Eddy Dacius, Co-Owner of Dacius Facilities Management, discusses the importance of locksmithing to foster ultimate physical security.

The history of locksmithing

To better understand the locksmith industry’s current environment, it is important to reflect on the historical foundations of modern locks as we know them now, which can be traced back to the early 1900s, or possibly even earlier.

The industry’s significance is highlighted by the locksmith’s expertise and their essential role as problem solvers, reaffirming the vital contribution they make to society’s security and safety.

A comprehensive evaluation of the locksmith industry necessitates an examination of its origins, present circumstances and prospective future changes.

Historical records indicate that the first known lock dates back to 740 BC and was constructed from wood.

Today, we have sophisticated locking mechanisms that incorporate biometric technology, wireless features and mobile credential systems.

Many locksmiths have played an integral part in advancing the field, establishing its importance within our society.

Recent market analysis suggests that the locksmith industry is valued at approximately $3.8 billion.

Locksmiths play a crucial role in today’s world.

For instance, one consults a realtor when purchasing a home, a doctor when ill and a builder for construction needs.

Similarly, if you need to secure your building properly, consulting a security professional or locksmith would be of the utmost benefit.

Most people overlook the impact that locksmithing and security technology can have in their lives.

The responsibilities of locksmiths have grown significantly, as they now engage in ensuring the security and safety of entire buildings.

Despite the rapid technological advancements shaping our world, locksmiths remain committed to providing optimal and reliable security.

In 1929, Rham’s article in The Master Locksmith magazine stated: “The locksmith plays a crucial role in the community, being an essential figure for many.

“He possesses specialized knowledge about lock construction, which allows him to ensure proper installation – often a source of issues when locks fail to operate correctly.

“If his expertise had been sought beforehand, many inconveniences could have been avoided at a reasonable cost.”

Hence, locksmiths serve as invaluable resources, not only to consumers, but also to manufacturers who acknowledge their essential role in enhancing customer satisfaction through proficient installations.

The future of the locksmith industry appears bright for locksmiths, entrepreneurs, investors and business professionals.

By strategically entering the market, numerous opportunities can arise.

Research indicates that over 80% of locksmith companies are profitable, with an average net income margin of around 16%, reflecting the sector’s stability.

The increasing concerns about crime, school shootings and unauthorized access heighten the demand for enhanced security measures.

A well-positioned locksmith enterprise can generate multiple revenue streams, including installation, maintenance, consulting and product sales.

Technologies such as smart locks and Bluetooth-enabled standalone access control systems are making security solutions more accessible and user-friendly.

Furthermore, securing governmental contracts or adopting a business-to-business approach can provide long-term stability for locksmith proprietors.

Each year, I receive inquiries regarding locksmith business acquisitions arising from circumstances like retirement or the passing of owners, often coupled with requests for potential buyer referrals.

Recently, I met two MBA students from a notable Ivy League institution who attended a prominent security convention in Springfield, MA, to explore locksmith business acquisitions and to network.

As the Department Head of the locksmith program at our nation’s first trade school, my goal is to bridge the divide between security systems integrators and locksmiths.

I firmly believe that mastering access control technology is key to navigating the industry’s challenges and opportunities effectively.

However, another notable challenge is the aging workforce in locksmith business development.

More work needs to be done in attracting and encouraging younger professionals to join the field, in order to continue the industry’s pathway forward.

Additionally, decision-makers – such as executives, owners, directors and facilities managers – often lack the expertise necessary to accurately assess and address their buildings’ security requirements.

Physical security remains a critical aspect of a reliable access control system, ensuring the appropriate function of entry points.

For instance, if a corridor is monitored by a camera watching a server room but is connected to an improperly installed lock, the overall security can be compromised.

In circumstances where a security system fails, the lock serves as the final line of defense, the only physical safeguard against intruders or liabilities.

Importance of performance testing and lock grades

To emphasize the significance of understanding the various grades of locks – particularly grade one – which is designed to endure over one million cycles of use, awareness of the testing processes a lock undergoes to achieve the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) rating is paramount.

Performance evaluations of door hardware, which encompasses hinges, locks, closers and panic exit devices, assess various factors such as strength, durability, corrosion resistance and operational efficiency.

These tests are grounded in established standards to guarantee that door hardware operates effectively throughout its lifespan and during the intended use of the door openings.

In the event of an intrusion, it is crucial that the locks installed at entry points are built to withstand abuse and can accommodate high-traffic environments, safeguarding both lives and property.

I recently visited a high school where the facilities manager reported significant issues with the exit device at the main entrance only six months after installation.

Although the manufacturers had specified grade one hardware for that entryway, it appears that an error occurred during the ordering process, likely by the individual responsible for the hardware schedule.

Consequently, we are faced with an incorrectly installed exit device that poses a potential danger to individuals.

In the case of a fire evacuation at a high school, it is imperative that these doors function as intended.

Hence, the aforementioned tests are crucial to ensuring that door hardware performs reliably throughout its expected life cycle.

The digital world

In the contemporary era of extensive global connectivity, data generation has reached unprecedented levels.

Buildings are now harnessing data streams from a multitude of sources, encompassing cameras, visitor management systems, access control systems, key management systems, building automation systems and publicly available as usable data.

This wealth of information can be leveraged to evaluate real-time risks associated with specific buildings, facilities and individuals.

Data mining emerges as a pivotal tool in this context.

Through the analysis of this data, building owners and security professionals can pinpoint vulnerabilities to intrusion and optimize the allocation of resources.

Manufacturers can enhance their product development efforts by retrieving and analyzing data pertaining to their products, thereby augmenting their safety features.

Distributors can play a crucial role by providing comprehensive training to end users, guiding them on the optimal placement and utilization of these hardware products to maximize safety and security.

A thorough understanding of the areas where physical security is most compromised enables the fortification of those specific places and the implementation of superior security solutions for the building as a whole.

The landscape of physical security is marked by a transition from isolated systems to a more open, API-centric approach to system integration.

This underscores the significance of cybersecurity as an integral consideration from the outset.

While the adoption of advanced technologies such as edge analytics, machine learning and AI has been relatively gradual in the physical security industry, it is now beginning to align with the trends observed in the IT sector for several years.

I believe this is actually what we are seeing in the world stage now, where end users are more inclined to accept the inevitable progress of the locksmith industry which is tied to AI and advanced technology capabilities.

The younger generation is more willing to embrace this change, since technology is part of their day-to-day lives.

Mobile credentials, biometrics, Bluetooth access and smart locks are now convenient and user friendly.

Most people don’t carry a physical wallet anymore, as at the point of purchase at grocery stores or events, credit/debit cards and student identification can all be stored digitally on mobile phone apps.

These technologies have been used to revolutionize the locksmith and security industry and focusing on recruiting those who are skilled in these areas can help carry the field forward.

Shifting to the next generation should be the focus of any manufacturer, distributor, integrator, locksmith, institution or company that prioritizes security.

Many organizations don’t have sufficient replenishment of security professionals, locksmiths or training programs to ensure their capacity for succession.

Therefore, it is important to implement pathways and planning for this pressing issue.

A practical strategy involves recruiting individuals from diverse professional backgrounds, such as maintenance technicians, carpenters, electricians, construction workers and seasonal laborers, especially those at risk of layoffs during the winter season.

This initiative seeks to direct them toward appropriate locksmith training programs that will support their professional growth.

I have noticed that several companies are financially supporting their employees to enroll in a nine-month locksmith accredited course, which improves their skills to become certified security professionals.

This endeavor will significantly address the current needs in the security industry as the physical security of our buildings, communities and ultimately our lives rests in the capable hands of professional locksmiths.

About the author

Eddy Dacius, Co-Owner of Dacius Facilities Management, also holds the position of Head of the Locksmithing and Security Technology Department at North Bennet Street School.

Additionally, he is a part-time instructor in Building Automation Systems at Roxbury Community College and serves as a Brand Ambassador for Hardware and Security.

Eddy is dedicated to promoting and providing training in security across various sectors.

This article was originally published in the April edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.