Commercial door locks: Buyers guide to lock types & components

What is a commercial door lock?

A commercial door lock is a heavy-duty locking mechanism designed to keep high-traffic and high-risk commercial properties secure. These types of door lock systems are used across a wide range of commercial spaces, including offices, retail stores, hotels, gyms and medical facilities.

Strength is the major difference between locks for commercial doors and consumer hardware. Commercial lock strengths are measured in grades, as defined by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), ranging from 3 to 1; grade 1 locks are considered the strongest.

Commercial smart locks vs. access systems

There are two main access security options for modern business owners: commercial smart locks and access control systems. Commercial smart door locks are standalone devices that can secure a single door and be managed from a physical keypad or app. Access systems are site-wide solutions that allow leaders to manage multiple locks from a centralized access control platform.

	Smart locks	Access control systems
Standalone device		Sometimes
Best for exterior doors
Works for interior doors
Centralized management software
Supports multiple access methods	Sometimes
Unlimited users
Real-time reporting and alerts
Remote unlock

Benefits of business and office door locks

FBI data reveals that over 46% of property crimes occur at commercial facilities. By installing specially designed, heavy-duty locks for commercial doors, business owners can help deter criminality, safeguard sensitive assets and ensure convenient access for staff and guests.

The top benefits of installing business door locks include:

• Layered security: Combinations of grade 1 – 3 commercial door locks can be used across high- and low-risk areas of a property to provide layered protection against threats; keyless systems can provide convenient access to high-traffic internal areas.
• Advanced credentials: Commercial smart door locks can allow businesses to make use of advanced credential types like biometrics to reduce the risk of credential theft; biometrics have been tied to a 90% drop in unauthorized access attempts.
• Hardware durability: Commercial locks for business doors are tested to withstand a larger number of cycles and a greater degree of physical damage than standard door locks, helping to minimize maintenance costs and ensure sites remain well-secured.
• Integration options: Many commercial door lock systems are designed to support integrations with wider security devices like IP cameras and alarms; teams can program systems to automatically record and warn security staff of suspicious access events.

Key components of commercial lock systems

Like all access security solutions, the main function of a commercial lock system is to prevent unauthorized persons accessing controlled areas. However, unlike traditional mechanical locks, these solutions leverage commercial access control system components for increased security.

The main components of a commercial lock system include:

• Control panel: The control panel serves as the central management system for access control and is connected to a building’s commercial door lock system. The control panel is the component that determines whether to open or lock doors.
• Reader: The reader will scan or acknowledge users’ identity. The door reader will send a signal to the control panel to allow authorized users to enter.
• Credentials: Credentials refer to access methods, such as a physical key, key card, fob, PIN code or mobile smartphone app account. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) door locks for commercial doors useelectromagnetic waves to identify and approve these credentials when held near a scanning port.
• Locking mechanism: The system connected to a locking mechanism will recognize a valid credential and communicate to the door to release the lock. The locking mechanism will vary depending on what type of lock is used. For example, the locking mechanism for a cylindrical lock will differ from that of a biometric door lock.

Types of commercial door locks and hardware

Door locks with keys

Door locks for commercial doors each leverage different locking mechanisms and door hardware;some require conventional keys, others use latches and bolts. Variables like cost, level of security and aesthetic must also be carefully considered. Below are some examples of popular mechanical commercial door hardware types, how they function and where they work best.

• Cylindrical lever locks:This type of door lock system is operated via a cylindrical bore hole machined through the body of the door. Lever locks are easy to use but provide minimal security; they’re best used to secure low-risk areas like offices and restrooms.
• Commercial deadbolts: Double-cylinder deadbolts are a popular type of commercial door lock that hold doors shut by extending a metal bolt through the door frame; this commercial lockset type is best suited to mid-risk areas like classrooms and storerooms.
• Mortise locks: Mortise locks are housed in a fabricated pocket machined into the body of the door. Occupants can access the lock from either side, as the keyhole runs through the door; mortise locks support a wide range of commercial door handle types.

Electronic door locks

Electronic locksystems use a wired or battery power supply to control the locking mechanism. Some electronic locks, also called smart locks, can be controlled from smart devices via a secure Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection.

These locks can help to streamline access securityby providing keyless entry and remote management functionalities. Below are some examples of popular types of electronic locks for commercial buildings:

• Keypad locks: Keypad door lock systems use PIN codes in place of traditional keys to control property access; they’re best used to secure low-risk areas as a single code is shared by all users which prevents operators from analyzing individual events.
• Automatic locks: These types of commercial locks for doors are a popular business security measure as they automatically engage after every use. Automatic locks can support various credential types, from PIN codes to mobile credentials, as well as integrations with wider security devices like alarm and video systems.
• Smart door locks: Smart locks for business doors enable authorized users to request access using secure smart devices. The hardware can connect to registered smartphones via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to provide touchless access to authorized persons.
• Smart camera locks: These types of commercial door locks allow operators to visually verify access events. Via either a built-in or a linked external camera, footage of access events is captured and sent to a digital management platform for live or future review.
• Magnetic locks: When powered, maglocks hold doors shut using magnetic force and will unlock when verified credentials are presented; in the event of a power outage, this type of lock will automatically disengage, making it a good choice for emergency exits.
• Alarm locks: These types of business door locks have built-in alarms that can be set to sound in response to forced entry or suspicious access events. Alarm locks can also be programmed to sound if a door is accidentally left open to help minimize intrusion risks.
• Biometric door locks: Biometric locks enable businesses to secure high-risk areas using difficult to fabricate biometric credentials. Users must present fingerprint, retina, facial recognition or behavioral information to request access; biometric readers can be paired with other credential types to satisfy multi-factor authentication requirements.

How to choose a commercial smart locks and lock systems

To identify appropriate commercial lockset types for a business premises, multiple factors must be considered. Daily foot traffic, security requirements, industry regulations and budget constraints will all influence which types of commercial door locks will best meet your needs.

1. Identify your required level of security

For example, retail stores need heavy-duty front door locks to deter break-ins after hours, but low-risk internal areas may not require the same level of security. Comparatively, hospitals require extensive security throughout the premises to protect patients and comply with safety regulations. 

To help identify suitable commercial lockset types, perform an internal audit of current physical security measures. This will show you which areas are covered by wider security solutions like cameras and sensors, which can help to inform which types and grades of business door locks to prioritize.

2. Consider who will use the commercial door lock system

An effective door lock system will balance convenience and security. An office-based business may prioritize keyless entry systems to deter intruders while reducing bottlenecks; banks often prioritize security over convenience, preferring multi-factor commercial door locks to protect valuable assets.

The right type of business door lock for your facility will address users’ needs. For example, hybrid offices will benefit from smart office door locks that can be managed remotely to provide secure access at all hours. Consider how locks will be used on a daily basis to determine which types to prioritize.

3. Make intelligent use of your budget 

As a general rule, electronic and feature-rich commercial door locks will command a higher price than mechanical locks. However, upfront costs are not the only factor to consider; in a high-risk area, smart locks may provide greater security and become cost-effective over time.

Best practice is to identify high- and low-risk areas and choose appropriate types of business door locks for each. This way, you can ensure most of your budget goes towards high-level protection at vulnerable access points while providing convenient access to staff and guests.

4. Prioritize integrable, scalable access solutions 

Some types of commercial locks support integrations with wider security systems to add extra functionality to your access solution. Linked cameras can record access events and sensors can trigger automated lockdowns, helping you to better address suspicious events and threats.

By choosing a cloud-managed solution, you can manage multiple smart locks from the same management platform. These types of commercial door locks can be easily scaled, with new access points and locks added as required, helping streamline operations as needs change.

Conclusion

With almost 90% of businesses experiencing stagnant or increasing levels of physical threats, efforts to strengthen security measures are a top priority. By installing the right types of commercial door locks to meet site-specific needs, business owners can deter intruders, address suspicious activities and streamline day-to-day access for employees and customers.

Avigilon provides a range of commercial door locks and access solutions specifically designed for modern businesses. From touchless smart locks for single doors to multi-property access control solutions, contact our security experts today and receive a free quote for your next project.