Alternate Entry Solutions
In the real estate industry, the adage is location, location, location.
But no matter where a business is located, there’s another thing that matters in creating a successful atmosphere: curb appeal. If the entrance isn’t friendly, if it doesn’t invite people in, the business probably won’t be in business for very long. And if it isn’t user-friendly, and provide your employees and customers with the right technology, you could be losing sales.
A front door has a lot of job requirements. It must be tough enough to withstand rain, wind, cold, and the hottest summer sun. It must stand strong against an intruder looking for an easy way through. And it must create a good first impression, inviting people in.
That’s a pretty tall order for a front door. If you’ve never thought much about your entry system, maybe it’s time you did.
Wood or wood veneer can warp, crack, or break. Metal won’t last forever either as it can discolor over time and peel away. Glass has its own unique problems; it can break and allow people to see in.
Of course, those aren’t the only considerations. How a door opens is just as important as how it looks.
With all of those considerations to take in, what’s a business owner to do?
Accessibility
Doors open. Doors close. But there’s a lot more to it than that when it comes to designing entrances for different kinds of businesses. Depending on what products or services you offer, alternate entry solutions can strengthen the process.
Standard doors come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re looking for elegance and select an exotic wood, or want something simple and choose a standard glass door, ease of use is mandatory.
Do you have locks in place that are easy for employees to enter?
Do you have controls in place that make it easy to change the locks as employees are hired or quit?
Do your doors function properly, to open and close easily without a catch?
Do you offer alternative entry solutions for people with disabilities, doors that are ADA compliant?
It’s important to ensure a safe entry for all of your employees and customers with disabilities as they enter and exit your location. You can select low-energy doors that are opened using push plate technology or go with full-energy sophistication, which opens for people as they approach the doorway.
Also pay attention to door openings and width. Most entrances to commercial locations use 36 inch wide doors to ensure accessibility for everyone. If you have older, narrower doors in place, it may be necessary to make adjustments using special hinges.
Pay attention to door hardware as well. Turning knobs, for example, might not be the best choice with disabilities that limit grasping, such as arthritis. This is where multiple opener options come in handy. While it’s important to understand your customer base, it’s equally important to think beyond as well.
Durability
How many times will your doors open and close throughout the day? The more customers and employees you have, the more abuse your doors will take.
It’s not just people that may enter your location. Sometimes you need alternative entry solutions for other resources entering and exiting.
Does your business utilize shopping carts? Do young parents routinely enter your location pushing strollers? Or maybe you cater to a population that frequently uses walkers and wheelchairs?
All of that action can result in bumps and scratches as they try to enter.
Of course, different sized businesses often have more than one entry. Or maybe you use different entry points for different things. Do you routinely get deliveries through stockroom entryways? Or maybe you have employees use one entrance, while customers use another.
The larger your commercial space, the more you can cater to individual needs. Don’t just provide the same entry techniques for everyone. With slight changes, you can make entry a much more appealing process.
In some cases, you may even call attention to different parts of your building. Why not cater to young families by having stroller-friendly entrances? Or offer special entrances for seniors needing a little extra support.
All of that opening, banging, knocking, slamming, crashing, and closing can have an impact. If your doors grow weaker over time, not only can they create an unsightly mess, but they can also increase your risk.
Security
In today’s world, you can’t operate a business without putting security at the top of the list. And the weakest points of every business are the places people can get in.
That means you should install security devices that meet your needs. To do that, ask yourself two questions:
• How high is the risk?
• What are you trying to secure?
A jewelry store requires different methods of security than a daycare. A grocery store has different needs than an art gallery. The best way to install the right security is to understand who needs access.
Maybe you want video surveillance to record movement 24 hours a day. Or maybe high security and restricted key access is a must to ensure only those who need to get in are the ones who can.
From traditional keyed entries to keyless entry pads to sophisticated smart technology, there are entry systems to meet every need. It starts by understanding your options. And keep in mind, it’s not always just the front door that needs control. Sometimes your entry points are inside your building.
Do you have medical equipment in need of protection? Or maybe you have a data room you need to secure? Sometimes an alternative entry solution involves sophisticated tracking, something a knowledgeable locksmith can help you install.
A thorough inspection from one of our technicians can help you hone in on your weakest points and discover the easiest ways to ensure security.
Service
Alternative entry solutions are only as good as how they work. If you rely on too simple of a lock system or don’t maintain your entry points on a regular basis, you’re leaving your doors wide open for potential problems or criminal behavior.
Having a locksmith on your team ensures your doors remain open to your customers every day of the year. From simple lock and key solutions to sophisticated security measures, we have the right technology for your commercial location.
Are you ready to upgrade your entry system?
