Standalone wired or integrated into an online database, cabinet locks provide targeted security for a variety of assets – including pharmaceuticals, IT and computer equipment, medical devices and other high-stake valuables. These products have added features and come in numerous shapes, sizes and formats, expanding their application potential to new projects and vertical markets.
With simple and proven technology, cabinet locks continue to evolve, offering refined strength and resilient holding force options to meet standard specs, critical infrastructure and high-security. Integrated, networked locks interface with leading access control software for real-time notification on the current state of connected cabinets and assets.
Boasting all these capabilities in an installer-friendly package, cabinet locks are well-suited for emerging data center applications and IT/traffic control cabinets. For locksmiths and systems integrators looking to go from a mechanical to a wired product, cabinet locks are a natural extension of the business and an opportunity to gain more installation revenue from current and new customers.
New twists in the tried and true
From electromechanical locks to hardwired, networked locks integrated to software and accompanied with keypads or other access control components for credentialing, cabinet locks offer a wide range of products meeting traditional and higher levels of security. The hottest markets today for cabinet locks include healthcare, data centers, traffic control and utilities.
Here are some of the products available and where they can be installed:
Basic electromechanical cabinet locks: Even in this product category, innovation in product design has occurred, moving locks from a mechanical apparatus to a wired unit with a keypad to enroll users and all locking hardware in a complete package. These products are wired into a power source or control panel for operation. The simplest and most cost-effective lock is a standalone, battery operated keypad access control device that installs on wood or metal cabinet drawers or doors. It includes a public programming mode for one-time authorization or private programming mode for continuing use. An embedded micro-USB port yields emergency override capability in the event of loss of power so the lock can be disengaged manually.
Many different types of cabinets need to be secured in healthcare, industrial and institutional settings, including employee lockers, supply/storage drawers and doors. Electromechanical cabinet locks have over 200 pounds of holding force, field-selectable fail secure/fail safe options and mount easily with minimal tools. These access control solutions include the ability to select an option for locked state monitoring for device status notification.
For retail, corporate and government projects that require extra strength, cabinet locking solutions with more than 1,000 pounds of force are suitable for sliding or swinging drawers, doors and display cases. These compact cabinet locking solutions include battery backup, the option of locked state monitoring and a preload release function for continuing smooth operation in a variety of operating conditions.
Compact maglocks: Maglocks for indoor or outdoor use have also emerged as versatile protection for cabinets – including jewelry cases, museum displays, gun cabinets, pharmaceutical storage or cash drawers. Ease of installation has been addressed in product design with a universal mounting configuration for direct or bracket mounting which requires no special tools. For greater asset security, other electromagnetic cabinet lock models secure large double door cabinets and out-swinging doors with a centralized latching point yielding 600 pounds holding force. An engineered split strike plate keeps oversized cabinet swinging doors securely in place and protected from intrusion.
Locks for traffic and utility enclosures: Ruggedized cabinet locks for unmanned infrastructure cabinets like traffic control and utility enclosures represent another opportunity for locksmiths. A simple-to-install integrated online cabinet lock provides a reliable and safe way to protect physical assets stored in these types of unmanned enclosures and includes locked state monitoring. The surface-mount device installs quickly with minimal tools and integrates with existing access control systems for visibility and 24/7 monitoring.
Smart cabinet controls for data centers: A steady uptick in data centers has necessitated special locking devices with data audit trails and encryption to prevent unauthorized takeover or cyber-attack. According to Grand View Research, the global data center as a service market is expected to increase at an annual rate of 25% from 2022 to 2030.
Server cabinet locks are a growing product category and a wide range of products are available for these enclosures, starting with basic mechanical locks for cam-activated swinging server cabinet doors. These locks come with a standard lock prep kit and support 6- or 7-pin Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) mechanical key override. In hardwired configurations, integrated electronic access control includes the above-mentioned features, along with locked state monitoring. For extra security, an optional door position switch monitoring sensor provides active cabinet status updates.
OSDP Means More Possibilities
The big news for locksmiths and integrators is that it’s easier to serve this market with intelligent Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) server cabinet locks that install with as few as four wires.
The latest cabinet locks are a big step up in technology and follow OSDP, a Security Industry Association (SIA) access control communications standard which offers secure, point-to-point encryption between the reader and the control panel.
With OSDP, access control is expanded beyond the reader so the lock can be controlled digitally. OSDP now allows us to control these cabinets with four wires from the control panel to the locking hardware – as opposed to what would normally require between eight to 12 wires. Traditionally you control eight doors off one control panel; the four-wire OSDP allows control of 32 doors on one panel, a huge labor, cost and material savings. What previously would have required four individual panels in the past has now been reduced to one.
Intelligent server cabinet locks also integrate with enterprise access control software for complete visibility into connected lock enclosures. Interfacing with the platform provides monitoring of door status, tamper and switches over the hardwired device back to the controller. Most access control systems have embedded OSDP functionally on their controller, which allows connection to all server cabinet locks and point-to-point encryption – minimizing potential risk from man-in-the-middle attacks. Server cabinet locks can also be wired with Wiegand or HID multiCLASS SE® contactless card technology and a key override system.
Cabinet locks are a great way for locksmiths familiar with hardwired locks to move into new areas and shift their business into integrated, online devices controlled with a larger access control platform. If you’re looking for opportunities to go from a mechanical to a wired product, this may be the way to expand the business simply and intuitively and take advantage of demand in a host of different markets.
Patrick Hill, PSP, CWTS is the Product Manager – Digital Products & Specialty Locks, Electromechanical Solutions Group for ASSA ABLOY. He has been with ASSA ABLOY since 2009 and was selected as the 2013 EMS Specialist of the Year. He began his security career in 1994 while serving in the U.S. Navy.
