How to Choose Smart Locks for Office Doors

So you’re considering a smart lock…

Smart locks are a smart move, but how do you know which one is right for your commercial property?

If you read our last post, you already know the benefits: less hassle, more control, no more lost keys or expensive rekeying. But not all smart locks are the same. Your decision depends on how your property is used—and by who.

Let’s break it down.

Start With Your Use Case

Before you dive into product specs, ask a few simple questions:

• Who needs access? Tenants, vendors, internal staff, or all of the above?

• How often do they need it? Daily, weekly, or occasionally?

• How many doors need to be secured? And are they indoor, outdoor, or both?

• Do you want access to be centrally managed—or delegated to the tenant?

For example:

If you run a multi-tenant office building where vendors come and go, you’ll likely need a different setup than a single-tenant property with consistent staff traffic.

Know Your Options: Locksets vs Lockboxes

At Keynetics, we offer two primary smart access products: SentriGuard® Lockboxes and Senturian® Locksets. Both provide secure, flexible access—and both can be managed either by the property manager or directly by the tenant, depending on how you want to delegate control.

Here’s how they compare based on use case:

So, the decision isn’t about who manages the lock. It’s about how the lock is used. Lockboxes work well for occasional or rotating access. Locksets are better for daily-use doors that need a more permanent solution.

Tech Features That Make a Difference

Once you know which type of smart lock you need, look for tech features that align with your operational needs:

• FlexCodes® - Issue temporary, trackable access codes that expire after a set time. Ideal for vendors, contractors, or scheduled maintenance.
• Mobile Access - Mobile credentials offer more security than codes alone—they can’t be shared, are easy to revoke, and give you full audit visibility. Perfect for frequent users like staff and tenants.
• Real-Time Logs & Audit Trails - Track who accessed the door and when, helping with compliance, accountability, and peace of mind.
• Battery Life & Backup Power - With up to 8 years of battery life, you’ll rarely need to worry about maintenance. Every device includes a built-in backup battery to keep access secure even during unexpected power issues.

Integration & Scalability

Small and mid-sized doesn’t mean small thinking.

If you manage multiple properties—or plan to expand—choose a solution that scales with you. Keynetics includes a robust API toolkit, so your access control system can easily plug into existing software and operations.

You’ll be ready for whatever comes next.

Matching the Lock to Your Needs

Choosing the right smart lock is about more than just hardware—it’s about finding a system that matches how your property runs today and how you plan to grow.

And if you’re unsure where to start?

That’s what we’re here for. Let our sales team help you evaluate your needs and choose the smart lock solution that fits.