For any business, security is one of the most important investments you can make. From protecting valuable assets to ensuring the safety of employees and sensitive information, keeping your facility secure is essential. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maintain that security is by rekeying your locks.
Rekeying is the process of changing the internal components of a lock so that it works with a new key, rendering old keys useless. It’s more affordable than replacing the entire lock and can be done quickly by a professional locksmith. But how often should a business rekey its locks? The answer depends on several factors, including the size of your company, employee turnover, and the nature of your operations.
Here’s a closer look at when and why rekeying should be a regular part of your business security plan.
After Employee Turnover
One of the most common reasons businesses need to rekey their locks is employee turnover. Even if former employees return their keys, there’s no guarantee that duplicates weren’t made. This is especially true for businesses that have experienced higher-than-average turnover or have employees who have had access to multiple areas of the building.
Any time an employee with key access leaves the company—especially under negative circumstances—it’s wise to rekey the locks immediately. This ensures that only current, authorized personnel can access your property. For larger businesses, implementing a master key system can make rekeying more efficient, allowing you to change access to specific areas without affecting the entire building.
After Lost or Stolen Keys
Lost or stolen keys pose a serious security risk. Even if you believe the keys were misplaced rather than taken, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Once a key is unaccounted for, there’s no way to know who might find it or what their intentions might be.
Rekeying your locks after a key goes missing prevents unauthorized entry and gives you peace of mind knowing that your property is secure. Many businesses also take this opportunity to review their key control policies to prevent similar issues in the future.
After a Break-In or Security Breach
If your business has experienced a break-in or attempted break-in, rekeying should be done immediately. Even if the locks weren’t damaged, there’s a chance that keys or access codes were compromised. Rekeying not only restores security but also helps you assess whether your current lock system is strong enough to prevent future incidents.
This is also a good time to consider upgrading to high-security locks or electronic access control systems that provide better protection and track who enters and exits your building.
Periodic Preventive Rekeying
Even without an immediate security concern, it’s smart to rekey your business locks on a regular schedule. For most businesses, rekeying every one to two years is a good rule of thumb. This proactive approach helps maintain control over who has access and ensures that old keys don’t remain in circulation.
Industries that handle sensitive information, such as law firms, medical offices, and financial institutions, may benefit from more frequent rekeying. Similarly, retail stores, warehouses, and other businesses with high employee turnover should consider shorter intervals between rekeys.
After Renovations or Vendor Access
If you’ve recently completed renovations or had contractors, cleaning crews, or vendors working in your building, rekeying is a smart precaution. Even if you trust the professionals you work with, multiple people likely had temporary access to your property. Rekeying after projects like these ensures that no extra keys remain unaccounted for.
The Benefits of Regular Rekeying
Rekeying your business locks regularly provides several key advantages. It helps you maintain control over access, reduces the risk of theft or unauthorized entry, and demonstrates a commitment to safety for your employees and clients. It’s also a cost-effective way to strengthen your overall security without investing in entirely new hardware.
When performed by a licensed locksmith, rekeying is quick, efficient, and minimally disruptive to your operations. You can even schedule it after hours to avoid business interruptions.
At The Professional Locksmith, we work with businesses across Chicago to create custom rekeying schedules and master key systems that fit their specific needs. Whether you manage a small office or a large commercial property, regular rekeying is one of the simplest ways to keep your business secure and your peace of mind intact.
By making rekeying part of your ongoing security plan, you can stay one step ahead of potential risks and ensure that your business remains protected year-round.