Future-Proof Your Retail Asset Protection with Smart Locks

Our world has gone digital. Advancements in technology have transformed how we live, work, and shop. The retail landscape has particularly benefited from these innovations, embracing features like online shopping, contactless payments, and automated inventory management.

However, many stores have yet to fully leverage technology to enhance their retail asset protection, often resorting to locking up all merchandise as a last-ditch defense against shoplifting. This approach may protect products, but it also deters honest shoppers.

This is where innovations like smart locks become important for both security and customer experience. Smart locks not only protect merchandise but also enhance operational efficiency, providing a tech-forward solution that empowers retailers, employees, and customers to engage with merchandise seamlessly.

In this blog, we’ll explore why traditional locks struggle to keep pace with rapidly changing technology, what smart locks offer, and how they can future-proof your asset protection, improve store efficiency, and elevate the customer shopping experience for today and tomorrow.

Traditional Locks in Retail: An Outdated Approach

When it comes to securing retail spaces, traditional locks just don’t cut it anymore. Here’s why they miss the mark in today’s tech-driven world:

• No Integration with Modern Systems: Traditional locks work independently, making it difficult to connect them to modern security systems. This lack of integration means retailers miss out on features like remote monitoring and automated alerts, which can help prevent theft.
• Disorganized Key Management: Managing physical keys is a hassle. They can be easily lost or duplicated, leading to unauthorized access. If a key goes missing, it often requires rekeying locks or changing codes, which is time-consuming and costly.
• Inefficient Access Control: Granting or revoking employee access can be a slow process with traditional locks. It typically involves exchanging physical keys, disrupting daily operations and creating security gaps if keys aren’t returned promptly.
• Vulnerability to Theft: Traditional locks can be picked or forced open, making your merchandise susceptible to theft. They often lack advanced security features, such as alarms or notifications, that can deter criminals and alert you in real-time.
• Negative Impact on Customer Experience: Traditional locks can slow down the shopping experience. When customers have to wait for employees to unlock displays or retrieve merchandise, they may lose interest or feel that their small purchases aren’t worth the hassle, forcing them to turn to digital avenues to complete their shopping.
• Employee Frustration: For employees, managing traditional locks can be a source of frustration. Constantly having to unlock and secure displays takes time away from assisting customers, ultimately impacting service quality and efficiency.

Where traditional locks fall short in providing reliable security and keeping pace with technology, smart locks offer a modern approach to security, allowing you to embrace technology like store-issued devices and smartphones to access products.

Smart Locks: Retail Asset Protection for Tomorrow

“Digital Transformation” refers to “using digital technologies to reshape or create new business processes, enhance customer experiences, and adapt organizational culture in response to market changes and customer needs.”

In retail, this transformation is driven by customers seeking more digital options, including self-service capabilities and shopping experiences that seamlessly integrate technology—whether for browsing, payment, or accessing products.

For store owners, the challenge lies in finding reliable ways to secure merchandise that doesn’t deter customers and that also improve efficiency for already overburdened staff. Recognizing this need, CEOs are committing significant resources—over $3.2 billion—to explore strategic technological solutions that address these challenges.

Smart locks provide a level of protection that traditional locks simply can’t match. Unlike their outdated counterparts, which can be easily picked or duplicated, smart locks allow you to monitor access to display cases in real time. If a key goes missing, you can quickly disable access and even track whoever last accessed the lock through an audit trail. If you use your own store-issued devices, they can easily be opened via 2D barcode scanning and NFC technology. It’s access from the palm of your hand.

Imagine being able to customize access permissions for each employee right from your smartphone. Smart locks make this possible, allowing you to grant access based on roles. For instance, your inventory manager can have access to the stockroom, while other staff members can be restricted from certain areas on the sales floor. This targeted control enhances security and streamlines operations.

Want to make your store more interactive? Smart locks allow trusted customers to unlock display cases with their mobile devices. This convenience enhances their shopping experience, making your store feel more inviting. Customers can easily access everyday items like formula, toothpaste, and other common products that are often locked up, all without needing staff assistance each time.

Managing physical keys can be a hassle, but smart locks simplify the process. With features like automated locking and unlocking—available in select models—you can eliminate worries about whether a display case is secured. Employees won’t need to track each other down for the same key ring to help customers in opposite aisles. They can open cases, remerchandise displays, and assist customers in seconds.

Saves Time & Money

When traditional keys go missing or are stolen, it can be an expensive hassle to have rekeyed. With smart locks, you can retrofit them to existing store fixtures, saving money you would’ve spent having to get all new fixtures and the downtime spent to install them. They’re also very easy to scale, if you open a new store, expand your existing one

InVue’s Smart Lock Solutions

InVue’s smart locks are trusted by some of the largest retailers in the world. Their easy integration with existing retail solutions or apps ensures a hassle-free installation process, making them a reliable choice for security. Smart locks are versatile and can fit glass and wood cabinets with swinging or sliding doors, drawers, and even cages for sensitive items that need restricted access. They come in two categories to suit your specific store needs.

OneKEY Locks

For stores that haven’t yet gone fully mobile, they can benefit from the locks that use OneKEY. These smart locks can be accessed using a single key known as OneKEY, making them an ideal solution for retailers of all sizes. Here’s why they stand out:

• Patented IR Technology: OneKEY uses infrared technology to unlock displays, providing enhanced security and convenience.
• Self-Timing Feature: If the key is lost or stolen, it automatically times out after 12 hours, keeping your merchandise secure. You can get a new key without having to rekey all your product displays.
• Seamless Integration: OneKEY locks control multiple locks throughout your store with one key, making it easy to fit into your existing fixtures without a complete overhaul.
• No Local Wiring: Installation is straightforward—no complicated wiring needed.
• No Batteries Required: Enjoy hassle-free maintenance without worrying about battery replacements.
• Easy Installation: Designed for swing-out glass doors, sliding bypass doors, drawers, and other applications where a padlock solution is needed, these locks are simple to install—no drilling or tools required.
• Lock Status Indicator: A visual confirmation lets you know at a glance whether the lock is engaged or disengaged.

	OneKEY Self-Latching Lock for Drawers & Doors Ideal for swinging doors and sliding drawers, these self-latching locks provide peace of mind against forgetfulness. The discreet latch is fully concealed, ensuring both pick resistance and a sleek appearance.
	OneKEY Self-Latching Showcase Lock Designed for swing-out glass doors, the Showcase Lock is both easy to install and maintain. Its compact design allows you to showcase your merchandise without obstructing the view.
	OneKEY Showcase Lock The manual Showcase Lock provides all the same features as the self-latching model while emphasizing accountability. For high-value merchandise, you can take comfort in manually securing your displays.
	OneKEY Self-Latching Slider Lock Designed for sliding bypass glass doors, the Slider Lock offers audible feedback to indicate when a display is opening or closing. Its built-in finger hold allows for easy operation without leaving unsightly smudges.
	OneKEY Slider Lock The manual Slider Lock offers all the same features as the self-latching model while emphasizing accountability. For high-value merchandise, you can take comfort manually securing your drawers and doors.
	OneKEY Plunger Lock Ideal for sliding glass and wood doors, as well as slider doors with metal frames, this lock features visual indicators to clearly show when your display is secured or unlocked.
	OneKEY Padlock The OneKEY Padlock offers outdoor-rated protection suitable for any environment. It’s perfect for securing indoor or outdoor cages, doors, trash compactors, containers, and more, ensuring weatherproof security.
	OneKEY Cam Lock The Cam Lock can be mounted on wood, glass, metal, and acrylic doors, providing a versatile locking solution. Visual indicators clearly display when a display or storage cabinet is secured or unlocked, ensuring reliable protection.

LIVE Locks

For retailers ready to fully leverage mobile technology, our LIVE Locks are the perfect solution. These smart locks connect seamlessly to your mobile or in-store handheld devices, allowing staff easy access through our user-friendly app. With Bluetooth, NFC, and 2D barcode access, unlocking display cases has never been simpler. Here’s what makes them the future of retail security:

• Efficient Low Power Operation: Utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to keep your locks running smoothly without draining battery life.
• No Local Wiring Required: Installation is straightforward, eliminating the need for complicated wiring.
• Impressive Battery Life: Enjoy a long-lasting 2-year battery life, ensuring your locks are always ready when you need them.
• Seamless SSO Integration: Effortlessly integrate with your existing Single Sign-On (SSO) system to provide customers with one-time self-service access, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
• Compatibility with Other Systems: Works seamlessly with both mobile access and OneKEY systems, providing flexibility and convenience.
• Lock Status on Your Phone: Easily check the status of your locks in real time right from the app.
• Comprehensive Audit and Reporting: Track who accessed which displays, and when, with detailed reports by location, department, and user.
• Cross-Platform Availability: Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, making it easy for your staff to use.

	LIVE Slider Lock  Ready your store for the future of shopping with mobile-enabled access control and asset protection for sliding glass doors.
	LIVE Cam Lock Use your store-issued device or smartphone to unlock display cases with wood, glass, metal or acrylic swing-out doors.
	LIVE Plunger Lock Designed for metal-framed glass doors and wood bypass doors, the LIVE Plunger lock is easy-to-install and ready for use with mobile devices.

Enhancing Your Retail Business with Smart Locks

Integrating InVue’s smart locks into your retail space is more than just security; it’s a modern transformation of your entire business. With our innovative solutions, you can create a more efficient and secure environment for both employees and customers. Improved access control reduces theft risk and protects sensitive inventory, while mobile access allows your team to spend less time fumbling with keys and more time engaging with customers.

Smart locks are changing the game for retail security, and InVue is at the forefront of this revolution. By investing in our smart lock solutions, you’re not only safeguarding your valuable merchandise but also preparing your store for the future of retail. If you’re ready to elevate your store’s security, reach out to us today to learn more about how InVue’s smart lock solutions can transform your retail space. Let’s unlock the future together.