Small Business Protection Canberra
Running a small business means people coming and going constantly. Keys get lost. Staff change. Someone forgets access after close. Then you’re stuck fixing it.
Our Small Business Protection offering keeps it simple. We help you set up restricted keys or smart locks, add basic access control to make sure you know exactly what support looks like if something goes wrong.
Restricted Keys or Smart Locks
This is what most businesses start with, because it fixes the everyday issues: lost keys, staff changes, and after-hours lockouts.
Option A: Restricted Key System
Best for businesses that prefer physical keys but want proper control.
We can help with:
- Rekeying doors to a restricted key system
- Setting up a controlled key issue process
- Creating a simple key list so you know who has what
- Master key systems for multi-door sites
What we need to confirm first:
- How many doors need to be included
- Whether all doors should work on one key or different access levels
- How many staff require keys
- Whether you want a master key setup
What this improves:
- Fewer unauthorised key copies
- Faster offboarding when staff leave
- Clearer control over site access
Key register:
- We provide a key register using specialised software.
Option B: Smart Lock System
Use codes instead of keys. Best for teams with shift work, contractors, or frequent staff changes.
We can help with
- Smart lock supply and installation (where compatible)
- Individual staff PIN codes
- Temporary or time-limited codes
- Audit trail features where supported by the lock/app
What we need to confirm first:
- Door type and existing hardware (a photo helps)
- Rental or building approval requirements
- Whether Apple or Google integration is needed
- Whether the premises has access to power/internet/wifi
Smart lock brands we install and support:
- Carbine
- McGrath
- Kaba
- Yale
What this improves:
- Fewer lockouts from forgotten keys
- Simple access changes when staff leave
- Clearer tracking of access activity (model dependent)
Basic Access Control
This is about visibility and control for key entry points.
We can help with
- Planning which doors should have controlled access
- Installing compatible locks and access hardware
- Supporting PIN, fob, or controlled entry setups
What we need to confirm first
- Which doors require restricted entry
- How staff currently enter
- Whether an existing system is already installed
We don’t do & may refer
We mainly install standalone access control. So we will recommended other companies for:
- Full electronic access control systems.
Service & Support Expectations
You need to know how support works before something goes wrong.
Response times
- Emergency lockouts and break-in make-safe: usually within 1 hour.
- Non-urgent jobs (rekeys, upgrades, repairs): 1–3 business days.
Maintenance windows
- After-hours work: Not available
- Early morning: Depends on what is required, call us to discuss requirements
Ongoing support includes
- Adding or removing staff access
- Emergency rekey after lost keys
- Lock repairs and hardware replacements
- Practical advice when expanding or changing layout
Case Studies
Our case studies highlight how practical, well-executed access control upgrades can transform everyday operations for small businesses. From busy hospitality venues to professional office environments, each project demonstrates how smart digital locks improve security, simplify access management, and reduce the ongoing challenges associated with traditional keys. These real-world examples show not just what was installed, but the tangible impact on efficiency, accountability, and overall peace of mind.
Case Study 1 – Canberra Café (Shift-Based Team)
Before
- A local café upgraded its back-of-house access control by replacing a traditional swingbolt with a smart digital lock. The goal was to improve security, reduce key/lock management issues, and make staff access simpler-especially during early opens, late closes, and shift changes.
What we did
- Removed the existing swingbolt hardware and prepared the mounting area.
- Installed the smart digital lock with a secure latch/bolt mechanism suitable for frequent commercial use.
- Adjusted the strike plate and door alignment to ensure smooth closing and consistent locking.
- Configured the lock’s core features (e.g., keypad/PIN access and optional mobile access depending on model).
- Created unique access codes for different staff groups (e.g., managers vs. general staff).
- Set up time-based permissions where required (e.g., cleaners only after hours).
- Provided a brief staff walkthrough covering:
- how to lock/unlock,
- what to do if a code is forgotten,
- how to manage staff changes (adding/removing codes),
- basic troubleshooting and battery/maintenance checks.
After
After the smart lock installation, the café saw immediate improvements in both security and day-to-day operations:
- Improved security reliability: The door now locks consistently as intended, reducing the risk of accidental unsecured access.
- Simpler staff access: Staff no longer needed to coordinate physical keys for that door, making shift changes smoother.
- Better control during staff turnover: Access codes can be changed quickly when staff leave, without needing to replace locks.
- Accountability (where enabled): The café gained visibility into access events, helping with incident reviews and stock/closing checks.
- Reduced interruptions for managers: Fewer calls to unlock doors or deal with misplaced keys.
- Cleaner, more professional setup: The entry point became more modern and aligned with the café’s overall security and operations standards.
Case Study 2 – Small Canberra Office / Clinic
Site: Small office in Canberra (main entry door)
Existing hardware: Standard keyed entrance leverset (single-cylinder, key outside / lever inside)
Before:
- Keys were difficult to manage: Staff and contractors needed access at different times, which meant issuing keys, tracking them, and collecting them back.
- Security risk from lost or unreturned keys: When a key went missing or a staff member left, the office faced the choice of either accepting the risk or paying to rekey/replace hardware.
- Limited control over access: There was no easy way to grant temporary access (e.g., cleaners, IT support) without physically handing over a key.
- No audit trail: The business couldn’t confirm who had entered and when, which became more important as more shared and flexible work arrangements were introduced.
- Operational friction: Lockouts or forgotten keys caused interruptions and occasionally required a manager to attend site to provide access.
Goal: Improve access control and security while keeping the solution simple and suitable for a small office-without major door modifications.
What we did: Installation & Configuration
Solution selected: Smart digital lock (smart keypad-style lock) installed in place of the existing entrance leverset.
Step 1 – Site assessment & lock suitability
- Confirmed the door type, thickness, backset, and latch alignment.
- Checked the existing hole preparation (lever set bore and latch cut-out) to ensure the smart lock could retrofit cleanly.
- Verified the door frame and strike condition to ensure reliable latching and secure closing.
Step 2 – Removal of the existing entrance leverset
- Removed external and internal lever handles, latch, and strike hardware as required.
- Inspected the latch area for wear that could affect smooth locking/unlocking.
Step 3 – Smart digital lock installation (retrofit)
- Installed the new smart lock in the same door preparation used by the leverset, minimizing carpentry.
- Fitted the latch/bolt components and aligned the strike plate for consistent engagement.
- Tested for smooth operation: door closing, latch engagement, lock/unlock function, and handle action.
Step 4 – Setup of access and admin controls
Configured the lock for the office’s day-to-day use:
- Created unique PIN codes for staff.
- Set up temporary codes for contractors/cleaners (where supported).
- Established admin access for the office manager (and a backup admin where needed).
- Confirmed lock settings such as auto-lock timing and privacy/inside egress behavior (to ensure safe exit).
Step 5 – Handover & training
Provided a short handover to the office manager covering:
- Adding/removing user codes
- Responding to a suspected compromised code
- Battery replacement schedule and low-battery warnings
- Basic troubleshooting (misalignment, door not latching, etc.)
After
Immediate improvements:
- No more physical key circulation: Staff access was managed digitally, reducing time spent issuing, copying, and collecting keys.
- Faster onboarding/offboarding: New staff could be given a code in minutes; departing staff access could be removed immediately without rekeying.
- Reduced security exposure: Lost keys were no longer a major incident requiring urgent lock changes.
- Better operational control: Temporary access for cleaners or contractors became easier to manage and revoke.
- Fewer lockouts: PIN access reduced disruptions caused by forgotten keys.
- Business impact (practical outcomes):
- Lower ongoing costs associated with rekeying and key replacement.
- Improved accountability (especially if the lock supports entry logs/audit trail).
- A more professional entry experience for staff and visitors, with modern access control at the front door.
Residential Locksmith FAQs: Addressing Your Inquiries
For details about labour coverage, parts warranties, product compliance and insurance documentation, see our Warranty and Standards page.
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Obligation Free Quotes
Night And Day Locksmiths provide fee and obligation free quotes. Call 02 6290 1938 or enquire online. For more complicated jobs, we provide a free comprehensive inspection so we can tailor our service to your needs.
Customers Review
What Our Clients Say
Steve was excellent. He had some problems with the lock and it ended up he needed to drill it out as a student with a tiny income i was very worried about afording this. However he only charged me for the standard lock pick job. It was the best quote i got from the 3 places i callled and the nicest response over the phone as well. Thanks again Steve.
Steve was fantastic, and arrived fast. So I wasn’t left outside in the minus degrees for to long.
saved my life (-:Definitely recommend!!!
Thanks again Steve
If you need help with your car keys, look no further. These guys can save your life! Highly recommend their automotive locksmith service
Excellent, polite and prompt service. I would use them again in a heartbeat but hope never to have to!
Top Work done very happy !! great customer service … will use again and recommend to friends and family
Simon came really quickly and they were upfront about costs on the phone. He was friendly and efficient and my puppy loved him once the door was open.
Excellent prompt service! Saved us on a cold rainy day. Upfront about costs, very reasonable price.
Next day service, prompt, polite, and with the backup support from the office our required job was professionally completely. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Night and Day Locksmiths to anyone. Thanks for the great job.
Quick, friendly , polite and prompt service Thanks Simon
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