Founded
1923, by Frank Best, inventor of the interchangeable lock core technology.

Products and Services
BEST ACCESS SYSTEMS™ is a premier provider of high-quality mechanical access systems featuring the interchangeable core and masterkey system.

Mechanical Access Controls (MAC)
MAC systems include various lines of door locks, deadlocks, padlocks, electromechanical locks and keying systems. The interchangeable core technology allows customers to change mechanical lock combinations with minimal cost and effort. The technology is now an industry standard.

Electronic Access Controls (EAC)
BEST's EAC systems include stand-alone devices, multi-door access systems, integrated electronic access systems, and customized enterprise systems. These systems are capable of restricting when a user has access to a particular area with time controls and are able to provide a detailed access history.

Detention Systems Control (DSC)
Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ingegrator.com (IDC), BEST provides customized, integrated detention control systems to the detention facilities market. These systems utilize centralized, interactive touch screens to remotely control and monitor access points, utilities, alarms systems, and visitation areas throughout an entire detention facility.

Revenues
Approximately $250 million per year.

Employees and Facilities

• Primary manufacturing facility and headquarters located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
• 1,660 employees
  

Customer Base
BEST does not sell directly to consumers but offers its product as components of integrated security systems for end users.

Five primary end-user markets:

• Education
• Health care
• Retail
• Commercial/industrial
• Government/institutional

BEST management estimates it has access control systems in place at:

• 45 percent of the nation's colleges and universities
• 15 percent of school districts and 30 percent of the student population of North America
• More than 200 detention facilities nationwide

Business Model
BEST's strategy has been a long-standing focus on delivering comprehensive access control systems to customers that reflect a needs-based, customized approach to solving unique access control objectives. BEST operates a three-pronged approach:

• Strong direct customer relationships focused on security solutions: BEST maintains direct customer relationships, recognizing that its value is in providing a security solution, not just access control products.
• Extensive captive sales, distribution and support network: BEST reaches its customers through corporate sales offices, authorized contract construction distributors and locksmiths, which allow it to achieve full market coverage with localized service.
• Rigorous manufacturing and supply-chain management programs: BEST emphasizes lean manufacturing, low-cost production, high flexibility and supply chain integration, which deliver superior product availability, flexibility in volume and product mix, improved response to market and improved quality assurance.
  

Senior Management
Russell Best, president & CEO
Marc Katz, VP, general counsel, secretary & CAO
A.R. Sales, VP, COO & CFO
Brett Bontrager, VP & Treasurer

Industry Outlook
The global market for security products and services is approximately $125 billion and is projected to grow 9 percent annually through 2004. With increased focus on security since the tragedies of Sept. 11, 2001, industry experts predict even stronger growth in domestic security spending, particularly access control and physical security.