Keypad & Code Locks

The security benefit of keypad locks depends entirely on how you manage codes. Poor practices negate the advantages - a shared code is no better than a copied key.

Give each employee their own code. Yes, this requires more programming upfront. But when someone leaves or you suspect a code has been shared, you can disable just that code without disrupting everyone else. If ten people share one code and you need to change it, you're reprogramming ten people.

Use codes that aren't obvious. Birthday dates, address numbers, and simple sequences (1234, 1111) are easily guessed. Most commercial keypads allow 4-6 digit codes; longer codes are more secure but harder to remember. Strike a balance - 4 digits for low-security interior doors, 6 digits for exterior and sensitive areas.

Change codes periodically. High-turnover businesses like restaurants or retail should review codes quarterly. Professional offices with stable staff can go longer, but annual review is good practice. Document who has which codes and when they were last changed.

Consider time-restricted codes for after-hours access. The cleaning crew's code works only 7pm-10pm weekdays. The weekend contractor's code works only during their scheduled project. This limits exposure if codes are shared or discovered.

Some businesses use temporary codes for one-time access - a delivery driver needs to drop something in the back room, you issue a code that works once and expires. Connected locks make this easy; standalone locks can have one programmable temporary slot.

Keypad locks fit most commercial doors, but proper installation affects both function and security. We assess your specific doors before recommending hardware.

Door thickness matters. Standard commercial doors are 1-3/4 inches; keypad locks designed for this thickness include the correct hardware. Thin doors or very thick doors may need adapters or alternative hardware. We measure before ordering to ensure proper fit.

Strike alignment is critical. Keypad locks with motorized deadbolts require precise alignment between the lock and strike plate. If the door has sagged, warped, or shifted over time, we may need to adjust the frame or strike location. A misaligned lock binds, drains batteries faster, and eventually fails.

Battery access should be considered. Batteries typically last 12-24 months, but you need to change them eventually. Some locks have batteries inside the casing (requiring the door to be open), while others have external battery compartments. For exterior doors, external battery access means you can change batteries even if locked out - important redundancy.

For high-traffic doors, consider battery life and keypad durability. A retail store entry might see 100+ entries daily; an interior office might see 10. Heavy-use doors need commercial-grade hardware rated for the traffic and batteries that handle frequent use. Consumer-grade locks in commercial applications wear out prematurely.

We handle complete installation including door prep, strike installation, lock mounting, and programming. Most single-door installations take 1-2 hours. Multi-door projects scale predictably.

For many Austin businesses, keypad locks are the perfect balance of security and simplicity. But understanding when to consider full access control helps you make the right choice.

Choose keypad locks when you have 1-3 doors, relatively stable staff, and don't need detailed access reporting. The cost per door is lower, there's no ongoing software subscription, and management is straightforward. A small professional office, warehouse entrance, or back-of-house retail door typically fits this profile.

Consider access control when you have many doors, high staff turnover, need audit trails for compliance, or want integration with cameras and alarms. Access control costs more upfront but scales better - adding the 20th door to a networked system is easier than programming 20 standalone keypads every time someone leaves.

Hybrid approaches work too. Many Austin businesses use keypad locks on secondary doors (storage rooms, side entrances) while using access control on main entries. The keypad doors remain independent, avoiding the complexity of networking every opening.

We help Austin businesses evaluate the trade-offs honestly. Sometimes keypad locks are the right answer. Sometimes access control makes more sense. Sometimes you start with keypads and upgrade to access control as you grow. We're not pushing the most expensive option - we're helping you find the right fit for your situation today with a reasonable path for the future.