Cost savings by replacing mechanical cylinders
Wireless electronic cylinders and fittings are rapidly gaining ground from traditional mechanical locking systems.
This is not surprising, because wireless electronic cylinders (as part of an electronic access control system) offer much more flexibility and a higher level of security.
In addition, it can save costs. Mechanical key systems are still used today.
Sometimes in combination with an access control system on some important (external) doors.
However, mechanical key systems do have some disadvantages, especially compared to a more flexible electronic access control system.
Mechanical key systems: the disadvantages
To begin with, managing a mechanical key system is time-consuming and therefore costly.
Usually, there are some different levels of keys defined.
The administrator of the locking plan must keep track of who gets what level of key and to whom a key is issued.
If a key is lost, all cylinders at that level should be replaced.
Unfortunately, this does not always happen in practice.
Also, because of the desired level of security, a deliberate choice is made for (more expensive) keys with a key patent.
However, after a certain period of time, these patents expire, after which the keys can be ordered from any key maker.
This creates a security risk that was precisely what they wanted to prevent.
Furthermore, with mechanical locks, it is not possible to restrict access for certain people outside working hours.
Access rights can only be given or taken back by issuing or repossessing a key.
Mechanical key systems are therefore expensive and difficult to manage.
Moreover, they are not always watertight and there is no insight into who opens which doors.
The advantages of wireless, electronic cylinders
Good access management often starts with an access control system on the most essential doors, such as the exterior doors.
Less used doors are not yet being adapted from a cost point of view.
It is precisely for these doors that wireless electronic cylinders and fittings are a godsend.
As part of an access control system, users can then open both the exterior door and the interior doors for which they are authorized with a single key or card.
The administrator can see at a glance who has rights to which doors.
In addition, adjusting permissions for a user or group of users is a matter of pressing a button.
Passes that are not returned at the end of employment or that have been lost can be blocked immediately.
If you compare the purchase and management costs of an electronic management system with the costs of a mechanical key system, you will often be cheaper.
Especially if you take all the possibilities and benefits of electronic access management into account.
The cost advantage is greatest when access control in existing buildings needs to be expanded.
Different versions
Wireless electronic locks and cylinders come in three different designs:
- Electronic cylinder: only the cylinder needs to be replaced.
The disadvantage is that the cylinder always has to be turned by hand. - Electronic strike plate: only the existing fittings will be replaced by a battery-operated system with a card reader.
The offered pass/tag in combination with the door handle activates the lock. - Electronic lock: the existing lock in the door is replaced by an electronic variant and a card reader is placed on the door that is connected to the lock and activates the lock.
This gives you the freedom to choose the fittings.
Conversion is easy
Converting to an electronic access control system is easy.
As a rule, locks can be retained and cylinders and fittings can be easily exchanged.
The structural modifications are minimal because the card reader is integrated into the hardware or into the cylinder.
Wireless electronic locks are battery-powered and need to be replaced on average every 2 to 3 years.
This is automatically indicated in advance via the access control system.
Advantages of wireless electronic cylinders compared to mechanical locks:
- Management is simple and clear
- Access rights can be easily adjusted
- Passes/tags are significantly cheaper than keys
- No delivery times for issuing keys
- Fully integrated into your access control system
- Only one pass or tag left for all doors