When it comes to your private home and commercial property, smart locks are one of the best security options to consider. Staying updated on technological innovation is an important aspect of managing your property’s security.
In this guide, we’ll elaborate on the benefits of smart locks. Next, we’ll explain how smart locks work and explore the different types of smart locks. Finally, we’ll take a look at the best way to integrate smart locks at your property.
The Benefits of Smart Locks
Smart locks come with several user-friendly benefits.
The best smart locks:
- Allow you to eliminate the hassle of carrying around cumbersome physical keys (pun intended). Keys can be lost and, in extreme cases, stolen or found by potential intruders.
- Embrace modern technology by utilizing PIN codes or syncing up with your cell phone to open the lock.
- Provide remote entry for guests even when you are not home.
- Send notifications concerning when and where a user has accessed them.
What makes smart locks “smart”?
Smart technology, by definition, is tech (ranging from washing machines to thermostats to, of course, cell phones and door locks) that connects to the internet and can be accessed from a smartphone. Most smart technology comes with several features outside the base function of the device (such as locking a door, washing your laundry, controlling the temperature, etc.).
Smart locks work by connecting to your mobile device via an app associated with the smart lock’s brand. Once selected through the app, the smart lock electronically releases the locking mechanism and allows access.
The different types of smart lock connectivity
There are several different types of smart locks. The biggest differences between them are how they connect to mobile phones and how they’re installed on your door.
Different smart locks connect to mobile phones in a variety of ways, including:
- Bluetooth. The lock connects directly with a smartphone, but only when it is nearby. Smart locks that utilize Bluetooth connectivity may be missing features compared to smart locks that connect directly to the internet.
- Z-Wave. This requires you to install a Z-Wave hub device nearby. A Z-Wave hub can support multiple devices. Smart locks that connect via Z-Wave have longer battery life.
- WiFi. This enables the lock to connect seamlessly to your internet at the expense of battery life.
WiFi smart locks will most likely be your best bet. However, if installing a large number of smart locks at a commercial or multifamily property, then locks that utilize Z-wave technology might be beneficial. This is especially true when it comes to concerns about battery life.
Smart locks come in the form of:
- Levers. These types of locks use a series of levers to allow the bolt to engage.
- Deadbolts. Locks featuring deadbolts that need to be retracted to open.
- Mortise. Smart locks in this category feature a combination of a deadbolt and latch.
The best method to integrate smart locks
If you own or manage a multifamily or commercial building, then smart locks alone will likely not be enough for your property’s security. Instead, we recommend integrating your smart locks with a cloud-based access control system, such as a video intercom.
The best video intercom systems feature:
- Keyless entry. All users must do is tap a button to enter your building.
- Face-to-face communication. Users receive calls from the intercom via their mobile devices. The camera lets users see exactly who they’re talking to and who else is with their visitor.
- Remote entry. Users can let guests and visitors on the property remotely. They don’t even have to be present within the building to do so.
- Date- and time-stamped entry events. A picture along with user information is stored in the cloud every time someone enters the building.
- Cloud-based software. Updates download automatically, reducing the need for maintenance on the intercom.
Wrap up for your home’s security:
- Smart locks allow for faster and more secure access to a property.
- The different types of smart locks can have pros and cons depending on what kind of property you have and the volume of people interacting with them on a daily basis.
- Smart locks can integrate with other smart technology, allowing multiple facets of your building to be controlled directly by your mobile device to ensure your property’s security.
