I really do like the Onity lock. It was a tough choice between Saflok and Onity.

Onity wins because of 1 feature in the Saflok; that being Saflok's inability to move a lock to another property without having to pay Saflok extra for the privledge.

DOWNSIDE: Onity is now manufactured in CHINA!!  This is a biggy!!! Mexico was bad enough, but when Onity moved their manufacturing to China, then they lost all credibility. Do you want to pay full price for a lock manufactured in China?? OK, OK... I still ranked them better than the others.

I don't like having to buy an additional piece of electronic equipment, namely the HAND HELD Programmer. WHY can't Onity incorporate everything into one unit instead of making you pay almost $1,000.00 extra. The answer is simple.... MONEY!!  Every other manufacturer offers a complete integrated unit, but not Onity. You must buy 2 pieces of equipment to operate the Onity system; the Encoder and the HHP.

These locks have a habit of "drooping" levers after only a few years in operation. The clutch system wears out and must be replaced every few years also. I don't like any lock that has to have parts replaced every few years. (At a hefty cost I will add, usually about $50 to $ 75 dollars per lock) .

NOW, I have vented on some of their shortcomings, let me say about their strengths... Onity locks have one of the best readers in the market. ALthough stamped "made in China" on the part , this reader will read a card on the first try almost every time.

Their market share is probably the largest of all the manufacturers. They have locks in virtually every brand of hotel I can think of. From Four Seasons, to Knights inn, the Onity lock proves itself every day in operation.

The software is simple to learn and makes sense.  Its not full of extra features you don't need. BUT, it has all the features you could ever want. The encoder isn't my favorite, as I don't like the flat"chiclet" pad type input. I much prefer a keypad with full size numbers and positive feedback when they are depressed.

Onity offers as many finish and beauty options as any decorator could dream of. If you have a special need, Onity probably already has a finish and design to fit your application.

I offer a buy recommendation on this lock, but do so knowing you will be servicing this lock every few years at a hefty additional cost.

____________________________________________________________________________

IHMR show news!   

 The Onity crew at the IHMR show in New York were "cool" to our presence. ONly one person, Ty, had the dignity to come by and shake my hand.  Mark Keating from the Energy Management side stopped by and showed his class by visiting for almost 15 mins. We discussed the newest innovations in Energy Management. Maybe, you should look at what they are offering.... just a thought...

BHMA certifications were earned by Onity on their HT-24 lock. This is a really big deal. Only MIWA and SAFLOK have passed these tests as well.

Jon Payne sent the following email. So I figured I should post it here.