Co-working is a rising trend across the country as more and more people turn to freelancing and need affordable office space for occasional use. If you've got an empty building, transforming it into basic office spaces can bring in a flow of cash, but only when you can keep unauthorized users out. Use these five high-tech lock options to manage who comes and goes in your co-working building and protect the sensitive information and equipment of your clients.

Numerical Code Locks

If you're trying to improve security while on a tight budget, a numerical code lock is the most inexpensive way to set up access for multiple people arriving and leaving all at different times. Of course, the code can be leaked, but weekly or monthly changes to the numerical code reduce the chances of unauthorized use by former workers and their friends. However, these kinds of locks rarely offer any kind of extra tracking or remote control options like other high-tech locking mechanisms available today. It's a good place to start, but you should upgrade basic numerical locks as soon as possible to increase the security of the offices.

Key Cards

Key cards are the first step above numerical locks, and they're a good compromise for co-working spaces that can't afford the more complex cloud and biometric options. Key cards can still be lost and stolen like physical keys, but you can work around this problem by instituting a reprogramming schedule that regularly changes the codes stored in the magnetic strip or internal chip. The extra work of collecting and reprogramming key cards pays off in increased security, but factor in the extra time needed for these steps before assuming that this access control method really costs less than other types of locks that need less attention.

Biometric Units

Willing to go to the cutting edge to keep your co-working space secure? Invest in locks equipped with fingerprint sensors, also known as biometric scanners. Biometric locks beat other options due to benefits like

• The elimination of keys and cards that can get lost or stolen and misused
• The sheer uniqueness of fingerprints, preventing false matches
• The speed of access since each visitor can check in within seconds instead of waiting for approval.

Of course, not all fingerprint sensors offer the same level of complexity, and low end models are easily tricked. Make sure the sensor searches for sweat glands to verify a live finger is being used instead of a print copy, and avoid models with backup key locks since they're usually easier to pick than basic keyed locks. These problems are usually found in inexpensive residential models, so any commercial quality biometric lock shouldn't suffer from these problems.

Cloud Control Options

For complex offices that call for varying levels of access control and security, a live cloud control software solution is the best option. It's expensive to implement and requires at least one employee to run the software during the business hours for the office building, but it's worth it when you're trying to attract tenants who need to know their information won't be stolen. This software connects to hardwired locks that are completely controlled through the software.

Most requests for access are managed through registered devices like smart phones and tablets, but the same software also tells you how long each person stays at the facility and where they go while visiting. This allows you to charge per hour of use or offer special plans for people who only need office space on certain days. If you need more security than what's offered by smart phone unlocking, you can set it so that doors are only unlocked manually by the employee monitoring the software.

Contact a local commercial locksmith, such as Suburban Lock, for more information.