Smart locks are keyless door locking systems that provide convenience and security by allowing users to control access through a smartphone app or other connected devices. Generally, these locks are made up of three primary components: the mechanical lock, the interface, and the digital keys. The advantages of smart locks include improved safety and the ease of keyless entry, enabling users to manage access via their smartphones or other connected devices.
How do smart locks work? They integrate mechanical locks, digital keys, and interfaces to manage access control. These locks offer the same level of security as traditional locks, with the added convenience of keyless operation once installed.
However, there are potential downsides to using smart locks, such as concerns about hackability and the risk of unauthorized access through the home’s Wi-Fi network. Fortunately, many smart locks are equipped with security measures to prevent such breaches.
How Smart Locks Connect
Whether you’re thinking about a smart lock for your home, office, or another property, it’s become a popular and effective choice.
When paired with a smart access control solution, the advantages of a smart lock are significantly enhanced.
1. Smart door locks make it easier to securely share keys
In an office setting, for instance, a staff member might need access to their floor and specific meeting rooms.
With traditional locks, this would mean managing separate keys for each lock, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
Smart locks, on the other hand, offer the advantage of sharing digital keys with just a touch of a button. This allows for instant access to the necessary doors without the hassle of physical keys.
2. Smart door locks make it easier to securely share keys
In an office setting, for instance, a staff member might need access to their floor and specific meeting rooms.
With traditional locks, this would mean managing separate keys for each lock, which can be both costly and time-consuming.
Smart locks, on the other hand, offer the advantage of sharing digital keys with just a touch of a button. This allows for instant access to the necessary doors without the hassle of physical keys.
3. It’s very simple to revoke access with a smart door lock
If you have frequent staff changes, contractors, or visitors, managing access through a single cloud-based system becomes essential. It allows administrators to easily revoke access as needed.
With a smart lock and access control system, you can ensure building security while enjoying significant time and cost savings.
4. Smart door locks are more convenient
Easily managing access to a property is a significant advantage of smart locks.
For those responsible for multiple properties or venues, such as property managers, the convenience of smart locks becomes even more apparent compared to the time-consuming task of handling traditional keys.
The time savings are even greater when a smart lock system is integrated with an access control system.
5. You can remotely manage access with a smart door lock
A smart door lock connected to Wi-Fi or 4G can be controlled remotely, unlike those connected via Bluetooth. This feature is particularly handy for letting visitors or contractors into a property when their digital key hasn’t been shared yet. The administrator or property manager can easily unlock the door from anywhere. It’s also beneficial for emergency situations where immediate access is needed.
How do you use a smart door lock?
After a smart lock is installed at a business location, a manager or administrator can issue digital keys to a user, staff member, or visitor.
After receiving a digital key, the user will download the appropriate app to their smartphone. The app will securely store the digital key for the specific smart lock.
Smart locks need a digital key to grant access permissions. This digital key is usually securely stored in a smartphone app, keycard, or keycode.
A manual override is valuable in case a smart lock malfunctions, making a physical key option important.
For modified smart door locks, which upgrade your existing lock, you can still use your current physical key to lock and unlock the door as usual. This means you won’t need to have additional physical keys made.
Additionally, some native smart door locks allow you to use a physical key along with the digital entry system, though not all do.
How do you use smart locks with 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
There are two main kinds of smart door locks:
1. Smart locks using Bluetooth
Smart lock apps designed for native smart door locks operate similarly, all managed by the lock’s manufacturer. Digital keys are typically shared with you, and unlocking a specific door involves selecting the key and using it to open the door. Many of these apps connect to the smart lock via Bluetooth.
However, Bluetooth smart locks have the limitation of range, meaning you must be close to the lock to control it. This reduces the flexibility and convenience for administrators and users.
As a result, Bluetooth smart locks might not be ideal for Airbnb hosts, property managers with multiple locations, off-site property management, or spaces requiring emergency access.
2. Smart locks connected to the internet
An alternative to Bluetooth smart locks is a smart lock connected to the internet via 4G or Wi-Fi.
These internet-connected smart locks bypass the limitations of Bluetooth, allowing users to control the lock from anywhere with an internet connection. This makes them ideal for managing properties remotely or in situations where frequent travel would be impractical.
The associated smart lock apps work similarly to other smart lock apps, providing a list of keys assigned to the user, which can be managed by the administrator.