Start small
- A keypad on the main door removes many keys.
- Add card readers when more doors or logs are needed.
Ask the building
- Multi-tenant buildings often control lobby doors; the suite door is yours within the rules.
- Get approval for new hardware in writing.
Plan the exit
- A door must always release from the inside.
- Do not fit a lock that needs a key or code to leave.
Staff changes
- Write down who receives a code or card.
- Disable credentials the day someone leaves.
Choosing a credential
Cards and fobs are simple for staff, PIN codes need no hardware and biometric readers suit smaller groups. Think about who will manage the system and how quickly you can cancel a lost credential.
Power and fire rules
Ask whether each door unlocks or stays locked if power fails, and where the mechanical key override is kept. Exit doors must always open without a key, so involve the building manager before changes.
Small-office example
A six-person office in a Markham business park might use a card reader on the front door and a keyed lock on the server closet. The manager cancels a card the day a person leaves, and the reader log shows whether it was used since. Keep the reader software login with one named person, and store a list of override keys in a locked cabinet with a sign-out sheet. That setup is enough for most small offices and can grow later.
Contact us
iGuard Locksmith, Unit 29, 5310 Finch Ave E, Scarborough, open 7 AM to 11 PM. Ask about access control for your Markham suite.
Need a locksmith? See our emergency locksmith and pricing and process pages.