What’s the Better Choice for Your Business?
When securing a commercial property, most business owners start with one of two methods:
- Traditional lock-and-key
- Modern access control
Both restrict entry, but they are not equal in safety, convenience, or long-term cost. With employee turnover, theft, liability, and compliance requirements rising, choosing the right system can protect your building, staff, and assets from avoidable risk.
Below is a simple, expert-level breakdown to help you make the right security decision.
What Is a Traditional Lock-and-Key System?
A metal key opens a mechanical lock. It’s simple and familiar—but also limited.
✔ Advantages
- Low upfront cost
- No software, servers, or electricity required
- Easy for anyone to use
✘ Disadvantages
- Lost keys = rekeying doors (expensive and disruptive)
- Keys can be copied without permission
- No way to know who accessed a door or when
- If a former employee still has a key, your entire facility is vulnerable
- No integration with alarms, cameras, or remote monitoring
Traditional keys work for very small, low-risk spaces—but they become a security liability for businesses with multiple employees, doors, or sensitive areas.
What Is Access Control?
Access control replaces physical keys with electronic credentials, such as:
✔ Swipe cards
✔ Fobs
✔ PIN codes
✔ Smartphones
✔ Fingerprint or facial recognition
Each credential can be added, modified, or deleted instantly without changing locks.
Why So Many Businesses Are Switching to Access Control
1. Instantly Add or Remove Users
Hire someone new? Grant access in seconds.
Employee leaves? Remove access with a click.
✅ No locksmith
✅ No rekeying
✅ No security gaps
2. Full Audit Trail of Every Door Entry
Access control logs who enters, where, and at what time.
This protects against:
- Employee theft
- Unauthorized after-hours access
- Liability claims
- Internal shrinkage
Traditional keys offer zero tracking.
3. Set Custom Access Schedules
Give employees access only when and where they need it:
- Management: 24/7, all doors
- Staff: Weekdays, main entrance only
- Cleaning crew: After 6 PM
- Vendors: Temporary access only
Impossible with a metal key system.
4. Works With Cameras & Alarms
Access control integrates with:
- CCTV systems
- Burglar alarms
- Remote monitoring
- Intercoms & visitor management
If a door is forced open or held open too long, you get real-time alerts.
5. Lost Keys No Longer Put You at Risk
Lost card or fob?
✅ Deactivate and issue a new one.
Lost metal key?
❌ Require rekeying multiple doors, distributing new keys, and hoping no copies exist.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Access Control | Traditional Keys |
| Credentials | Cards, fobs, PINs, biometrics | Physical keys |
| Lost Key Response | Deactivate in seconds | Rekey locks, replace keys |
| Security Level | High | Low |
| Audit Logs | Yes | No |
| Custom Schedules | Yes | No |
| Remote Door Unlocking | Yes | No |
| Integration with Cameras/Alarms | Yes | No |
| Long-Term Cost | Lower | Higher |
Which Is Right for Your Facility?
Access control is ideal for:
✅ Offices
✅ Warehouses & storage facilities
✅ Retail stores & restaurants
✅ Apartment & condo buildings
✅ Schools, daycares & houses of worship
✅ Healthcare & regulated facilities
Traditional keys may be sufficient for very small, low-traffic spaces, but most modern businesses benefit from the higher security and control of access control.
The Future of Access Control
Security technology is moving toward:
✔ Mobile credentials and touchless entry
✔ Cloud-managed systems you control from anywhere
✔ Biometric authentication
✔ AI-powered monitoring and anomaly detection
The goal isn’t just higher security—it’s convenience, automation, and peace of mind.
Ready to Upgrade Your Building Security?
SEH Security designs and installs access control systems for businesses across New York and New Jersey, from small offices to multi-site commercial buildings.
We handle everything:
✅ System design
✅ Installation
✅ Cards, fobs & mobile access
✅ Remote monitoring setup
✅ Integration with cameras & alarms
Call Today: 732-506-2260
Request a Free Quote: https://sehsecurity.com/contact
Commercial Security Systems in NY, NJ & PA
Access Control • Alarms • CCTV • Low-Voltage Solutions
