New-generation door hardware creates additional training needs for technicians because they are the first to see, hear about, and respond to a system's problems. Managers have a number of key considerations when it comes to selecting training.
The training should ensure a proper mix of mechanical and electrical skills for the system, and it should cover inspection of all entry points for proper operation. This element is important because the goal is to catch problems when they start to prevent damage to the hardware or door.
Technician training also needs to discuss trouble-shooting, and it should offer guidance on properly installing door hardware. Even if a contractor performs the installation, in-house staff should know proper techniques so they can determine if the installation is correct.
For new-generation components, the training also must cover problems with user set-up related to a personal identification number, magnetic card, or proximity card, in addition to signs of problems, such as the card lock not responding. This particular problem could have nothing to do with the lock. Instead, it could be the result of an attempted entry at the wrong time or the wrong access time range on the card.
Thomas A. Westerkamp is a maintenance and engineering management consultant and president of the work management division of Westerkamp Group LLC.
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