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We’ve talked before about how having cameras at your property helps you protect the value of your business and gives your customers a sense of safety while on the premises. But once you have your camera system installed, how do you know who is looking at your cameras? Find out why you should know who is viewing your cameras and steps you can take to audit your camera system. At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. On a traditional DVR system (that we mentioned in a previous article),  you can’t see who has been viewing footage that the cameras have recorded or even know who has accessed your cameras. Not being able to know that information is a little scary and creepy! Whether you gave access to someone a long time ago and forgot about it, you can easily change settings to revoke access and even see in the audit log who has a login and if they’ve viewed your cameras. If you are part of a homeowners association board or property management group that has access to a group of cameras, you can set up parameters for individual users of what cameras they can view and even if they can download the footage. This log will show the users that have logged in and from what IP address. In the audit log you will find a plethora of information including users, user login, when they started viewing, when they ended viewing, and even show the clips that were viewed. This gives you the ability as the administrator to monitor who’s logging in, what they’re doing, and the purpose of what they are using it for. Another great function of the audit log is to review the analytics of cameras that aren’t popular or being viewed. This would be something to note and even discuss a better location to place the cameras. Or, if there is a camera that is being viewed frequently, perhaps a discussion of adding additional cameras to have different angles and views of that area.

Today we are going to answer the question: How to select a good service provider? We will also share inside information from our organization about what we’ve found to be successful as a service company. At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. We’ve learned that there are 3 things essential to the success of a Service Company. These fundamental basics can make or break a Service Company and is applicable to anyone in the Service Industry from HVAC, Plumbers, Electricians or anyone providing a service. Helpful & Kind Communication Fast Response Solving Customer’s Problems The first essential is Helpful & Kind Communication. One of the most important things that a customer should receive is a kind and helpful first response when they contact you. We provide that service with real people that are local in our office that answer the phone. Often you’ll find some service providers that utilize a phone tree system or call center that isn’t directly associated with the business. This can be confusing and time consuming when you just want to talk to a real person! Another part of this essential is being responsive and letting each customer know they are a priority. Oftentimes, service companies can receive the same question hundreds of times a week and can become gruff in responding to a new customer asking that same question. At Loc Doc Security, our customer success team makes a special effort to respond kindly and respectfully even if this is the 100th time of hearing a question. Each Customer Success Advocate goes through extensive training to help customers by answering their questions, routing them to the proper departments, creating service requests and helping them navigate in a stressful time. In most cases the customer knows what they want but they don’t know how to get it. That’s where our Customer Success Advocates come in to help guide and lead the customer through an unknown territory to get to their destination, which is a resolution to their problem. At Loc Doc Security, our Customer Success Team follows a PACE to ensure we are guiding our customers properly. This PACE is represented through 4 areas: Positivity – Speaking with Positivity is crucial to the Loc Doc Security Customer Experience. When our Customers call, we want them to know that we care about them, and we are able to solve their problems. Adaptability – Every call is different and every customer has different needs. Our team can adapt to each situation to quickly resolve our customers’ issues and get them to the solution they need. We also strive to be adaptable in our communication with different available options for our customers like text messaging, online chat, email requests, or whatever is best for them. Communicative – We are here to bridge the gap between our customer and the resolution to their problem. To do this they need a guide who can clearly communicate with them where to go and what to do. Consistent communications and well defined expectations are a crucial part of our process at Loc Doc Security. Empathetic – If we do not understand the customer or relate to the customer, then we cannot expect to help them succeed. A Loc Doc employee displays empathy through Courageous Honesty and Outrageous Kindness in our communication. When we do this consistently the customer can trust us to get them to the place they need to be. The Second essential is Fast Response. Response time is very important for any service provider. When given the choice of fixing an overflowing toilet today or in 2 weeks, most people would choose the immediate fix. Having a large properly equipped and trained professional team allows us to keep our response time within 24-48 hours and almost all emergency situations within 60 minutes. Knowing how quickly they can respond and be onsite can save you money! We’ve helped many people in emergency situations save their property from being damaged by having a fast response. One of the ways we do this is by tracking everything internally from the moment we get a request, how long to get onsite, how long to order parts, how long to get a quote and so much more! Having this transparency helps us understand and look for ways to be more efficient to better serve our customers! The final essential is Solving Customers’ Problems. We have a system in place that every technician goes through to know how to solve a customer’s problem. We use a systematic approach and process called LOCKS so we don’t miss anything. We start by listening to the customer and asking the right questions so we can help identify the root cause of the problem. From that point, analyzing the problem and what might be causing the problem. Finally developing multiple solutions and explaining the scenarios to assess the pros and cons of each solution. Keeping the customer informed along the way and walking alongside when going through the decision making process is another important step and promotes transparency. When things don’t go as planned, it’s important to have a provider that will persevere and finish the job to the end. Finally, make sure your service provider has a good reputation. Check online reviews and do a deep dive on their website. Can you see their office and where they are located? Can you see who you are working with or is it just a shell organization? These are important things to consider when selecting a service provider. If you have any questions about service providers, contact us and one of our professionals can assist you with any questions! Remember, we are here to help you protect your people and your property!

Today we are going to answer the question: How do I eliminate keys from my house? At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. Do you use a traditional key for your home and are wondering if you should make the switch to a smart keyless lock? Nowadays with the advance of technology and apps, traditional locks and keys are easily compromised. If you’ve ever left your key sitting on a desk anyone could easily snap a picture of your key, upload it to an app, and get a copy of it! Or have you ever lost or misplaced your keys and couldn’t get in your house? It can be a costly mistake and one that can be prevented with a keyless lock. You might say, ‘well I can just hide a key to my house somewhere outside’. Although it might be tempting to hide a Key in a Fake Rock on your property we wouldn’t recommend it. One survey found 35% of people put a spare key in a fake rock outside their home. Unfortunately, most fake rocks look… fake. Fake rocks usually stand out and it’s easy for Burglars to find. Other places burglars look for hidden keys are under the doormat, plant pot, rain gutter, front door ledge, and porch lights. If you’ve hidden a key in one of these places, you might want to invest in a Smart Keyless Touchscreen lock. These days, with the advancement of technology, many people have transitioned from traditional locks with keys to a keyless door lock. So what exactly are the benefits of a keyless door lock for your home? We will break down some of the advantages and cover some features you should look for when selecting a keyless door lock. First, what is a Keyless Door Lock? A keyless door lock is just like a traditional key lock. Both secure the door, however, the main difference is the method to unlock and lock the door. A traditional lock uses a key. A keyless door lock could use a combination code on a keypad or a smartphone app to unlock the door. So, How Does A Keyless Door Lock Work? Instead of a key, you would enter a numerical code to enter a facility or property. The code is entered on a numerical keypad and when entered correctly, the lock releases electronically. Most keyless door locks require batteries in order to unlock and some might require a small electrical current. There are many benefits to choosing a keyless door lock over traditional locks for your Home or your Business. Let’s start with the Benefits of Keyless Door Locks for your Home. Convenience: With a keyless door lock for your home, the standout advantage is convenience. Convenient Unlocking & Locking: Imagine you’re in a hurry to get inside. You can eliminate fumbling through your purse, pockets, or belongings to produce a set of keys. There’s no need for them. Simply enter your code and enter. Another scenario we encounter regularly is coming home with bags and bags of groceries and not being able to find the keys. This is where the convenience of a Smart Keyless Door Lock is incredible. Some Smart Keyless Door Locks on the market today use your location to automatically unlock and lock your door. This cool and very helpful feature is made possible by Bluetooth, GPS, and Geofencing from your smartphone. I can vouch for this being convenient and efficient. We have had a Smart Keyless Door Lock on our home for the past 10 years and it makes grocery shopping easier. Eliminating a physical key is also helpful when going for a run or walk. There’s no need to carry a physical key in a pocket to re enter your home. On some Smart Keyless Door Locks, you can even use your apple watch to open your door! This is a feature my husband has used frequently over the years. These days, everyone has a phone; even your kids! You’re more likely to keep your phone handy at all times. The great thing is Your phone acts as the “key” to open the door. Having this convenient perk makes entering your home quick and simple! Convenient Access for Multiple People: Once you eliminate the necessity of a key for your lock, you can grant access to your home by a code or mobile authorization. Children, Grandparents, Guests, and even Service Providers like house keepers or maintenance can be assigned their own code or a temporary code. No more leaving a key under a mat or in a fake rock, no worrying about lost or stolen keys, no stress over keeping track of your spare keys! Another great use for a Keyless Door Lock is on AirBNB Rentals or short term rentals. If you are renting your vacation home, it’s very easy to add a code and assign it to a vacation renter for the term of the rental rather than meeting the renter and having them keep track of a physical key. We’ve enjoyed staying in AirBNB’s with Keyless Door Locks and never have to worry about misplacing a key or losing it at the beach! Easily grant access to different people for a set period of time determined by you! Convenient Integration with Smart Home Devices: Now that everyone has an Amazon Alexa device in their homes, some people have asked Can Alexa Control Door Locks? The short answer is yes, with some contingencies. There are some smart keyless door locks that will integrate with home automation devices and services like Amazon Alexa, Nest, Google Assistant, and many more. For example, when your doors unlock you can have certain smart lights turn on when you enter your house. There are some smart keyless door locks that can be paired with a video doorbell service to see who is at the door before it is unlocked. Easy Installation: Most people are scared of a DIY project because often the finished results are underwhelming. This is not the case for installing a Keyless Door Lock. Since there are no major adjustments required to the door or the door frame, it’s actually very simple to install. I’ve done it myself and it took a screwdriver and about 20 minutes of time! We have a step by step guide to walk you through the entire installation process of the Yale Touchscreen Lock. Things to consider when selecting a Keyless Door Lock for your Home: One of the most important questions we are asked is what happens when your Keyless Lock Battery Dies? And What To Do If Your Keyless Lock Battery Dies? Keyless Door Locks are powered by batteries and are very reliable. Because of the small amount of battery power, they can last anywhere from 3-5 years. They also are equipped with a warning sound or light that will alert you many months in advance when the batteries become low. You will have advance warning and some locks will show signs of a low battery like a slower response time, slower opening, and even multiple attempts to open the lock. Replacing the Batteries in Your Keyless Door Lock is simple and requires only a screwdriver. The battery compartment is usually on the inside cover of the lock and once removed with a screwdriver you can quickly change out the batteries. If you ignore all of the warning signs of a low battery for months and the Keyless Door Lock won’t power up there is a solution to get inside! On the underside of the lock keypad, you can find 2 nodules. Applying a 9 volt battery to the nodules will give you enough power to get inside and change the batteries! You can easily have peace of mind and Protect your home, belongings, and your family! The best part is that you will never get locked out again! This lock by Yale is sleek and easy to install as a DIY Weekend Project. We even have a step by step video to help you install this Electronic Lock! Lose your keys and never worry about being locked out of your home! See the video and buy the lock at https://locdoc.net/diy/

Today we are going to answer the question: How do I manage my fleet keys? At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. If you’ve ever had to ask the question “Who has the keys?!?” while searching for a company vehicle you know how frustrating that can be. We’ve struggled with this at our facility in the past however, it’s something that can be simply and easily refined. While key management is one of the most important aspects, it can often be overlooked. Every key provides access to a vehicle, and every day employees are coming and going with these keys. But what if keys are lost or stolen? How do you know who had the keys last or when they were last at the office? When a vehicle goes missing or is damaged, how can you tell who got the keys to drive it? These are serious problems that can cause liability issues and confusion and ultimately spell disaster for fleet management. This is not only a problem for vehicles but for any keys that you need to keep track of, from entry doors to cabinets and desks containing important documents to jewelry cases. Thankfully there is a solution for this problem: The Traka Key Cabinet. This key cabinet must be opened with a pin code in order to access the keys. Each pin code is given specific permissions; for example, a service technician enters his code and can pull out the van key but cannot pull out the storeroom key. The cabinet will log all instances of keys being removed and returned. To take a key, simply press one of the green icons and the key releases. When you are ready to return a key, insert the iFob into the correct slot. Any key that is taken by you will be indicated by an amber icon lighting up. With the Traka Key Cabinet, if a key is lost or stolen, or a vehicle damaged, you simply run a report for that key and you will see exactly who the last person was to pull out that key. This puts you a full step ahead of other companies in responding to a crisis and limiting your liability. If you are interested in protecting and keeping track of your fleet keys, you can purchase a Traka21 Key Cabinet here, or meet with our experts to test one today!

Are you a property manager, facility manager,or property owner frustrated with keeping track of your doors, locks, and keys? Are you struggling with paper records or binders where you can’t find the information you’re looking for? Do you keep manual records but the information is old or never updated? Today we are going to answer the question: How Do I Keep Track of the Doors at My Facility? At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. We understand many property managers, facility managers and property owners have frustrations with keeping track of their doors, locks, and keys. In fact, we get several calls a week asking about a solution to help keep track of the doors at their property! We were so passionate about helping solve this problem, that we created a unique tracking software developed in-house by our app development team called Opening Management System (OMS). OMS allows you as a Property Manager the ability to view important door information about your facility. It can also ease frustrations of trying to manage data and quickly gives you organized visibility of your buildings. You can easily see which keys work with doors and even pull information for fire inspections. As a bonus you can also see the entire work history of service for that door and lock. How does a Door Survey & OMS work together? A quick door survey by our professional technicians and OMS will make your property’s data accessible at the touch of a button on your phone, tablet, or computer. During a Door Survey at your facility, our technicians will walk the facility discreetly placing Stickers with QR codes and a unique ID on every opening. Using GPS technology, data is collected and a picture is taken to tie the record together. While onsite, they add all the information about the door opening including but not limited to, the Floor, Suite, Brand of Lock Hardware, Type of Door (wood, metal, glass, etc.,), and pictures. Once added, the record can be scanned by QR code with your phone to make a request for service or you can identify the door by using the unique numeric id on each sticker. We maintain and add to the records information like Master Key System information, Key Records, Keypad Combinations, History of Site visits (including data of tech, time, tasks, parts history and work history), additional documents, and GPS data. Using the app gives you the ability to manage the openings (doors) of your property, know what hardware (brand, make & model) was in place, know what keys opened the door and who they were assigned to, and the complete service history of the door all from your phone! You can manage your property with ease at work, home, or even poolside. Schedule a free evaluation with one of our Security Professionals to learn more about a Door Survey and OMS! How It Benefits Our Customers! From a customer standpoint, you could utilize the sticker by opening your photo app (on iPhone or Android) and scanning the QR Code on the sticker. When you do that, it will take you to a Service Request Form where you can easily request service for your building and even the particular door you need help with. This immediately goes into our system and we are able to schedule a professional technician to come on site and assist you.

How To Track and Secure Your Fleet Keys? For a service company, managing your fleet is a crucial task. You have to ensure that logistically everything is up to standards in order to provide value for your business, which means our fleet is operating smoothly and efficiently. One of the most important and yet overlooked aspects of fleet management is key management. Every key provides access to a vehicle, and every day employees are coming and going with these keys. But what if keys are lost or stolen? How do you know who had the keys last or when they were last at the office? When a vehicle goes missing or is damaged, how can you tell who got the keys to drive it? These are serious problems that can cause liability issues and confusion and ultimately spell disaster for fleet management. This is not only a problem for vehicles but for any keys that you need to keep track of, from entry doors to cabinets and desks containing important documents to jewelry cases. Thankfully there is a solution for this problem: The Traka Key Cabinet. This key cabinet must be opened with a pin code in order to access the keys. Each pin code is given specific permissions (example, a service technician enters his code and can pull out the van key but cannot pull out the storeroom key), and the cabinet will log all instances of keys being removed and returned. To demonstrate the benefit of this tool, we will run back through the problem scenarios, this time with a Traka Key Cabinet. If a key is lost or stolen, or a vehicle damaged, you simply run a report for that key and you will see exactly who the last person to pull out that key was. This puts you a full step ahead of other companies in responding to a crisis and limiting your liability. If you are interested in protecting and keeping track of your fleet keys, you can purchase a Traka21 Key Cabinet here, or contact us if you have any questions.

Are you working for your camera system or is your camera system working for you? Having cameras at your property helps you protect the value of your business and gives your customers a sense of safety while on the premises. Although some camera monitoring setups can be extremely complicated, it doesn’t have to be! Today we are talking about how to simplify your security camera system and some of the benefits of a simplified Cloud Based Camera System. At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. First, let’s explain the different systems available. DVR (Digital Video Recorder): If you’ve ever had cable television, you may have experience with a DVR player. This device will record tv shows directly to itself so you can watch it later. It was also a popular option in the early 2000s for use in Security Camera Systems. It would normally be set up with analog cameras with cables run directly to the DVR. It usually required space in a secure room and a computer setup to view the live and recorded video. Although there has been great innovation in the security camera industry, there are still some commercial properties and businesses that use DVR. One of the major drawbacks of utilising a DVR camera system is having to be physically onsite to view any footage. The other drawbacks would be storing the footage on a local drive at the site. If there was an issue with the DVR or it was intentionally damaged or stolen, all the footage would be permanently gone. Cloud Security Camera System: A cloud based security camera system uses similar technology as any other cloud based streaming service. If you’ve ever used Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, or Google Drive, you’ve used a cloud based service. The same technology is used for a Cloud Based Camera System. This type of platform allows cameras to be installed wherever an internet connection is available and be independent from a physical recording device. This also uses PoE that we mentioned in a previous article. All footage goes immediately to the cloud using a bridge to stream it and making it available for you to view on a mobile phone, tablet or computer from anywhere. A cloud based camera system is the best for those that want maximum flexibility in surveillance. With the cloud, you have immediate backup of any footage as well as immediate access to live and recorded video. Here are some of the benefits of a Cloud Based Camera System: You Will Save Money & Space! By using a Cloud Based Camera System, your video footage captured (data) of your property is safely stored in the cloud. This means you don’t have to worry about expensive or large hardware that will eventually break down or potentially risk losing your data. A traditional video surveillance system can be complicated and expensive mostly because of software to buy and install, having to manage licenses, codes or keys, and constantly maintaining an up to date Operating System for it to function properly. Using the Cloud eliminates all the headaches that come with a traditional system. Plus, since the data is in the cloud, it is available from any device that has an internet connection, and can be quickly accessed and distributed at the touch of a button. You can quickly view live cloud video, search historic video, adjust camera settings, and email videos – from any mobile device. It’s not complicated and actually simple for anyone to use! Event Detection & Notification in Real Time A Cloud Based Camera System offers unique features like event detection and notifications that happen in real time. You will always know what’s happening on your property with unlimited motion detection for each camera! You can rest assured that cloud video surveillance images are continuously analyzed in real-time and you can be alerted when an event occurs. Some of the functions include Line Crossing, Intrusion Detection, Loitering Detection, and Object Counting that can monitor patterns to help you make smarter business decisions, look at potential avenues for saving money, an ability to improve sales, and increasing your visitors’ satisfaction. Another tool that can be beneficial to some is the First Responder Real Time Cloud Video Access. You can grant access or designate in advance certain first responders who can receive real time cloud camera access during an emergency situation. Your cameras stay private until they are activated in an emergency situation. By granting this access, you can eliminate any delays and help in an Emergency situation. Central Management, Flexibility & Scalability Do you have multiple business sites? Large groups of people on your team? No problem. Using a Cloud Based Camera System means you have access to all the Central Management tools that you need! This allows you to delegate who has access, revoke access to users no longer on your team, and track user activity of the cloud video surveillance system. The best part is that you can do All of this from any web browser anywhere in the world. There are no plugins or software to install. If you use a Mac or a PC it doesn’t matter. It works across all platforms and all devices from iPad to Android and even Chromebook! The other thing that comes to mind is the question ” Is my data safe?”. The short answer is “Yes”! All data and video is encrypted, and there are no open ports to the Internet. Only the right people that you authorize will get access to your data. Another positive is the ability to be flexible and scalable. This cloud video surveillance system gives you the flexibility to choose your own cloud video cameras, or use the cameras that are already installed. These are just a few of the many benefits of a cloud based camera system. For more information on these solutions, or for a custom crafted solution for your facility, request a consultation with our Professional Security Experts easily and on your schedule!

Now more than ever, people are conscious of germs. A year ago, no one would have thought twice about grabbing a shopping cart or shaking someone’s hand. Today, shopping carts are being sanitized before shoppers touch them, masks and gloves are common items to have on hand, and handshakes have fallen out of favor with the repeated mantra of social distancing and 6 feet apart. Reducing touchpoints has been a hot topic the past year. With schools getting back to normal and offices slowly coming back to life with in person returns, it is imperative that you help your customers and your Team stay healthy! Think about everything you touch just walking into your office, the door handle, light switch, coffee machine, countertop, office door, desk, laptop…the list goes on and on. Everyday, these touch points collect their fair share of microorganisms. However, when someone is infected with a virus, these seemingly harmless touch points become a source of infection and transmission. Whether it’s covid, a greek labeled variant, influenza, or just a common cold, some will make headlines around the globe while others just make you miserable. Being exposed to any of these infectious diseases could make you miss school or work. However, by removing frequently touched items, you can help reduce the amount of pathogens in the environment and reduce the chance of passing a virus around your business. Today we are going to answer the question: How to reduce touch points? We will also give you 3 tips that you can use to help reduce the spread of germs and minimize frequently touched items. At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. The first tip is to upgrade lightswitches to automatic motion switches. Do you remember The Clapper light switch from the 80’s? The ‘Clap on! Clap off!” jingle will forever be ingrained in my brain! Technology has come a long way since The Clapper and now there are a plethora of motion activated light switches and even smart switches that can easily be incorporated into your office space. We’ve installed motion activated light switches in our breakroom and you can even consider putting them in restrooms and hallways. Choosing a smart switch can even allow you to utilize AI speakers like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. I always enjoy asking Alexa to “turn off the lights” when leaving for the day! Having smart switches can help reduce your energy costs which could add up to savings! The second tip is to leave interior doors open! Doors inside your business (that aren’t a security risk) can be left open! These could be in Breakrooms, Storerooms, Copy rooms, and even hallways. Being able to walk through multiple doors inside your building that you would normally use a handle or knob can help reduce touch points! You can easily do this with a door closer with a hold open arm. Our final tip is to Use Automatic Door Openers on High Traffic Exterior or Interior Doors. Automatic door openers have already been useful and You’ve probably seen them with ADA push plates. Now, powered automatic door openers can be combined with a touch free wave to open switch or even a mobile pass on your cell phone that allows people to enter and exit without touching door handles. Touchless environments used to be something out of a science fiction novel or even as a special feature in hospitals. Now they are in demand and even considered a necessity in multiple areas of a building. With just a few components, any opening can become touchless and hands free! This ensures that there is zero contact on a surface that could be crawling with bacteria and allows everyone in the facility to have peace of mind that their health and safety is priority. If you want to reduce touchpoints in your facility, schedule a free evaluation!

As a property manager or business owner, you’ve done your due diligence and requested quotes from multiple vendors. Now that all the quotes are in, you might be feeling overwhelmed comparing the amounts from different vendors to decide the best solution for your property. It can feel like a daunting task when comparing the costs of different products, models, manufacturers, and even service charges. Some may assume that each quote is similar and equal to the others with the only difference being the final cost or bottom line. The truth is, it takes more than a glance at the bottom line to know what you are getting and what you might be missing out on! Today we are going to answer the question: How to compare vendor quotes? At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. Let’s start by giving you a few Tips to help you compare a vendor quote! Tip 1: Make Sure You Are Comparing Apples to Apples Comparing apples to apples is a term most everyone is familiar with and a great way to kick off the tips! This slang term, known from a popular party game, means in a business sense that you are comparing things that are fundamentally the same. The most important thing when comparing quotes from vendors is to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Make sure to confirm the materials in each quote have similar functions and features. Be sure to check that the manufacturer of the products are the same or if different, compare them so you know the quality of each brand matches. A great example that comes to mind is comparing the pricing of several different quotes in regards to Door Closers and Lever Sets. In this example, we see that Vendor A’s quote was significantly cheaper than Vendor B and Vendor C’s quote and at a glance seemed like the best deal. However, by digging into the products quoted, the customer can realize the products aren’t the same. Vendor A was quoting Standard Duty Door Closers instead of Heavy Duty Door Closers for high traffic doors and Residential Grade Lever Sets for Doors instead of Commercial Grade Lever Sets. Take a look and check that the installation hours quoted are in the same range. Oftentimes, some larger project quotes are priced with the intention of multiple people working on them at the same time to ensure an expeditious installation. If you need your project completed within a certain time frame, it could take more manpower to complete it and not run over. Tip 2: Get your Calculator and Do the Math When Comparing Quotes Whether you use a spreadsheet to compare or just a notepad and pen, you need to dig into the quote and calculate the costs now and over time. This is so you understand what to expect in the long term. Let’s use the same example above, where Vendor A was quoting Standard Duty Door Closers instead of Heavy Duty Door Closers for a high traffic door and Residential Grade Lever Sets for Doors instead of Commercial Grade Lever Sets. Although Vendor A offered a lower initial price, it would cost the customer more in the long run with the continual maintenance and service calls to repair and eventually replace with the correct application of Commercial Grade. Understanding and knowing which hardware grades your facility needs can prevent a costly mistake! You can read more about Hardware Grades in this prior article. The sales representative providing the quote should do an evaluation of the property to assess what grades are needed for the different areas of your building. Ask yourself the question “What will this cost me in the first year, the 2nd year, or beyond?” Knowing what to expect in the long term and being able to compare it to the other quotes is invaluable when deciding which vendor to utilize. If pricing on one quote is significantly less than the others received, it can be a red flag that the materials are different or pricing is askew. Most vendor quotes will be fairly similar in pricing and those that are under priced may end up with the job half done or not at all. There are some unscrupulous vendors that will bait with a low price to secure the client knowing that they will bill them for more. Be wary of lowball quotes. Tip 3: Compare Warranty Agreements from Different Vendors Compare each vendor’s warranty to ensure that you are protected. Most all product manufacturers offer a one year warranty on their products. Our company, Loc-Doc Security, maintains a warranty period of 90 days from installation or completed work on Labor and Service. This may not be the same for other Vendors so check with each one to ensure you are covered! Tip 4: Price Honoring & Missing Items “All prices are subject to change without notice” is not what you want to see or hear from a vendor. We’ve come across a few unscrupulous vendors who will add that very line in fine print to quotes so they don’t have to honor their price or they can swap a lower priced product for a higher priced one. Be sure to look at any fine print before deciding on a vendor and signing a contract. When looking at the quote, make sure you know how long it is good for whether it’s 30 days or 3 months. If your facility or board takes a longer amount of time to approve vendors, you want to be confident that the price quoted is still valid when finally approved. Missing items on a quote is something that you’ll need to keep an eye out for. In our prior example, Vendor A was missing the cost to rekey the cylinders. Vendor B and Vendor C had accounted for the costs of the rekey and the missing items on Vendor A’s quote stood out. Most vendors’ pricing will be similar so if a product or service is missing from one quote, it could be an additional cost you weren’t prepared to pay. Tip 5: Research the Company Reputation Matters. Make sure to research and consider the company’s reputation. Do they have a transparent up to date website? Are they reputable? Do they have an online presence? Do they post regularly? What does their work look like? What do online reviews say about them? Do they come with references from customers? How long have they been a dealer for the brand that they are offering? If they don’t have any online presence that might be a red flag. Transparency leads to trust and you can’t have a good relationship without trust! If you’re looking to build trust, check out this post 3 ways to build trust from our archives! Finally, select the quote and vendor that’s the best fit for your facility. You are making a choice to partner with someone and build a relationship with for the long term. Sometimes the lowest option may not be the best option and the right vendor might not always be the cheapest option. Processing a large amount of quotes from vendors can be challenging when reading through all the fine print. We recommend narrowing down a large amount to just 3 quotes and comparing them. Be sure to meet with the vendors face to face whether in person or even through video conferencing like Zoom. A trustworthy vendor and representative will have no problem explaining any part of the quote and guiding you to the best solutions. Following these 5 tips will help you make an informed decision and select the right vendor that best fits your needs. Schedule a free evaluation that works for your schedule with one of our professional account managers.

If someone knocking on the bathroom door or rattling the handle while you’re inside stresses you out, you’re not alone. Or, have you ever waited and waited in front of a locked door only to realize that the bathroom is actually vacant! How can you avoid that unnecessary stress when you just need to go? Today we are going to answer the question “How to know if a restroom is occupied?” At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. As a mother of two, having frequented many mother’s rooms, I always felt safest when at my most vulnerable moments when I checked and double checked that the door was locked. One of the most stressful situations is not knowing if the door is actually locked from the inside. If you’ve ever been walked in on or been startled by someone trying to enter whether in a restroom, changing room, or even mother’s room you know the embarrassment of both parties. What if there was a way to see that the room was occupied and for the person on the inside, that the door was locked and secure? These days you don’t have to have unnecessary anxiety when using a restroom, changing room, or mother’s room. A quick install of an Occupancy Indicator added to a restroom reduces the stress of everyone! It shows if the room is occupied or vacant so people approaching can clearly see that the room is being used and not ever touch the door. There’s even an indicator on the inside to put your mind at ease that the door is locked and secure! No embarrassment. No misunderstandings. No walking in on someone. So, if you’ve ever said “Just a Minute!” to the person on the other side of the door, you need an occupancy indicator. We think they should be on every public restroom, dressing room, and even mother’s room! To book this service place a request online easily at locdoc.net/servicerequest or call 704.554.6121 now!

How often do you have family and friends visiting your home? Or contractors coming to do work? There is always the hassle of logistics when it comes to this. The typical solution is “I left a key under the mat for you.” However this is very unsafe, as many criminals look for keys left under mats, pots and just over the door frame. For someone with ill intent this is an easy score. The only other option is to take off work or cancel any other plans to make sure you can meet your visitors. If you are the typical Charlottean with a busy schedule, this is much safer but very inconvenient. So our options are to compromise our security or sacrifice our schedule. This is a concerning problem, which centers around the necessity of the key. But there is good news. There is a solution available which allows you to keep your home safe AND keep your schedule intact. The solution uses what is know as keyless entry technology, completely eliminating the need for a key. With a code, or even with a bluetooth enabled smartphone, one can enter their home without turning a key at all. What’s more, codes can be passed out on a temporary basis, which means you are in control of your lock at all times. This is a solution that not only relieves some of the stress and worry of daily life but it also provides better security by eliminating a physical keying system. At Loc Doc Security one of our values is Refined Quality; therefore we want to provide only the best parts and materials, that you can truly trust to protect you and your things. This is one of the reasons we install the Yale nexTouch lock. It is a keypad lock which can store up to 500 user codes, and also has zWave technology to connect with your smartphone. It is ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 Certified and weather resistant, meaning it is durable and long lasting for your outdoor application. Imagine life with this keypad lock. While you’re at work on Friday afternoon, you start getting phone calls: your plumber is on his way to look at your leaky faucet, and your friends are in town for weekend get together, and will be home before you. Normally you start stressing about having to drop everything, right? Instead, your plumber and grandparents both have a separate code to get in. They both get access to your home which expires whenever you decide it will. Your life just got a little more stress and care free, and your Friday just got a little better. If thats the kind of freedom and security you want, click here to purchase a nexTouch on your home

Have you ever hurried out of your house or business, locked the door, and run to the car, only to realize you left the keys inside? Or even worse, have you ever lost your keys and couldn’t find them anywhere? It’s an issue that we’ve all come across, and seemingly inevitable, but there are a few ways that you can prevent this from ever ruining your day. Here are 3 ways to avoid getting locked out of your house! 1) Create a Back Up Plan – The first level of prevention is to have a backup plan in case you lose your keys. The best way to accomplish this is to install a keybox at your home. A keybox, sometimes called a lockbox, is a small box that can hold keys and requires a code to open them. They can generally be attached via a shackle, an over the door mount, or a surface mount. In the event that you have lost a key, this will ensure you have a spare at hand. A few obstacles that one can encounter with a lockbox is either forgetting the code, or if the lockbox is located, it could be stolen and/or broken into to get the key. So if you take this approach make sure your lockbox is in an inconspicuous location, and make sure you have a code that is easy to remember. 2) Eliminate Self Locking Knobs/Leversets – The next step in preventive maintenance is eliminating knobs and levers that self lock. One of the most common reasons someone gets locked out of the house is because of locks that self latches, or because the little knob on the door is turned on the inside while going out the door. It happens to the best of us, because we do it so many times we don’t realize we are doing it. The deadbolt is your best security for the door, so changing out the doorknob or lever underneath it with a non locking (also known as passage) knob or lever will eliminate this problem, and not sacrifice the integrity of your door security. Then in order to lock the door you will be required to close the door, insert your key and lock it from the outside, which means you still have your key in hand when leaving the house. 3) Eliminate Keys – The last step in avoiding this situation is eliminating keys. Believe it or not, one of the greatest downfalls to losing your keys or leaving them in the house, is the keys themselves! Thanks to recent innovations in the security industry, there are affordable and efficient ways of securing your home without the need for a key. (We call them keyless entries) One of these methods is a keypad lock. You can replace your keyed deadbolt with a keypad which unlocks the deadbolt when you type the correct code. This not only eliminates keys but it gives you the ability to set and remove codes to give temporary access to visitors or contractors doing work in your home! Another method for keyless entry is known as a smart lock. These can be synced with your WiFi signal to communicate with your phone, and open your deadbolt to give you access. In an age where smartphones are replacing all of the peripheral devices we use on a daily basis, it only makes sense that we replace our keys with it! We offer several models of Touchscreen Smart Locks in a variety of finishes (Silver, Brass, and Oil Rubbed Bronze) to match your decor and provide you with functionality. Read more about the benefits of a Touchscreen Lock Here! Take these steps today to ensure you never get locked out again!

Today we are going to answer the question: What to expect when I am locked out? If you’ve ever locked yourself out of your home you know how frustrating it can be. We want to prepare you for what you should expect from a Professional Locksmith if you ever get locked out. We want you to be informed and prepared with questions for any locksmith provider and equipped to spot a scammer. At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. First, let’s explain a typical locksmith scam. This usually happens when the person is already under a great deal of stress and does a quick online search for a locksmith and comes across fake locksmith ads or websites. Most of the time they look legitimate and are even displayed on Google results and maps as a real store in your local area even though there isn’t a storefront. They are normally at the top of search results and list extremely low prices to bait the customer like $10 or $20. These scammers can be individuals or they can be part of a larger call center conglomerate. Once you contact them, the call is routed to an offsite call center out of your local state and sometimes even the United States. These phone operators will give you a shockingly low quote and send a subcontractor to you. Once the “locksmith” arrives, they will usually claim to encounter a problem with the lock or claim that it is a High Security Lock that is unable to be picked. The only option they give to you will be drilling the lock. If they do drill the lock, it will destroy the actual hardware and substantially increase the bill. If that wasn’t enough, the scammer locksmith will charge you more than what was originally quoted because of the complexity of the job. We’ve seen reports from people who thought they would be paying $20 to unlock their door get charged $500! This is a horrible practice and we want all of our customers, their friends, and their family to know about these scams so it doesn’t happen to them. This scam only works because of the customer’s lack of knowledge and how it should actually be done. We want to change that by sharing this information so you won’t be scammed by a fake locksmith. Here are Red Flags that You are Being Scammed by a Fake Locksmith: Unusually Low Pricing: Beware of uncommonly low rates, as they are commonly used to grab customers and then once onsite they will charge an exorbitant amount. (Example: $15 Service Call, and then $150 for a rekey) Not Identifying Business Name & Poor Reputation: Most fly by night scammers won’t answer with a business name (for example when you call us we will answer with: Thank You for Calling Loc Doc Security, How can I help you?”). They will instead say “locksmith” or “locksmith service”. Look up these providers and read the reviews. Go to their website. Do they have actual employees? Are there any names associated on their site? Reputable businesses and professional locksmiths aren’t fearful of identifying themselves with their company name and brand. Appearance & Unmarked Vehichles: If you unfortunately contacted a scammer and they show up, pay careful attention to their appearance and their vehicle. Most likely they won’t have a uniform on or even any identification of the business on the vehicle. If they are in jorts and a t-shirt they are probably a scammer. Professional locksmiths will be in a neat uniform that clearly identifies the company they are with. Also, if their vehicle is a sedan or has a removable magnetic sign, it’s probably a scammer. Reputable locksmiths have a clearly logoed service van with professional tools inside and will not hide their business name. Skill Set: If you see a non uniformed person carrying a drill to your door and no other tools, you most likely have a scammer. A professional locksmith will come equipped with tools like rakes, picks, pick guns, decoders, and more to open a locked door. Professional locksmiths will have gone through extensive training to practice picking a lock without destroying or damaging the customers property. If the person working on the lock seems to be struggling with the lock, the tools, this can be another sign of inexperience and reliance on just drilling the lock. If they say that you have a High Security lock and you never knew that you had a High Security Lock, they are most likely a scammer. High Security locks aren’t usually found on residential properties. Some things to consider so you’re not caught in a difficult situation: Before You Call: Find a reputable locksmith before you need them. Reputable locksmiths will be licensed and insured and usually belong to Locksmith Associations like ALOA . Look at their website and see who is part of their team. Most reputable locksmiths list their team pictures and names on their site since there is nothing to hide. Read reviews and look at their social media platforms. After You Call: Look for clear identification on the service vehicle and on the arriving technician. They will both be outfitted in the company’s logo and can show you identification. Your professional locksmith will show up with tools of the trade. They will have professional tools on their service van and will utilize those to pick open a locked door. They will not resort to drilling the lock and will usually look for another door (like back door or side door or garage door) if the lock won’t open. Finally, ask for a receipt. Professional locksmiths will be able to give you a receipt and have the ability to take credit cards. Only scammers will demand cash. Preventative Measures: One of the most important ways to prevent being locked out of your home is to take preventive measures. Leaving a spare key with a trusted friend or family member is a cost free solution but not always the best solution. It also might be tempting to hide a Key in a Fake Rock on your property so you don’t get locked out, but we wouldn’t recommend it. One survey found 35% of people put their hidden key in a fake rock. Unfortunately, most fake rocks look… fake. Although it’s the same price as a cup of coffee, fake rocks usually stand out and it’s easy for Burglars to find. Other places burglars look for hidden keys are under the doormat, plant pot, rain gutter, front door ledge, and porch lights. If you’ve hidden a key in one of these places, you might want to invest in a Touchscreen lock. You can easily have peace of mind and Protect your home, belongings, and your family! The best part is that you will never get locked out again! We recommend this lock by Yale as a preventative measure to getting locked out of your home. One of the benefits of a touchscreen lock is being able to have a custom code for you, your children, and even a house cleaner. Easily unlock your door without the hassle of keys using the touchscreen keypad Lock the door behind you by simply tapping the keypad or by enabling auto relock Create up to 25 unique pin codes to share with friends and family 100% key free means no pick or bump break-ins and no lost keys or rekeying Quiet motorized deadbolt All-code lockout for privacy Auto relock option This Yale lock is sleek and easy to install as a DIY Weekend Project. We even have a step by step video to help you install this Electronic Lock! You can permanently lose your keys and never worry about being locked out of your home! You can buy the lock at https://locdoc.net/diy/ As always, we are here to help you protect your people and your property. Want to learn more about what to expect when you’re locked out or ready to purchase a touchscreen lock? Reach us by calling 704-554-6121 or chat online!

As a property manager or facility manager, you know the stress you are under if you’ve ever had the power go out in a building for an extended time. Most commercial buildings are equipped with Access Control systems to allow ease of hundreds of people entering the property. But what happens if there is a large scale emergency like a hurricane or storm that knocks out power for an extended amount of time? Is your building still safe and secured or are your doors standing unlocked? Today we are going to answer the question: Will my building stay locked if the power goes out? At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. Electronic Locks on doors and even Access Control have continued to evolve over the years. While you may walk past one without even knowing it was on a door, there’s more than meets the eye. Electronic locks contribute more to your safety and security and you can find them on commercial buildings, government buildings, healthcare facilities, and schools. Today we are taking a closer look at the most common types of locks used in Access Control on buildings; Magnetic Locks (or commonly known as Mag Locks) and Electric Strike Locks (commonly known as Electric Strikes). Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each lock can help you make decisions for your facility. Magnetic Locks aka Mag Locks What is a Magnetic Lock? Simply put, it uses magnets that create a seal. A Magnetic Lock is made up of 2 components; an electromagnet and an armature metal plate. The magnet is usually attached to the door frame and the plate is attached to the door. When the two pieces come together and touch, an electric current goes through the magnet and creates a charge. This charge attracts the plate and prevents the door from opening. Once the power is removed, the magnet loses the charge and the door is released and can operate. Something to keep in mind with magnetic locks is that the door is always locked from both sides. This is a great option for areas that may require high levels of security since anyone using the lock has to activate it when entering and when leaving. Mag Locks are a popular choice for offices and commercial properties and can be programmed to open with a keypad, key fob or card, or a mobile key. While the magnets are extremely strong with the electric current, they require power to remain locked. If the power was to go out in the building from a fire, the lock would go into a fail safe mode (which means an unlocked state) allowing people to exit the building. Advantages of Mag Locks: Powerful: Mag Locks can withstand a high amount of force; on average 1200 pounds but I’ve seen a few at 1800 pounds! Simple Installation: Mag Locks are simple to install and can keep a glass opening secure when you can’t add a traditional lock. Secure: locked from both sides – must scan in and scan out. Disadvantages of Mag Locks: Power: A Mag Lock requires constant power to keep it locked. If there was a power outage, the door would be in fail safe mode (which means unlocked) and it could leave the property and belongings vulnerable. Anyone can exit and anyone can enter! Application: Not as secure for some openings. Electric Strike Locks aka Electric Strikes What is an Electric Strike? An Electric Strike is just like a traditional door strike with the benefit of being electrified. Once installed in the door frame, electricity powers an internal motor that releases the door when activated. This electric signal allows the metal piece holding the door locked to move and allows the door to open. The electric signal is usually activated by an electronic card reader, Key Pad, Key Fob, or Mobile Key. Electric Strikes are made to secure one side of the door and are usually found on the exteriors of buildings. This allows the door to be unlocked for anyone inside the building but is locked to anyone outside. Electric Strikes are paired with a panic bar that allow people inside the building to unlock the door and exit the building if the power goes out. This is what is considered a fail secure mode. Advantages of Electric Strike: Affordable: Electric Strikes usually cost less than Mag Locks. Powerful: Electric Strikes holding force can range from 1500 pounds to 2500 pounds; pretty powerful! Secure: Keeping one side of the door locked gives you the ability to control the traffic into the building or area. Power: With Electric Strikes, you have greater security during a power outage. If the power goes out, the electric strike will remain locked. People can still exit the building by pressing the panic bar on the door, but no one can enter inside the building. Disadvantages of Electric Strike: Installation: Because of the complexity of Electric Strikes, installation and wiring power requires a high degree of skill. You will need a professional installer that is familiar with low voltage. We recommend using electric strikes on buildings especially if you live in areas that are prone to power outages. Electric Strikes perform better in a power outage by keeping the building locked but still allowing people to exit the building. In contrast, once Mag Locks lose power, the doors are no longer locked and secure which means anyone can enter. If you have Mag Locks with your Access Control or Key Card System you may want to consider updating the locks to Electric Strikes. You can book a free evaluation with one of our professionals security experts who can help you ensure that your building is safe and secure in a power outage.

In a previous article, we touched on the importance of having cameras at your commercial property, to protect the value of your business, and to give your customers a sense of safety while on the premises. Today we are talking about a trusted partner (one that we use at our facility and highly recommend) and industry leader in Cloud Based Technology, Eagle Eye Networks. Although there are companies that provide similar services, Eagle Eye Networks stands out as one of the best in Cloud Based Video Surveillance. The Eagle Eye Cloud Video Management System was built from the ground up and is a modern cloud based platform for video surveillance. With the newest technology, constant push for innovative solutions, and design specifically for cyber security conscious customers, Eagle Eye Cloud Video Management System is the best for those that want maximum flexibility in surveillance. Here are 3 reasons why you need a cloud based camera system. 1. You Will Save Money & Space! By using this specific solution, Eagle Eye Cloud VMS, your video footage captured (data) of your property is safely stored in the cloud. This means you don’t have to worry about expensive or large hardware that will eventually break down or potentially risk losing your data. A traditional video surveillance system can be complicated and expensive mostly because of software to buy and install, having to manage licenses, codes or keys, and constantly maintaining an up to date Operating System for it to function properly. Using the Cloud eliminates all the headaches that come with a traditional system. Plus, since the data is in the cloud, it is available from any device that has an internet connection, and can be quickly accessed and distributed at the touch of a button. You can quickly view live cloud video, search historic video, adjust camera settings, and email videos – from any mobile device. It’s not complicated at all, just simple for anyone to use! 2. Event Detection & Notification in Real Time Eagle Eye Cloud VMS offers unique features like event detection and notifications that happen in real time. You will always know what’s happening on your property with unlimited motion detection for each camera!  You can rest assured that cloud video surveillance images are continuously analyzed in real-time and you can be alerted when an event occurs. Some of the functions include Line Crossing, Intrusion Detection, Loitering Detection, and Object Counting that can monitor patterns to help you make smarter business decisions, look at potential avenues for saving money, an ability to improve sales, and increasing your visitors satisfaction. Another tool that can be beneficial to some is the First Responder Real Time Cloud Video Access. You can grant access or designate in advance certain first responders who can receive real time cloud camera access during an emergency situation. You cameras stay private until they are activated in an emergency situation.  By granting this access, you can eliminate any delays and help in an Emergency situation. 3. Central Management, Flexibility & Scalability Do you have multiple business sites? Large groups of people on your team? No problem. Using Eagle Eye means you have access to all the Central Management tools that you need! This allows you to delegate who has access, revoke access to users no longer on your team, and track user activity of the cloud video surveillance system. The best part is that you can do All of this from any web browser anywhere in the world. There are no plugins or software to install. If you use a Mac or a PC it doesn’t matter. It works across all platforms and all devices from iPad to Android and even Chromebook! The other thing that comes to mind is the question ” Is my data safe?”. The short answer is “Yes”! All data and video is encrypted, and there are no open ports to the Internet. Only the right people that you authorize will get access to your data. Another positive is the ability to be flexible and scalable. This cloud video surveillance system gives you the flexibility to choose your own cloud video cameras, or use the cameras that are already installed. These are just 3 of the many benefits of a cloud based camera system. For more information on these solutions, or for a custom crafted solution for your facility, request a consultation with our Professional Security Experts easily and on your schedule!

On the night of July 24th, at Brevard Court, near Romare Bearden Park, a couple walking down the street were randomly assaulted by at least 5 assailants. Both sustained multiple injuries, and it could have been worse if not for several bystanders that intervened. The attackers then fled and are still at large. On the same night, there was a reported arrest of a criminal who was involved in a June 20th break-in at GiGi’s Cupcakes. He had broken the store window with a brick and stolen a cash register as well as other property from the facility. What stands out about these two cases is not what they have in common, but rather the difference between them. In the first case, there were no cameras present at the scene, and in the second, there was a camera recording the entire event. According to Spectrum News, “Brevard Court is private property and there are no city surveillance cameras in the area.” When the couple was attacked, there was nothing but the memory of the couple to assist police in locating the suspects. When faced with a dangerous and sudden situation, the first instinct is to defend oneself and get out of danger, and it is difficult to pay attention to the faces and appearances of who is attacking. In the other case, footage quickly uncovered several details about the perpetrator. One surprising fact that was revealed was that the criminal was wearing an ankle bracelet, which was a court-ordered electronic monitoring device. After sharing the footage with several police officers, the person was quickly recognized as a repeat offender in breaking and entering cases. In their article, WCNC staff said “He had been ordered to wear it while he was awaiting trial on completely separate commercial breaking or entering changes.” Shortly after the incident, the suspect was apprehended and detained. Cameras made all the difference in this case, and could have done the same in the other, if they were there. When considering the cost of camera surveillance, think about situations like this. Being secure and comfortable in a place that has security surveillance is important for many consumers, and seeing an increase in safety concerns due to lack of camera footage is likely to discourage them from visiting an unsurveilled area. It is to the interest of not only the public, but to private businesses, to ensure that they feel safe about the security of their property, and also that their customers feel safe as well. Protect your business and give your customers peace of mind while visiting with a custom solution for your facility. Request a Free Consultation with our Professional Security Experts at a time convenient for you. Source: Romare Bearden Attack, Spectrum News Source: Gigi’s Cupcake burglar Caught on Camera; WCNC News

Last month the Concord/Charlotte area faced yet another tragedy of violence. 13 year old Aveanna Propst, along with 2 other teenage boys, were caught in the crossfire of a shooting at the Concord Mills mall. The two boys were injured, but Propst lost her life from the wounds she sustained. We mourn for the loss of this young girl, and we all must ask what we can do to slow and prevent the increase in violence in our streets and neighborhoods. At Loc Doc Security, we share in the grief and loss from this event. Our company exists to protect people and their belongings, and events like these remind us of how important that is. As we have shared in the past, camera systems play an integral part in the safety of not only individuals and businesses, but of the community at large. Shortly after the shooting surveillance photos were released, which led to the arrest of two individuals involved in the shooting. Because there was a camera at the scene, the police are able to administer justice and also ensure that those people cannot do any more damage in their community. With new innovations in camera technologies we now have Cloud Based Camera Systems which give immediate access to camera footage from any device, giving us the ability to identify criminals, and perhaps even prevent their malicious activities. This story reminds us that this is not just about protecting your valuables and assets (which is important), but about providing safety to the people in your community. If you share in our desire to reduce the violent crimes in the Charlotte/Concord area, and you are interested in getting a Cloud Based Camera system, click here for a free quote.

We were contacted by a water service company who had 3 existing keypads at their  facility.  They realized that they were spending a lot on constant service trips from a different vendor to change the keypad codes every time an employee left. Not to mention the code could still be passed around to people who may not be authorized to enter. They initially wanted to add a key card system to their suite that was compatible with the key card system that existed in the complex their suite was in. Account Manager Zach Phifer explains further “When the customer explained the issues and the extra expense of site visits from other vendors to change key pad codes, I knew the solution was Brivo Access Control. It would eliminate the constant code changes plus Brivo’s user friendly interface and ability to manage multiple locations would be a great fit for the problems they were experiencing.” We also recommended a Medeco Keymark Protected Key System to eliminate any duplication of physical keys in addition to Brivo Access Control. The locks and keys in the Keymark system give the owners key control. Additionally, the card readers coupled with a cloud based system allow for a more efficient and seamless process for controlling who can and cannot enter the facility. When we did the install, the company was amazed at the service we provided. Not only was the installation done well, but the technicians were clean, quiet and efficient the entire time onsite.  In fact, we were told the company’s corporate staff were at the facility the same day and they never knew we were there doing the installation; they didn’t hear a thing! The customer was so pleased that they then asked us to provide the same solution to an additional 4 locations: 1 more in Charlotte, 1 in Morehead City, 1 in Lake Lure, and 1 in Sugar Mountain. This project offered us a wonderful insight into the benefits of cloud based integration. It is one thing to have an access system tied to one facility, but when you add 4 facilities to the equation, managing them all can be a hassle. With the Brivo system, this was a non-issue. All 5 sites are easily managed under a single interface, and all updates and changes are synchronized through the cloud. This makes for a clean and easy process for maintaining security for multi site businesses. We were very pleased with the way this project turned out and so was our customer! In conclusion, we provided a solution to eliminate the unnecessary keypad code change expenses, established an easily managed Access System, added a layer of protection and control to keys, and ultimately upgraded the longevity of their security. We take pride in creating custom Commercial Security Service Solutions for individual needs. No two jobs are the same and listening to the customers needs are integral to identifying the best solution ensuring their security. Schedule a FREE Evaluation Here! Products Used: Medeco Keymark Protected Key System Brivo Access Control System Eagle Eye Camera Management & Cloud Storage

In previous posts, we have briefly touched on the various benefits that an access control system provides for your business, school and many other commercial/organizational applications. Today we will delve deeper into this topic and show you 4 areas in which access control systems are more cost effective and budget friendly. 1) Time Savings: When you have a physical key and lock system, time is always a factor. Whoever is in charge of your building’s security likely spends at least 3 hours a month managing keys, locks, and making decisions about who has access to which doors. (multiply that by the number of people managing your security) Thats 36 hours a year that can be reduced by 50% or more by switching to a cloud based access system. With the click of a button from a computer or phone, your security administrator can turn access on or off and set schedules for access. Time is one of the most important things to budget. 2) Loss Prevention: Picture this scenario in your head: An employee approaches you and has lost the key to the front door. What is your response? The easy response is to ignore it and replace the key. But the truth is, that key is now floating around, giving someone access to your building. The proper response is to rekey the front door and any other doors that may give someone access via that key. On top of that you have to replace the key for any employees who were using the old key. This can lead to a major loss of time and money for your company, all because of a simple mistake that can happen to anyone. With a cloud based access control system, a click of a button will deactivate a lost fob, and the problem is solve. You get another fob for the employee and move on with your day. 3) Increased Revenue: Upgrading to access control does not only prevent loss, but it also provides a great benefit to your company. With an automated access system with preset schedules and hours can turn a 8-5 business into a 24 hour facility. (especially for membership-based businesses like fitness centers, clubs and associations. This also means no need to hire someone just to let people in the front door. You can remotely control and customer who comes in and out, and when they have access to your facility. 4) Increased Capacity: Every time you add an employee, you must spend resources to onboard, train, and maintain your employees within the company. With an access control system, you can hand your employee a credential and set their schedule in seconds. The onboarding process just became 10 times quicker and easier. This means more resources and time to pour into developing your employee for the important aspects of your business. If you have any questions about access control systems or want a free quote on upgrading to a cloud based access control, request a consultation with our Professional Security Experts!

What is a Key Card System? What is a Key Fob System? Today we are going to answer the question: What is a Key Card System? A Key Card System is a way to control who can enter a location. This can be a way to control who can enter certain areas, like employees, contractors, janitorial staff, and even visitors. Today we will look at what makes up a key card system and the benefits of using one. At Loc-Doc Security, Our Mission is to help you protect your people and your property. We continue to share information like this to help you be informed so you can know the best solutions for the security of your property. Most Key Card systems are made up of several components like a power supply, main panel, card reader, and electric strike. Generally, a user would produce a key card or key fob that is scanned at a reader near a door. This credential opens the door and gives access to the area. This is also good for knowing who has been in what locations and for how long. A power supply does exactly what it says and supplies power to the main panel. The main panel is connected to a card reader and communicates with each other and the electric strike. When a card is presented to the card reader, the panel will communicate and check if the user has access to the door. If it does have access, the panel will send a signal to the electric strike to open the door. This all happens rapidly with the permissions set up and data transmitted in milliseconds. All of these components are variable and able to be expanded depending on the size of the location. One of the main components that is not shown is a computer controlling the users and access parameters. These days, a physical computer is no longer necessary and 100% of these systems are cloud based. This is a huge benefit when managing multiple locations. What Are The Benefits of Using a Key Card System? No Lost Keys – One of the benefits of using an access control system is the elimination of physical keys. Sometimes keys are lost and rekeying a building and distributing new keys can be costly. Having a key card system or access system can utilize key fobs, key cards, and even electronic credentials that work on your mobile phone or smart watch. If a key card or key fob is lost, you can easily disable it and assign a new credential without the expense of rekeying a whole office building. Having Audit Trails – Another benefit for an Access Control System is the data they track. Once a user is assigned a credential, you can see if and when someone entered an area and a specific time. Physical keys don’t leave an audit trail. Key Management – Depending on your role, you may need to enter many different buildings or rooms. This can be a hassle if you have to have a physical key for every door. With an Access system, it’s as easy as a few clicks to assign areas and buildings for different users. Increased Control – Using an Access Control System makes it easy to manage who can enter, which doors they can open, and specific times they can access the building. Why Would You Want To Upgrade Your Existing Key Card System? Some older existing systems were run on old windows computers housed at multiple locations. Having to travel to each location to make changes to who had access to the building was wasting a lot of time. With New technology, we can convert old access systems to a Cloud Based Management Software to easily make changes no matter where our customer is. No more traveling to different locations and working on old computers. This system can be accessed from your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, and even a desktop at home. Some of the benefits are: Using Cloud Based Technology Gives You Freedom: no driving to different locations, easily managed. You Can Manage One Location or One Hundred: have multiple properties? No problem! Manage from ANY Device: mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop – no complicated software, just an easy interface. Reduced Maintenance: with a Cloud Based System, you don’t have to mess with physical servers, software licenses or updates or patches. Secure Credentials: You can quickly issue or revoke in the system from anywhere in the world. Issue Digital Credentials: This is a credential shared to a smartphone and is great for people that forget their card and even vendors.