Industrialisation led to continued improvements in the performance and accuracy of machinery initially in the textile industry and shortly thereafter in heavy manufacturing. Lock designs developed in parallel, their security reliability and speed of production advancing accordingly.

Industrialisation brought with it urban growth along with the challenges that we are still faced with today, including rising crime rates. In the space of a single generation we have witnessed unparalleled changes to our way of life via the ‘information revolution’. The birth of the Internet has seen the global population armed with a vast array of specialised information which in some cases has threatened the very fabric of our existence. All sorts of information is available at our fingertips, and a quick ‘Google’ search will even bring up pages of articles which are devoted solely to the art of picking locks. In turn this has led to a demand for improvements to security, both personal and commercial, and the industry has responded by providing a range of increasingly sophisticated product including high security mechanical lock systems.

The Internet has also made the world accessible to most that inhabit it, with globalisation being the end result. Small localised companies committed to security innovations are now regularly consumed by the global corporates, which means that in many instances the smaller organisations at the forefront of product innovation are no longer responsible for the products they have developed.

In Australia end-user requirements are in a constant state of change. As organisations grow so do their security needs and careful consideration should be given to determining who has access to where, particularly when dealing with an increasingly mobile workplace.

The demand for high security lock systems capable of providing large and complex master key systems in the commercial industrial and government sectors continues to grow, particularly in areas where there is frequent staff turnover. There are a number of critical factors that should be considered prior to a purchase decision being made. These include:

i. Patent protection
This will of fer you protection from possible copy products.

ii. Product security 
Features Does the system offer resistance to picking, bumping & impressioning? Material composition of key components should also be reviewed.

iii. Security of system information
High Security Mechanical Master Key Systems should only be purchased from authorised agents who can guarantee the records of your system will remain secure at all times.

iv. Installation and maintenance costs
Price is always a consideration in the purchase decision. The initial installation cost is always detailed.What frequently is not known are the on-going maintenance cos ts. Keys get lost and need to be replaced. How much are replacement keys? Locks will need to be changed and recombinated. Is this a quick or time consuming process and what costs are involved?

v. Product performance and durability
Does the product come with a performance warranty? Are components such as keys warranted against breakage?

vi. Product range
There are a substantial amount of different cylinder types available on the market today. You should be sure your system can cover all your needs. 

vii. Availability of parts and service
How quickly are spare parts available? Should a local manufacturer be a major consideration? What service will be provided by the locksmith servicing your system? It is highly likely your organisation requires 24/7 security protection. You need to be assured that the locksmith can provide service support whenever required.

Frequently due consideration is not given to the issues detailed above resulting in a poor purchase decision. The high security lock system you choose must be able to evolve seamlessly within your business.

At the end of the day the system you choose must provide you and your organisation peace of mind.

By Stephen Hardy www.australianlock.com.au