Access controls take many forms, from simple padlocks, to alarmed panic bars for emergency exit doors, to "exit alarm" devices for both emergency exits and back doors, to mechanical and sophisticated electronic keypads for both perimeter and interior door control.

The access control needs of the typical Ace Hardware store include:

· Back Door - This is crucial. Uncontrolled usage of your back (or side) door WILL result in losses. There is a truism that goes "If your back door is not controlled, it is not a matter of whether you will lose merchandise through it, but rather how muchmerchandise will be lost through it." These doors can be controlled through use of a key-controlled, alarmed panic bar (if it is a designated emergency exit); or a simple key-controlled "exit alarm" device mounted on the door; or a keypad mounted just on the inside, or on both sides (if frequent entry through this door is required), that releases the door latch and is integrated with your alarm system, sounding a local alarm when someone unauthorized exits.

· Emergency Exit Doors - As emergency exit doors cannot be locked during periods of occupancy, there is a need for alarmed panic hardware on these doors. Again, the hardware can consist of a key-controlled alarmed panic bar or, if the local building code does not require a panic bar, a simple key-controlled "exit alarm" mounted on the door. In either case it is also recommended that signage be placed on the door stating Emergency Exit Only - Alarm Will Sound.

· Lawn and Garden Shop Gate - If you have an exterior, contiguous lawn and garden area that is accessed via a connecting door off your sales floor - and if that connecting door has a lighted EXIT sign above it - that means that it is a designated emergency exit. It is thus mandatory that the nearest gate in the fenced perimeter remain unlocked during periods of occupancy. It is, therefore, prudent that the gate be equipped with a weatherproof, key-operated, alarmed panic bar.

· Interior Doors - Access control requirements inside your store run the gamut from secure backstock storage areas for theft prone product (e.g, power tools, electronics, etc.), to electrical/computer rooms, to the office where the safe is located, cashiers count down their tills and daily deposits are prepared. The device best suited for all of these doors is the keypad. The Simplex "Trilogy" series mechanical keypad door lock that contains its own retractable deadbolt and automatically relocks when the door is closed is an ideal choice. This device comes in a variety of models with many different features.

The above described devices are available from two Ace Hardware preferred vendor-partners - Stanley Security Solutions for panic bars and various types of keypads - and Se-Kure Controls for panic bars, exit alarms and mechanical keypads.

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