• Electronic locks are becoming more and more common. The hotel industry has already moved over to using electronic locks as standard as have many other businesses. Electronic locks make it more difficult for people to copy the 'keys' and in so doing gain access to your property. An electronic lock is the same as a manual lock except that there is a mechanical device to move the bolt, and a computer chip processes an electronic code instead of using a physical key. The electronic code can be entered in several different ways depending on the components of the door lock.
  
  

Lock

• The main component of any door lock is the actual lock itself. Mortise, or Mortice, locks are the most commonly used style of locks used in electronic systems. A mortise lock works by placing a sturdy metal rod into a predrilled and secured socket in the doorframe. In an electronic lock the operation of this is controlled electronically; however, manual systems are still in use. A manual mortise lock requires the user to twist a switch to slide the bolt in place.
  
  

Pass Code Entry Panel

• Pass code entry is useful when security is essential. The lock's computer chip is programmed with a pass code that will unlock the door. This code needs to be entered into a terminal that can be connected to the lock. More than one pass code can be saved to the computer chip, allowing more than one user to open the lock. By requiring a user to manually enter a code, security is increased as there is no physical device that can unlock the door unless the codes have been written down.
  
  

Electronic Card Reader

• An electronic card reader works in the same way as a credit card reader. Information is stored onto either a magnetic strip on the back of the card or on a computer chip embedded within the card. The user swipes the card through a scanner and the scanner reads the data saved onto the card. This component of an electronic lock allows access quickly and removes the chance of a forgotten pass code. Unfortunately, due to the fact that the card is a physical item, it is vulnerable to being lost or stolen. Copies can also be made of the card without the owner's knowledge.