New products took center stage at ALOA, both in the show-sponsored New Product Showcase and all around the show floor. Attendees enjoyed putting their hands on the newest locks, door hardware, access control systems, transponder programmers, key machines, modular keys, safes and much more.
As usual the larger lock manufacturers, such as ASSA ABLOY, Allegion and Kaba Ilco (dormakaba), had huge displays. It was also great to see some new and notable companies making their debut. Approximately, 80 exhibitors were on site at the South Point Hotel Conference Center in Las Vegas, July 27-28.
Automotive distributor booths were also a big draw. UHS Hardware had a fun take on sales. For $50, locksmiths got 15 seconds to reach into a giant bucket of keys and fobs, etc., and take home whatever made it into their bag.
Talking with the locksmiths on the show floor, they enjoyed the Expo, but the most valuable part of their week was access to all the training in the days before the Expo.
Following is information on the companies who entered the ALOA New Product Showcase. Congratulations to the winner, IdeniKey from CLK Supplies!
IdeniKey from CLK Supplies
CLK Supplies submitted its brand new IdeniKey app, which became available for download on both the Google Play and Apple app stores just in time for ALOA.
How it works:
- Download the app
- Take a clear picture of both sides of the key upright in a vertical orientation
- Upload the photos to IdeniKey
- The app will tell you the best match and several additional options
- You have the option to order the key blanks from CLK Supplies
The app works with house keys, car keys and many other types, with additional keys being added on a regular basis. The download was free for a limited time at this writing; then a low monthly subscription fee is planned.
There was a lot of buzz at the CLK Booth, with demonstrations of IdeniKey, a key machine giveaway and a bunch of their #LockBoss swag.
Keys Inc. Upgraded Features
Keys Inc. introduced a new feature on the Keys app, offering locksmiths premium keys with advanced inventory management and AI integration for enhanced operational efficiency. The original Keys Inc. app won the Best New Product Award at ALOA 2023.
“By leveraging partnerships with industry-leading key manufacturers, Keys Inc. ensures that locksmiths have access to the best keys available in the market. This direct supply chain not only guarantees superior product quality but also offers the most competitive prices, helping locksmiths streamline their operations and improve profitability,” the company states.
The Keys app is somewhat of a referral service. Verified locksmiths (and roadside assistance providers) can sign on, and then customers use the app to find a locksmith. The customer pays through the Keys app and then Keys Inc. issues their share of payments to its participating locksmiths. (It works somewhat like Uber in that respect.)
The new Keys Treasury Financial Service enables locksmiths to receive payments directly and access funds immediately. Locksmiths receive immediate issuance of account and routing numbers and then payments are made via debit cards.
More information: www.keysapp.com
Lucky Line Locking Diversion Book Safe
Lucky Line Products, Inc. entered its Locking Diversion Book Safe, designed to hide valuables in plain sight. Made to look like any other book on the shelf, this one-of-a-kind, custom cover will blend in perfectly on any bookshelf. The large interior cavity locks and can hold money, spare keys, jewelry, passports, or other important items.
The locking door features a programmable, triple-tumbler combination lock to keep valuables secure. The combination lock can be set to any combination, chosen by the user.
The Locking Diversion Book Safe, Item #62200, includes instructions to program the combination lock, is individually shrink-wrapped, and is available to order 1/pack or 6/case. Available in Red, the interior cavity measures 4” (W) x 6-5/8” (H) x 1-5/8” (D) and the exterior measures 4-5/8” (W) x 7-1/8” (H) x 2-1/8” (D).
For further questions regarding the Locking Diversion Book Safe or to find a stocking distributor, contact Customer Service at (800) 654-6409 or visit www.luckyline.com.
KeyMaster G3 from OBD Star Technology
KeyMaster G3 is the new generation intelligent IMMO tool from OBDSTAR, which increases the programming functions of electric cars, motorcycles and jet skis. OBDSTAR also displayed the ECU cloning tools DC706, MS80 motorcycle scanner and D800 marine scanner.
More info: www.obdstar.com
Key Saver from Your Car Keys Guys
Key Saver is an innovative package designed to unlock circuit boards on used car keys, enabling them to be reprogrammed and reused. This device simplifies the reprogramming package, saving time and money and reduces waste. With the Key Saver, locksmiths can extend the life of car keys and provide a cost-efficient solution to customers. Key Saver software is continually updated to support new part numbers as they are released, ensuring compatibility with the latest models.
More info: https://yourcarkeyguys.com/
AutoPAD G3 and AutoProPAD Core from Lock Labs
Lock Labs previewed the latest versions of its AutoProPAD key and remote programmers, which combine automotive key programming and diagnostics in a streamlined device. Rapidly program and diagnose most makes and models.
Soon, the AutoProPad will handle Toyota calculations independently, taking the VIN and three essential data lines needed for key programming and doing all calculations directly on the device using a specialized Toyota token (or Canfd Token, where applicable). This enhancement ensures seamless and secure operations, enhancing efficiency.
More info: www.autopropad.com
See You Next Year!
Plans are being made for ALOA’s 2025 shows, which will include Safetech 2025, the second IAAL Auto Expo and, of course, the ALOA Security Expo. Here is what’s on tap.
· Safetech 2025, April 6-12 in Lexington, Kentucky. For more information, visit www.savta.org
· International Association of Automotive Locksmiths (IAAL) 2025 Auto Lock Expo, May 15-18 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information, visit https://aloa.org/iaal/iaal-home.html
· ALOA 2025 Security Expo, Aug. 3-9 in Orlando, Florida, For more information, visit www.aloa.org/convention
