Is It Time to Consider Industrial Locksmiths as a Service? KB SecureCare™

By David Strickland, COO of Kenton Brothers

For years, organizations have treated locksmithing as a routine internal function. Hire a technician, equip them, and rely on them to handle the day-to-day needs of your facilities. On the surface, it feels practical and familiar.

But as operations expand and security demands grow more complex, many organizations are asking a more strategic question: Is the traditional in-house locksmith model still the right approach, or is it time to consider something better?

The Hidden Cost of the In-House Model

An in-house locksmith can appear cost-effective at first glance, but the full financial picture tells a different story. When you account for salary, benefits, overtime, training, tools, and vehicles, the total annual cost typically falls between $92,000 and $158,000 or more.

Beyond cost, there are operational limitations that often go unnoticed until they create real problems:

• No backup when your technician is sick, on vacation, or leaves the organization
• Limited service capacity during peak demand or emergencies
• Hardware purchased at standard or above-market pricing
• A reactive security posture instead of a strategic one

Instead of supporting your organization’s mission, locksmith operations can quietly become a drain on both time and resources.

A Smarter Approach: Industrial Locksmiths as a Service

Leading organizations are shifting toward a more modern model: Industrial Locksmiths as a Service. Rather than managing locksmith operations internally, they partner with a dedicated provider who delivers comprehensive support, including continuous coverage, certified technicians, predictable costs, and ongoing system optimization.

This model transforms locksmithing from a variable expense into a structured, managed service aligned with your business goals.

Why Organizations Are Making the Shift

Several factors are driving this change across industries.

Increasing Complexity

Today’s facilities demand more than basic lock-and-key services. Master key systems, electrified hardware, access control integrations, and compliance requirements all require a depth of expertise that often exceeds what a single in-house technician can provide.

The Need for Reliable Coverage

Security issues don’t follow a schedule. A failed door, a lockout, or a compromised system can happen at any hour. Organizations need dependable, around-the-clock response from people who know their facilities.

Greater Focus on Cost Control

Leadership teams are prioritizing predictable expenses and measurable return on investment. The traditional model often introduces cost variability that’s difficult to manage or justify.

The Kenton Brothers Solution: KB SecureCare

At Kenton Brothers Systems for Security, we developed a program specifically designed to meet these evolving needs. KB SecureCare is our Industrial Locksmith Program, built to replace the cost and complexity of in-house locksmithing with a fully managed service.

Continuous Coverage

Certified technicians are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When an issue arises, you have immediate access to skilled professionals ready to respond.

Cost Efficiency

Through established manufacturer partnerships, KB SecureCare clients receive preferred pricing on industry-leading hardware. These savings alone can significantly reduce your overall security spend.

Predictable Labor Rates

Program pricing is locked in, eliminating surprise costs and ensuring consistent, reliable budgeting year over year.

Proactive Security Management

Regular assessments and expert guidance keep your systems secure, compliant, and aligned with operational needs, so you stay ahead of problems instead of chasing them.

A Dedicated Partnership

Every client is supported by a dedicated account manager and a team that understands your facilities, your systems, and your long-term goals.

When comparing the two models, the difference is substantial. Organizations that make the switch often save between $58,000 and $96,000 annually, while gaining a higher level of service, faster response times, and broader expertise.

Who Benefits Most?

This approach is especially valuable for organizations that operate across multiple locations, manage complex key systems, or require consistent security performance. Industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, commercial real estate, and government often see immediate benefits from transitioning to a managed model.

Is It Time to Make the Change?

If your organization is experiencing rising costs, inconsistent service, or difficulty keeping up with evolving security demands, it may be time to rethink the model.

Industrial Locksmiths as a Service offers a path to reduced risk, controlled costs, and improved performance without increasing internal burden.

Take the First Step

Kenton Brothers has been protecting people, property, and possessions for over 127 years. We begin with a no-cost physical security assessment to evaluate your current systems and identify opportunities for improvement. From there, we build a tailored program designed to deliver immediate value and long-term results.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule your free assessment.