Are locksmiths traditionalists?

[WOT]

Traditionalist meaning preferring traditional analog methods over using modern digital technology.

In business
preference for:

phone calls over instant messenger
letters over email
fax orders over web order applets

I think one of the supplier's website said something like "for the computer savvy, we have a PDF catalog as well" which seems like a presumption that most locksmiths do not like computers.

In the shop
HPC 1200 with code cards instead of servo controlled computerized machine
can't think of anything else...

What do you guys think?

[maintenanceguy]

I've worked with several locksmiths and I think that most of them are old fashioned and in danger of becoming obsolete.

Most of the ones that are keeping up don't refer to themselves as locksmiths. Instead of the word "locksmith" their business names usually include the word "security" and traditional locksmithing is a small part of their business.

[linty]

many are old fashioned to the point where they won't even sell abloy because it doesn't have pins in it, let alone use a computer.

I like to use all resources available to me, with the computer being a major source of information, but even many of the younger people at my shop are more or less computer illiterate and won't touch the things.

[Eyes_Only]

I just can't understand why a lot of locksmiths are so determined to refrain from using computers for their work, especially for automotive.

Most all cars are using transponders now, some cars you gotta flash the ECU to program a new key in the case of a lost key and a lot of newer vehicles require a programmer, handheld or laptop just to program remotes.

When my tax deduction comes back I'm planning to buy a laptop for myself so I no longer have to call my shop when I need keycodes ran on Code Source. This is a really lousy way to do things, especially when you're in an area where theres no cell phone reception.

And there are also lots of software out there that can make 70% of automotive work finished in 15 - 20 mins avoiding unecessary disassembly of door panels and steering collums making life so much easier.

If these lockies don't step up to the next level they're gonna go out of business.

[raimundo]

Locks have been mechanical for a couple of millenia, but thats changing now, the new locks will have some digital electronics like auto keys do now

You need to create something that will open to the key or code without failure for at least 100,000 repetitions,
metal keys will eventually wear down,
digital keys can be screwed up by magnets or cellphones, other types of interference, and like all electronics, it will eventuall fail due to oxidation of metal or whatever the second law of thermodynamics can find for a security crack