Electric locking options for doors are fairly straightforward. The main types include magnetic locks, electric door strikes, and electrified locksets. But when you look at a door, knowing which of those solutions will work best, is easiest and quickest to install, and will meet the customer’s requirements is an important skill for any integrator.

He was a seasoned security professional, certified by ASIS International. As he and I were discussing the side effects of government regulations I asked: “Why don’t we see door knobs in commercial buildings anymore?” His response: “I think it has something to do with the Americans with Disabilities Act.”

In the past, integrators and dealers installing an electronic access control stuck to what they knew — electronics — and subcontracted a locksmith to deal with the “hardware” component. Technology, economics and business motivations are changing that, however. More than ever it makes sound business sense in certain cases to take on the complete installation, which means delving into the world of locks. While electric strikes and magnetic locks also need their own knowledge base, electrified locks are one of the most common, and most tricky for the newcomer, to install properly. The good news is that once you get familiar with how to do it, they are pretty simple to do.