Keypad/Prox Locks

Mechanical Pushbutton vs. Electronic Keypad: Which One Do You Actually Need? 

When Mechanical Is the Right Call 

Simplex mechanical pushbutton locks have no electronics, no batteries, no network connection, and no failure modes related to power outages. For stairwells, electrical rooms, IT closets, server rooms, maintenance areas, and any door where keyless access is needed without infrastructure investment, Simplex is the specification. If the power goes out, the Simplex 5000 still works. No admin software. No battery swap. No programming. That reliability is why it's been in new commercial construction for decades, not because electronic locks are inferior. 

When Electronic Keypad Is the Right Call 

Electronic keypad locks are the specification when you need audit trail (knowing who opened which door and when), remote credential management, or time-based access scheduling. The Alarm Lock Trilogy DL stores 2,000 user codes and 40,000 time-stamped audit events on battery power without wiring the door. That covers most institutional audit requirements without a full networked access control system. 

Does Your Door Need Wireless Online Access Control? 

If you need real-time lockdown capability, credential management from a central dashboard, or remote door control, you need wireless online access control. Schlage AD Series and dormakaba Aperio Series both communicate wirelessly with the access control panel. Credentials push to the lock in near real-time. Lockdown commands activate across all enrolled locks simultaneously. For retrofit projects where running conduit to each door isn't feasible, wireless online is often the only practical access control solution. 

What's the Alarm Lock Trilogy's Audit Capability? 

The Trilogy logs up to 40,000 time-stamped audit events per lock. Every door opening, every failed credential attempt, every programming change gets logged with date and time. The log downloads via Trilogy's handheld programming device or PC software using the DL-Windows platform. For schools that need documented records of who accessed restricted areas, or storage facilities tracking high-value inventory access, this is institutional-grade audit capability at a price point that doesn't require network infrastructure.