The public are familiar with the risks associated with stepping out of their homes, such as terrorism and unpredictable weather events, highlighting the presence of hazards in public areas. As a result, many building managers are implementing robust security arrangements to protect their visitors.

Implementing stringent security measures carries a significant risk, namely the potential for unintentional discrimination. By making it harder to gain access, it is possible that those with mobility issues, disabilities or whose physical appearance does not align with the technology’s programming may be disadvantaged.

Balancing security with inclusivity

This trend towards increased security in public spaces poses intriguing questions about the need to balance rigorous security arrangements with the desire to remain inclusive. Unless the right balance is struck, it is possible that community dynamics will be disrupted and visitors will be lost.

It is essential that the level of security applied aligns with the needs of each building’s occupants. There is no one-size-fits-all security solution, and due diligence must be undertaken every time a mortise lock is installed or upgraded to ensure that it will meet user expectations.

Residential complexes, educational facilities and office buildings all have different use cases and, by extension, different security requirements. For some, the cost of installing an electronic mortise door lock with an integrated biometric scanner will far outweigh the benefits derived from such a measure, while for other buildings, it will be merely a small element of a much more comprehensive security system.

Why choose an electronic mortise lock?

A mortise door lock significantly enhances a building’s security measures. Featuring technology such as encryption, remote access control and audit trails, it delivers peace of mind and protects against unauthorized entry.

Mortise locks can be electronically programmed to cater to a diverse range of needs, including people who would be disadvantaged by a traditional lock and key system. People with mobility challenges or reduced mental capacity may find it easier to enter a public building where an electronic mortise lock is installed because there is the potential to use biometric identification, such as iris, thumbprint or voice recognition technology, to gain access.

Adapting infrastructure for a modern world

Widespread adoption of electronic locksets requires infrastructure to be adapted to incorporate the locks. Emergency response protocols for public spaces must be updated to reflect the enhanced security status offered by the technology and to incorporate safety overrides that allow emergency services personnel to gain access quickly in a crisis.

While it is important to protect building’s occupants and to allow for an efficient emergency response, it is essential that upgrades are made with legislative and regulatory compliance in mind. These modern systems rely on digital connectivity, which means the risk of cyber-attack is increased. Moreover, when user biometric data is stored, the loss or corruption of the data could have devastating effects for individuals and businesses alike. Suitable mitigations include implementing proactive maintenance procedures, enacting contingency plans, and performing regular security software updates.

Electronic locks are revolutionizing visitor safety in public spaces, although it is imperative that upgrading security measures does not unfairly disadvantage any potential visitors.