Which statement best describes the relationship between a locking solution's level of protection and its cost and labor effort?

• A. Locking solutions that provide a higher level of protection are cheaper and less labor-intensive.
• B. Higher protection reduces cost and labor.
• C. Locking solutions that provide a higher level of protection are more costly and labor-intensive.
• D. There is no relationship between protection and cost.

Answer: (C)

Raising the level of protection in a locking solution generally means more robust hardware, tighter tolerances, and more complex installation. When you need stronger materials, features that resist picking or forced entry, higher durability, or advanced access control (like encrypted smart locks with audit logs), the parts themselves cost more and require precise manufacturing. The installation work also grows in complexity: aligning and securing components, reinforcing doors or frames, configuring access permissions, and thoroughly testing the system to ensure reliability. All of these added requirements drive up both the upfront cost and the labor involved. So, higher protection typically comes with higher cost and more labor, reflecting the greater effort and resources needed to achieve stronger security.