Key Takeaways:
Door hardware specifications vary depending on a facility’s security requirements, occupant needs and daily traffic. Schools, healthcare facilities and commercial buildings each face different demands when selecting locking systems, access controls and automatic doors. For facility managers, balancing those requirements with durability, maintenance needs and code compliance is essential to keeping building entrances and interior openings safe, accessible and reliable.
In this manufacturer roundtable, Facility Maintenance Decisions spoke with door hardware manufacturers to understand how to balance requirements of different facilities, maintenance and durability.
FMD: How do door hardware specifications differ based on the type of facility?
"Door hardware specifications are often driven by the primary needs of the facility, whether that is security, accessibility, traffic flow or safety. Schools typically prioritize security and lockdown capabilities. Exterior ADA-compliant entrances are frequently equipped with access control systems that allow office staff to remotely grant visitor access while allowing occupants to exit freely. These openings commonly use low-energy power door operators to meet accessibility requirements.
Healthcare facilities place greater emphasis on accessibility, infection control, and the movement of patients, staff and equipment. Automatic sliding or swinging doors are common at main entrances and critical care areas, while hardware selections may be made to support hands-free operation and frequent use.
Commercial buildings often balance accessibility, convenience and traffic flow. Automatic sliding doors are commonly used at primary entrances to accommodate higher pedestrian volumes, while access control, locking hardware and door automation may vary depending on the building's security requirements and occupancy type.
Regardless of the facility type, hardware specifications must also comply with applicable building codes, fire and life-safety requirements and ADA standards."
— Frank Maddow, Senior Sales Representative, Door Services Corporation
"The mechanical requirements are similar across facility types, but the access control layer is where specs diverge. Schools prioritize lockdown capability and simple credential management for a transient population, healthcare needs low-touch operation and tight audit trails for controlled areas, and commercial buildings lean toward tenant flexibility, mobile credentials and integration with visitor and workplace systems."
— Steve Burk, Area Leader for the Southeast United States, Salto Systems
FMD: How do maintenance and durability affect managers’ decisions when selecting door hardware, especially in high-traffic or demanding environments?
"Maintenance and durability play a significant role in door selection. Facility managers generally prefer systems that provide reliable performance, require minimal maintenance and can withstand heavy daily use. In high-traffic environments, automatic sliding doors are often the preferred choice, while revolving doors may be selected when energy efficiency and maintaining indoor climate control are key priorities."
— Frank Maddow, Senior Sales Representative, Door Services Corporation
"In high-traffic settings, the real cost is not the hardware but the downtime and labor every time a lock fails or a key is lost. Wire-free connected electronic locks on a single platform let facility teams monitor battery status and usage remotely, cancel a lost credential in seconds instead of rekeying and manage every door from one interface, which is what actually reduces maintenance burden over time."
— Steve Burk, Area Leader for the Southeast United States, Salto Systems
Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor for the facilities market. With more than three years of experience, he covers topics including technology, wellness, sustainability and emerging industry trends. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
