A smart lock is arguably the most important component of a smart home. It not only allows you to easily unlock and lock your door, but it also monitors who enters and exits your home while you're away.
With the use of video technology, a smart doorbell will immediately alert you whenever a guest arrives at your door. Whether you want to check on your visitors or check on your deliveries while you're away, smart door locks help you monitor any danger. Some models simply allow you to open and close doors with your phone. Others allow you to grant special access rights to friends, family members, or maintenance personnel. The most advanced options support third-party smart home devices and services as well as voice commands.
With that in mind, we've compiled a list of reasons why you should consider purchasing a smart lock.
What is a Smart Lock?
A smart lock is a new line in home security, and it, along with Amazon's Alexa and Google Home, is the next step in creating the smart homes of the future. Smart locks secure your home with a digital cryptographic key code, eliminating the need for physical keys, which can be easily lost or forgotten. This technology can even unlock your door for you when it detects that you are close to home by establishing a perimeter around your property, a feature known as geofencing.
Types of Smart Locks
The smart door lock comes in different types depending on the application. Most smart locks enable keyless entry with wireless technology, such as Zigbee.
- Smart Lock with Keypad and Combination
To unlock your door, smart locks with keypads require a master passcode. You can also assign different passcodes to different people. There are three types of combination keypad smart locks: keypad deadbolts, keypad deadbolts with a knob or lever, and keypad deadbolts with a handle set. You could use a touchscreen or physical buttons, and many models are easily compatible with other smart home devices.
- Locks for Garage Doors
Consider being able to open your garage door remotely for a delivery person — a smart garage door lock can enable exactly this. There are several types of smart locks for garage doors. Many of them work with an app on your mobile device, and you can receive notifications whenever your garage door is open.
- Smart Locks with wireless connectivity
Some smart locks include wireless connectivity and can be linked to a smart home hub such as Amazon Echo. These products, which operate via apps such as Syncrow, allow you to lock or unlock your door from anywhere with a wireless connection. You can also keep track of opening and closing times and share e-keys with family, neighbours, repair technicians, and other trusted people. No more duplicating keys and trying to remember who has them!
Smart Locks Vs Traditional Locks
If you plan to get new locks for your house or building, you might be split between regular locks and smart locks. In terms of installation, technology, and integration with third-party products, smart and traditional locks differ significantly.
However, you still need your locks to offer the highest level of protection available today and in the future, despite being familiar with and used to traditional locks. A smart lock featuring the latest technology may be a good option for you as a result.
Traditional locks
Traditional locks were once simply called "locks" before smart locks came along. All things that are not automated and require user input to function are considered manual, and these locks, regardless of style, are not smart locks.
Traditional locks require a physical key, so a person must be present to turn the key and insert it into the lock.
Smart door locks
Smart door locks are more adapted to the modern world, where flexibility is valued. The basic functionality of a smart lock is the same as that of a conventional lock: it allows doors to be locked and unlocked. However, you can also operate the lock using your phone, integrated smart technology, or another smart system since it also has a "smart" element.
What Should You Look for in a Smart Lock?
So the
internet of things (IoT) has piqued your interest, and a smart lock sounds ideal, but how do you go about selecting the right device for your space? These are the most important factors to consider when purchasing a smart lock.
- Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, smart locks can be Zigbee, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth systems are more vulnerable to hacking, but they also require you to be physically close to the smart lock in order to control it. Wi-Fi systems have more robust security protocols and provide more access; however, many of these consume more power and require constant network access to function. Zigbee systems, which were designed with home automation in mind, are highly secure, use far less electricity, and have a greater access range. To control and manage the lock from your phone, you may need a smart home hub.
- Alarms
As with any home security system, you'll want an alarm that will not only deter intruders but also notify you if someone is attempting to break in. Smart locks do not come with built-in alarms, so you will need to purchase one separately. Some smart locks, on the other hand, send automatic alerts, so you receive a push notification if someone unlocks your door when no one is supposed to be home. You can investigate right from your phone if you have a video feed inside or outside your door, such as with a smart doorbell camera.
- Keyed versus Keyless
When it comes to installing a smart lock, you have the option of converting your entire deadbolt or simply replacing the interior mechanism. In the latter case, you keep your key for outside access but also have the added benefit of being able to open your door using your phone. However, you are still vulnerable to key loss, theft, or lock picking, and your options for 'semi-conversions' are more limited.
The Bottom Line
Smart locks are one of the best entry points for home automation. They can undoubtedly help those who manage properties, venues, and business locations, particularly when combined with a smart access control solution that allows you to control who has access to which areas and when. They can save a lot of time, money, and effort because of the flexibility they provide.
Smart locks not only outperform traditional locks in terms of versatility and convenience but they are also increasingly being used to improve home security. Because of the rapid pace of technological advancement, many features that were once considered sci-fi in home security are now readily available, which we can all benefit from. If you are planning to get smart door locks for your space, get in touch with us at Syncrow!