Wireless locks contain sensitive data, they need to be managed properly - Jordan Harrold
The locksmith market has passed a significant milestone. According to ASSA ABLOY’s 2025 Wireless Access Control Report, wireless access control has overtaken wired systems for the first time, among organisations that manage access digitally.
Wireless locks now account for 42 per cent of deployments, the highest level recorded in the report. Strikingly, 17 per cent of organisations now operate full mobile access environments, with no cards or fobs at all. Two years ago, that figure was just 5 per cent.
Wireless access control is no longer a premium extra for large organisations, it's embedded in how modern buildings are secured, from offices and warehouses to schools, shops and hospitals.
The same applies to biometric access. ASSA ABLOY’s report found 91 per cent of organisations see biometric technology as useful for access control or authentication, and over half already use it in some form – a significant endorsement, but one that demands caution.
Biometric data is much more sensitive than a lost key or fob, it’s personal and governed by legal and ethical expectations. Locksmiths must understand both how these systems function and how to deploy them responsibly, with attention to consent, proportionality and data protection.
Cloud platforms raise similar questions. Over 50 per cent of organisations now manage access control through the cloud, meaning ongoing service, software literacy and cyber risk awareness are becoming core parts of the job. Businesses must choose suppliers who support the system after installation, not simply fit the hardware and leave.
The relationship between customer, installer and system no longer ends on the day of installation, it is now an ongoing commitment.
A traditional lock, correctly fitted, can do its job for years with relatively little intervention. A wireless system is different; it brings with it credential management, system health checks, software updates, changing permissions as staff join or leave, cybersecurity considerations and user support.
Businesses adopting modern access control must also commit to managing it properly. From owning the credential list and knowing who has access to which door and why, to understanding what happens when a device needs updating, a staff member leaves, or a cloud platform becomes central to operations.
This is where the relationship between business and locksmith becomes essential. At its best, locksmithing has always been about understanding a customer's building and recommending what's right for them, rather than simply selling the latest product. Wireless access control makes it more important, because the decisions now carry more weight and the systems demand ongoing attention.
Make no mistake, traditional and wired systems still represent a major portion of our business. None of this means mechanical security will be left behind. Rated cylinders, compliant locks, properly fitted doors and physical keys all remain essential. But the role that mechanical products play is changing.
Keys will increasingly be one layer in a broader, smarter access strategy. A well-secured building may combine mechanical locks, wireless access, mobile credentials, cloud management and – in some cases – biometrics. The most important skill, as has always been the case, is helping customers choose the right fit for them and ensuring it is properly maintained.
Jordan Harrold is a director at H Harrold & Sons.