1 May 2025
Access Control: A Glossary for Locksmiths
Whether you're just starting to explore electronic locks or you're expanding your traditional locksmithing business, you’ve probably heard terms like gateway, cloud-based, or mechatronics tossed around. If it seemed like everyone else was speaking a different language, you’re not alone. This handy glossary is here to bridge the gap. Inside, you'll find the most essential access control terms explained in plain, straightforward language. No tech jargon. No guesswork. Just the knowledge you need to feel confident when talking with clients, manufacturers, or system installers.
So go ahead, read on and get comfortable with the lingo of modern locks. You’ll be “talking access control” in no time.
Access Time Slots: Timed periods in hours or days that a user has access through a lock.
Audit Trail: A historical list of activity logged by an electronic locking device or a user’s credential.
Credentials: Any user-assigned personal use media, i.e. a card, fob, tag, bracelet, phone, etc. used to unlock an electronic locking device.
Cloud-Based System: A system program that is accessed via a web browser or a Mobile App, with all changes taking place on the system manufacturer's secure data site. There is no software or data held on the user’s device.
Encoder: Used to encode access rights for electronic locks to a user’s credential, i.e. a card, fob, tag, bracelet, etc.
Gateway and Nodes: A Gateway is a device that is on a system network that passes system wireless communications to and from locking devices with wireless nodes.
Mechatronics: A system that can have Masterkeyed Mechanical locks along with Masterkeyed Mechanical locks with additional Electronics, allowing a larger flexibility of access control within the same system.
Offline System: A group of standalone locks that, if changes are required within the system, i.e. a lock’s access rights, these changes must be individually updated manually using a programming device at each of the affected locks. Up-to-date audit trails and battery status are only available when the programming device is connected to an individual lock.
Online System: A group of electronic locking devices that are on the same network, which are monitored by the system program in real time, providing lock status feedback (locked, unlocked, audit trail, battery status etc.).
Portable Programming Device (PPD): A device used to program the system's User Access Rights to the Electronic Locking Devices.
Programming Card: A card used to program user credentials (normally a card or tags) to a standalone locking device.
Scheduled Time Slots: Timed periods in hours or days that a lock can automatically lock/unlock or enter/exit office mode.
Shadow Card: A duplicate of a user’s card that is kept by the electronic lock manager and used to remove a user’s lost card or delete a user from the lock. Normally used in conjunction with the Programming Card.
Update on Card/ Data on Card / SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) / Network on Key (NOK): It allows users to transfer system access rights via their encoded card to the stand-alone locks (read, receive and write back information).
Wall Reader or Keypad: A device that either reads a user’s credential or a number input, which, if authorised, allows the unlocking of a connected locking device, e.g. electric lock, magnet or electric strike.
Real-Time Management: Track individual events and update the system in real time directly from the management interface (pc software, web browser, app).
Access control is no longer just about mechanical keys, it’s about credentials, cloud systems, audit trails, and smart locks that can be managed from anywhere. The future of locksmithing is smart, and as the locksmith trade evolves, understanding the language of modern access control is essential. With this glossary, you’ve taken a solid first step into the world of electronic and hybrid security systems.