many products have an in-built lithium polymer long life battery, to provide just enough power until the main source batteries can be recharged or replaced.

Technology is advancing rapidly and products are slowly becoming better quality and experiencing longer lives, however I still feel it necessary to recommend to my clients to maintain that mechanical back-up "just in case".

This is expressly why the locksmith industry will continue to exist, much to the negatives of some.

Locksmiths, for over 2 centuries have been designing, maintaining and creating systems and products designed to protect the assets of the marketplace. Locksmiths will continue to do so for the next 200 years, I'm sure.

When asked "Should We?".....my first answer is based on determining the true benefits. But I always will recommend a mechanical backup.

The true benefits could be, no more keys to worry about (what about the proximity card - doesnt this just take the place of a key?), the ability to perform audit trails (on sophisticated systems), combination entry (negates the need for a key, but requires a code to be remembered - this could lead to codes being shared - leading to a major security issue).

One of the best advances today is the advent of Bio-metric systems. Finger print identification systems can negate the need for a key or the need to remember a combination (you cannot lend your finger to someone else - can you?).

The marketplace should also remember that electronic security products are still expensive and not as generally reliable as mechanical security products. Locksmiths can provide restricted key control systems that enable end users to control who has keys to their properties. This is one of the least expensive and most secure methods for protecting assets, often without the need to replace costly hardware.

Chamberlain Garage Door Controls

Chamberlain, well known as one of the leading garage door operating systems manufacturers ahve recently released this wonderful new product competing with the Master version we published previously.

This Biometric Fingerprint activated wireless entry device is designed to work with most existing Chamberlain Automatic Openers.





Chamberlain's 942FP Fingerprint Keyless Entry makes home access even more effortless - no codes, no lost keys, ad nothing extra to carry. It uses fingerprint sensor technology to make access to your garage quick, safe, and secure.

• Wireless, battery-operated (includes four AAA batteries)
• Equipped with Security+ rolling code technology; Entry pad transmits a new code with every use
• Reads up to 10 unique fingerprints so only the 10 registered users can gain access to your garage
• Weatherproof slide-up protective cover

Panasonic BM-ET200 Iris Recognition Interface

Panasonic recently released this new product designed at the access control market.

The BM-ET200 offers more accurate, faster, non-contact entry/exit control utilizing biometric technology for iris recognition. The system can be used to check IDs in a variety of applications, including airports and entry/exit control for many types of industries. Simple and easy to configure, the BM-ET200 has recognition results in 0.3 seconds.

Features:
Detection of eyes: Automatic
Recognition Time: 0.3 seconds (minimum)
Voice Guidance: Yes (14-language)
Maximum Registration Stand Alone Mode: 50 Users
Data (per camera) Network Mode: 5025 users
Maximum Registration Data (per system): 10,025 users (4 cameras)
Power: 12V DC or 24 V DC
Dimensions (HxWxD): 7.5"x8"x3.0625"
Weight: 1.98 pounds

•		Fast, high-speed capture engine
•		Distance Guide Indicator
•		Three Settings for Voice Guidance
•		Tamper Detection
•		25 User License Included
•		Access Log Can be Searched by Time

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What Does It Cost To Get Locks Changed?

Many enquiries that locksmiths receive, are about the cost to change locks.

Often, clients are meaning to inquire as to just changing the combinations of their existing locks, so they can maintain the same hardware on their doors.

Or when the keys to their house, office or automobile have been misplaced, stolen or even copied unknowingly (suspected), the have the need to re-code their locks.
Also many new home buyers or new tenants want to make sure that previous residents of their property can no longer gain entry.

Locksmiths across the country vary greatly in their fees. There are accepted industry averages published in locksmith publications like The National Locksmith magazine and the Locksmith Ledger magazine annually, but the going rate can vary from around $5.00 per keyhole to as much as $20.00 per keyhole for residential or commercial door locks and from $10.00 to $35.00 for automobile locks. Often this does not include labor for the removal and refitting of locks.

Master-keying is another charge that most locksmiths charge slightly higher fees for. Often, specialist products like Medeco or Multlock or Primus or Best or Assa or Abloy or Bilock products can incur significantly increased fees due to the higher cost for the pin or disc tumblers.

Locks210.com charges a standard fee of $10.00 per keyhole to re-key a standard residential or commercial door cylinder not including labor for removal and refitting. Master-keying is $15.00 per keyhole.

We can offer automobile re-keying services but prices are subject to application. There are many and varying brands and manufacturers of automobile lock cylinders, requiring multiple different keying kits. Stocking all possible kits to service all makes and models of foreign and domestic vehicles requires significant amounts of warehousing that directly impacts costs.

If the products are brought to us, we charge the same fees without labor of course.

Most locksmiths will provide the first 2 keys at no charge. For residential or commercial doors (not automotive) we provide the first 3 keys.

For an obligation free estimate contact us today on (314)266-1533.

Wireless Peronal Luggage Alarm

This wireless set comes with both a transmitter that you can attach to your luggage or purse as well as a wireless receiver. If the wireless receiver and transmitter get more than 5 meters away, the receiver will automatically being to beep to draw your attention, and all you have to do is push the alarm button and the transmitter will emit a loud alarm to tell you where it is or who has it. This set also features a useful anti pick pocket function, sending off a loud alarm if someone is unzipping your bag, as well as a vibration function letting you know if someone is tampering with your belongings. A great low priced, multi-functioning travelers accessory.



Manufacturer Specifications:

• Wireless Alarm Transmitter + Wireless Alarm Receiver
• Three Selectable Function Modes
• Anti-Lost/ Pick Pocket Mode: Any Time Wireless Transmitter is 3~5 Meters from Wireless Receiver, Receiver will Beep.
• Vibration Mode: If Mode is selected, when the Wireless Transmitter is Vibrated, Transmitter Will Alarm and Receiver Will Beep
• Magnetic Mode: If Mode is selected, when Magnet Attached To Wireless Transmitter and A Zipper are Separated, Transmitter Will Alarm and Receiver Will Beep
• One Touch Button for Any Time Alarm/ Finding Items
• One Touch Buttons for Functions On/Off
• Remote Control Distance: Aprox 7~9 Meters
• Alarm Sound Output: 90dB
• Power Source: Transmitter- x2 CR2032 Batteries, Receiver- x1 CR2032 Battery
• Dimension: Transmitter- 60x35x20mm, Receiver-50x32x19mm (LxWxD)
• Manufacturer Ref.: Z4EFGDZMXY97

Other Features:

• Easy Use Keychain Design

Accessories:

• Manual
• Magnet Sensor
• Magnet

Air Vent Safe

Most safes make it pretty obvious that your valuables are inside, usually due to the combination lock or keypad on the outside. You can hide stuff under your matress or behind various other things that a thief would want to steal, but that’s pretty unorganized. What if you could hide your valuables inside of something that’s so common, that it’s completely out of sight? How about an air vent? To install it, just cut out a section of drywall, and put in the compartment fastening it with screws. It opens with a mechanism that is hidden in the grill and no one will see your stuff thanks to a black divider. It will cost you $259.95, but you have to admit, it’s the best hiding spot.

BioAxxis Fingerprint Door Lock Named Best by Good Housekeeping Research Institute

Syracuse, NY (June 3, 2008) –The Good Housekeeping Research Institute has tested and evaluated the BioAxxis® BD1, biometric deadbolt and the Institute has rated it the best compared to the others on the market. A revolutionary new lock from BioAxxis Development Corporation uses your fingerprint instead of a key, forever eliminating the need to fumble in pockets or purses and improving home security and safety. The lock, called the BD1 for Biometric Deadbolt, has been featured on CNBC and received the top honor for design and engineering at the Consumer Electronics Show in 2007.

The Good Housekeeping Research Institute just tested a few of these new locks to see if they're worth the money.

"Fingerprint-scanning technology is showing up in a lot of consumer products nowadays. You see it on laptops and printers, and more recently on front door openers and garage door openers," said Stacy Genovese, the Good Housekeeping Research Institute's Engineering Director.

After careful testing the Good Housekeeping Research Institute concluded the BioAxxis® BD1 the most reliable biometric lock. Genovese states, “The BioAxxis lock held up to all our testing and proved to be best door lock we tested.” The institute tested the lock in a variety of ways.

"We had many people register as users so they could open the doors, and then tested it on lots of other people that weren't registered to make sure it wouldn't let them in. We also tested it in a rain tester and in a humidity chamber set at 30 degrees so you could get in the winter," Genovese said

Locks210.com is an authorised dealer of Bioaxxis products. For an obligation free appraisal or demonstration, contact us on (314)266-1533.

Wordlock

The Wordlock® family of combination locks are the first combination locks that allows consumers to set their combination using words NOT numbers. These products are the next generation in personal security. Words are easy to remember, numbers are easy to forget and Wordlock® products are unforgettable.

All Wordlock® products are designed with the consumer in mind. Each product allows you to reset the combination to a word or a phrase that has meaning to you and is easier to remember. Resetting the combination is so simple you can change it anytime you want and as often as you like.
Easy to Set • Never Forget™

Wordlock® was chosen by the US Patent office and QVC as one of the top new inventions of the year. These award winning products have been shown on Regis and Kelly, Home and Garden TV, ABC news.

Our family of products currently includes Padlocks(great for lockers, toolboxes, etc.) Bike locks and TSA recognized luggage locks to keep you secure at home and while you travel.

Do you have an old numbered combination lock in your house ? Can you even remember the combination ?
Its time to replace them all with Wordlock® products.

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Logitec WiLife CCTV Security System

The WiLife system consists of indoor and outdoor cameras as well as a variety of night-vision accessories that easily connect to a PC via USB.

How It Works

The system begins working as soon as it is plugged in, all the cameras installed and installed the newest version of the software, WiLife Command Center 2.5 on a PC.

The quality of the recordings is surprisingly good.

You can access those cameras for free over the Internet, even via cellphone, and the system can alert you via e-mail if anything moves. Remarkable. Any prowlers wanting to help themselves would have VGA-quality color movies (no sound) of them in the act. Just the mere presence of such cameras, with their highly visible red and green lights (which can be easily turned off), serves as a strong deterrent.

Platinum Edition

This WiLife system newest software, the Platinum Edition add-on, costs $79.95 per year. It lets you electronically pan and zoom all the cameras and, most importantly, store footage online. That makes tons of sense, because if someone is robbing your house, the computer with all the WiLife footage will probably be one of the first things stolen.

The downside? It's not perfect. The system is geared toward recording footage, so live viewing of all the cameras isn't as smooth as it could be. Also, while the cameras all have good low-light performance, they require an optional infrared lighting system and special lens to actually see faces at night. Keep in mind, too, that you’ll need a powerful PC to handle multiple cameras and recordings.

Costing is around $1,100 to set up a complete system with five cameras. A starter kit with one camera is $260, and each additional camera is around $215.


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