Breaking Barriers in Lock System Compatibility
By EDM Solutions Ltd.
The locksmithing world has long faced a challenge that many accepted as unsolvable: using Schlage keyways in a BEST-style SFIC core. But as Bill Mandlebaum, President of the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA), writes in the January/February 2025 issue of Keynotes, that challenge has now been overcome, with the debut of the 8C04-SFIC by EDM Solutions.
“The Cylinder That Could Not Be Done” – Until Now
For years, locksmiths working across facilities with mixed systems had limited options. Wanting to key a Schlage building into a BEST SFIC housing was wishful thinking until now.
“This system would make it a simple core replacement and save them a lot of money.”
– Bill Mandlebaum, CML | President, ALOA SPAI
Bill shares a real-world case where a school system had one building keyed to Schlage B and another using Schlage C. Until now, they’d have had to replace all the hardware to unify the system. The 8C04-SFIC solves this problem instantly with one master key now covering both buildings.
Moving Toward Practical Integration
The 8C04-SFIC offers a more adaptable approach to legacy key systems. Rather than forcing complete hardware overhauls, it opens the door to seamless upgrades using existing infrastructure an especially helpful option for institutions, property managers, and locksmiths handling mixed environments.
As Bill points out in his article, this type of solution not only reduces conversion costs but also brings clarity to system expansion, long-term servicing, and master keying flexibility.
A True Solution for Distributors and Professionals
The 8C04-SFIC isn’t just a new core, it’s an invitation to simplify inventory, reduce overhead, and give locksmiths a unified keying system across Schlage and BEST platforms.
With this launch, EDM Solutions is paving the way for a more flexible, streamlined future in core management, and saving customers significant time and cost in the process.