The Evolution of KitLock

 

At Codelocks, we’re no strangers to innovation. Since Desmond Ryan founded the company in 1991, we’ve seen the industry evolve at an incredible rate and played our own part in designing and producing new products to meet changing contexts and customer needs. When we started over 30 years ago, we sold a standalone mechanical lock, but today, our range showcases an array of mechanical, electronic and smart access solutions. Throughout the journey, we’ve put customer experience at the heart of everything we do.

 

The origins of the KitLock locker lock

Codelocks first produced a locker lock in 2006 – the same year we opened offices in the US and began our venture as a global organisation. Known as the Cabinet Lock, it provided a stylish alternative to traditional key-operated locks, enabling customers to secure lockers in gyms, leisure centres and sports clubs with a simple four-digit code. Through the years we have revolutionised the brand expanding the range and refreshing the identity. KitLock by Codelocks now includes advanced technology performing locks, including NetCode^® – the smart way to generate flexible, temporary access codes.

In 2019 Codelocks launched the KitLock mechanical range – a new range of mechanical keyless access solutions. Designed with simplicity in mind, the KL10, KL15 and KL20 KitLock locker locks are affordable, simple and effective mechanical locks that enable clients to keep valuables safe in lockers, cabinets and cupboards. The KL20 includes auto scramble, a feature designed to automatically dial to 0-0-0-0 once locked, for heightened security and convenience.

 

Adapting to change

2020 was the year the world was turned upside down by COVID-19 and helping customers feel safe during the pandemic became one of our primary aims. We launched Clean by Codelocks – an optional finish that reduces bacterial growth by over 99.96%*, providing an additional measure of protection over sanitisation. The coating, when applied to our locks, offers enhanced protection against viruses, bacteria, germs and other environmental toxins, eliminating virus spread and enabling employees to return to work safely. Clean by Codelocks can be integrated with any product, including the KitLock by Codelocks range, and provides the perfect solution for Codelocks locks that are shared or in public places like fitness, hospitality, or health facilities.

 

 

The evolution of KitLock

In 2020 the KitLock family grew further to include the electronic KL1100 RFID and KL1100 Keypad. Both locks have a slimline, stylish and sleek design, are easy to wipe, and include a powered latch. The KL1100 RFID offers local management of locks and cards, or remote management allowing cards to be created and managed via offline or cloud-based software. This functionality makes it the perfect cabinet access solution for buildings where managers oversee a large quantity of lockers, such as offices where hot desking and hybrid working models have been adopted. Card access also helps to minimise contact and to maintain hygiene standards – giving employees confidence to return to the workplace.

 

The next generation

2021 saw the exciting introduction of the newest KitLock family members, the KL1000 G3 and the KL1000 G3 NetCode^®.

The KL1000 G3 shares the original, sleek design of the KL1000 Classic and offers the same popular features, including Private and Public Functions. However, we added a key override function, allowing clients to access lockers and cabinets in the (unfortunate but common) case of forgotten codes. In addition, the KL1000 G3 allows on-door battery changes, providing the ideal access solution for busy and high-functioning buildings, where locks may be allocated on a short and long-term basis. In a hospital, for example, removing the locks to change batteries can be inconvenient and slow down important processes. Additional features include a 24hr countdown timer** and up to 20 User Codes.

 

 

The KL1000 G3 NetCode^® builds on the functionality of the KL1000 G3 using Codelocks’ NetCode^® Technology. NetCode^® enabled locks allow you to generate time and date sensitive access codes that can be sent to users by email or SMS. The codes expire after specific durations, after which a new code is generated for the next user. A NetCode^® can be generated quickly and easily via the App¹, the online Codelocks Connect Portal or by utilising the Codelocks Connect API. Once generated, a NetCode^® can be shared via email or SMS², and will expire after their set duration - ideal for visiting service engineers, delivery personnel and short / medium-term locker rental.

A NetCode^® is a flexible, temporary code that provides access within a pre-determined date & time range chosen at the time of generating the code. Our Codelocks Connect Portal and smartphone Apps provide quick and convenient ways of generating NetCodes and sending to your users via email or SMS. No WiFi is required to operate the locks, significantly increasing the potential for use in areas where WiFi is unavailable or intermittent, helping our customers to issue a NetCode^® and manage access control wherever they are, even in the most remote locations.

As many companies move towards hybrid working models, and more people start to use co-working spaces, KitLocks by Codelocks can provide the flexibility to meet the need for long-and short-term locker access in workplaces. Whatever business trend or events we see next, you can be sure that we will look to provide access control solutions that help customers meet any new challenges they face.