While we tend to invest heavily in protecting our main entrances, side entrances can often fall by the wayside. We often assume that people won’t use a side entrance, or that it will go unnoticed, so what’s the point of investing in high-quality security? However, you don’t need to break the bank to protect your side entrances. Something like a gate lock with code-controlled access is ideal.
We reached out to Lock & Key Bradford to understand the benefits of having a gate lock with code controls. These gate locks are highly secure, as they feature a genuine lock, but they remain very difficult to open without the correct access credentials. That makes your side entrances more secure, but it also ensures you can always access them – if needed – without having to hunt for the keys. What are the main benefits of having this kind of security system installed? Let’s investigate the benefits more closely.
Side Entrances & Keyless Access: The Best Combination
Side entrances are rarely used on homes, but they can be ideal for businesses and other commercial spaces. A side entrance remains highly effective because it is secluded, making it easy to use for deliveries of valuables or the arrival of surprise guests.
Usually, though, we only use side entrances when we need to keep things under wraps. As such, we tend to want to make sure we can open them with as little notice or attention drawn as possible. If you use a key to open the gate, it’s easier for people to notice the key is missing. Crucially, the key can also become a target for theft; since side entrances are rarely used – at least in comparison to the main entrances – it might be some time until you notice the key is missing.
Then there is the wear-and-tear aspect. Over time, exposure to the outdoors and the elements means most locks will slowly but surely erode and rust – at least a little. That leaves you with a gate lock that, when you do need to use it, has rusted over, and thus the key does not work. With keyless access, this is far less likely to become a problem, at least not to the same scale.
Modern keyless access, then, is a great feature for many side entrances. At the very least, you only need to remember an X-digit entry code as opposed to remembering where you put that rarely-used key!
The Advantages Of A Gate Lock With Code Controlled Access
There are quite a few benefits and advantages that we wanted to press upon, as noted to us by Lock & Key. The use of a gate lock with code access as opposed to key access includes:
No More Key Loss/Theft
The main problem with a key-controlled lock is what happens if you lose the key. Sure, you might have a spare key, but what about the missing key? Who has that key? Is this a potential danger?
Keys that go missing are – or should be – an immediate cause for concern. You should be on the phone with a locksmith to have new locks installed and new keys made to replace the old ones. That costs you time and money and can also create distrust, especially in your workplace. With combo locks for gates, your only worry is if the access code(s) get stolen by someone. This is far less likely to happen if you take care to preserve data and avoid passwords being shared.
Outdoor Suitability
Another benefit of using a code-controlled access point for your gate is its outdoor suitability. Keyholes can gradually wear out, meaning that when the time comes to use the gate, it’s rusted over.
Well, with an outdoor gate lock using a keycode, that is not likely to happen. Most key-code access points are designed with weather-resistant materials. They are far less likely to rust over or become damaged due to consistent rainfall and snow.
Lower Maintenance
Side entrances with keyed locks require regular maintenance to check for signs of wear and tear and rust. If you lose track of maintenance schedules, you might find that your lock has eroded and needs to be replaced. With a keypad-controlled lock mechanism, maintenance really just comes down to cleaning down the keypad and making sure that the buttons aren’t sticking – much simpler!
Shared Access & Convenience
The final and most important benefit is the ease of access for those who should have access. You can set a single universal entry code that everyone can use, or set multiple accepted codes so each person in your building can use the side entrance when needed.
That makes it easier for people to use the side entrance regularly and makes entry more convenient. No more worries about having to get several copies of the keys cut, or people losing keys. If someone forgets their code or the code becomes compromised, you can simply disable its access. That is far more convenient both for providing and preventing access to your premises.
Side Entrances: Bolster Them With A Gate Lock With Code Access
Whether the side entrance is in your business or your household, you can now see the benefit of properly securing it. Relying on an old-school key-operated lock can pose unnecessary risks, right?
So, why not modernise things a touch and use combo locks for gates instead? This can quickly negate many of the potential worries you might have about the security of the side entrances. You also no longer need to keep an eye on a key that might only be used once or twice a month, or even less.
Coded locks are useful for many reasons that we have touched on above. They offer greater access and ease of use, and they can also prolong the lifespan of your gate lock. For a lock mechanism that offers all the benefits of key access without any drawbacks, choose a combination lock.
