Modern mechanical key systems got their start 150 years ago when Yale pin tumbler locks first appeared. 99 percent of commercial lock applications made since 1865 have used the same pin tumbler locking idea. Whether a locksmith was servicing a Welch, Reading or Sager lock cylinder, the process of cutting keys, loading the cylinder with pins and picking the lock cylinder was almost identical for all lock brands. Fundamental mechanical lock cylinder servicing for most major lock brands has not changed in 150 years. The only outward difference between lock brands has been in lock case dimensions. With the advent of ANSI dimension standardization in the 1960s, most lock products have become almost a general commodity item regardless of the original lock manufacturer.
Electronic lock systems have provided an opportunity for lock manufacturers to separate themselves from each other. The challenge for lock companies is to develop access control systems which will essentially 'lock' customers into using only their security products for future expansion or replacement. This has been done by a means called closed architecture. Hardware and software in a given access control system must come from the same manufacturer or the access control system may not function properly. Some companies are beginning to offer open architecture access control systems which do allow cross-breeding of components from different sources. If this trend continues it will help to simplify electronic product servicing in the future. Meanwhile a locksmith is obligated to concentrate on choosing one brand of access control products and learning everything possible about that specific brand. As opposed to general servicing rules about mechanical locks, it is often less possible to use knowledge from one product line when servicing another brand of electronic locks.
As the former trainer for a high security product line, I can remember carrying heavy cases of products and making continual plane trips to locations from coast to coast. It was a costly ordeal both for the trainer and for locksmiths who also had to travel many miles to attend the meetings.
Now there is a better way. Webinars are replacing physical meetings. The trainer has a permanent location set up to best demonstrate his products and the locksmith can watch and learn on a computer screen without leaving home.
Alarm Lock is an example of a company which has taken the webinar appproach. Alarm Lock still conducts seminars across the country (see listing below). At the same time, an on-going schedule of webinars are available. Topics cover programming of Alarm Lock products, introductions to Networx and gateway connectivity and use of the DL windows software. Alarm Lock installation videos can also be viewed on the internet. Product installations and software usage are shown. For more information on Alarm Lock seminars, webinars and videos, contact: [email protected].
As the world of locksmithing becomes more complex, we must learn to use every new tool at our disposal. Education is the key to future prosperity and it can all begin by spending an hour or two watching internet webinars and videos.
