The future is closer than ever before. Technology is advancing at a breakneck pace, and new advancements in safety and accessibility are on the rise.
With Smart Home and cloud technology becoming more prevalent in modern life, the Digital Lock system had begun to gain some steam. Why spend time fiddling with keys constantly, when you can input a quick pin number or scan a fingerprint and wander right through the front door?
What is a Digital Lock?
Digital locks are those that use an electronic mechanism to open and close. Most digital locks are controlled by a keypad, which allows the user to input a code to unlock the door. Some digital locks also have a key fob, which uses radio frequencies to communicate with the lock and open it, while others come with biometric systems to scan fingerprints, faces and even retinas to let people inside.
Digital locks are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional locks. For one, they are much more difficult to pick, as the electronic mechanism makes it nearly impossible to replicate the correct code.
Additionally, digital locks can be programmed to allow multiple users, each with their own code, which is perfect for businesses or families, or even services such as AirBnB, where you aren’t always going to be close by to help clients get inside.
And, if a digital lock is ever lost or stolen, it can be easily deactivated remotely, making it useless to the thief.
Before Choosing your Digital Lock
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a digital lock. First, consider the size of the keypad. Some are small and discreet, while others are larger and more obvious.
Second, think about the features you want. Some digital locks come with fingerprint scanners or other security features, while others are more basic. And finally, make sure to choose a digital lock that is compatible with your door.
The Right Digital Lock for You
Digital locks come in many different types and varieties, each with its own set of pros and cons.
The most common type of digital lock is the keypad lock, which requires a user to enter a code on a keypad in order to unlock the door. Keypad locks are typically very easy to install and use, and they offer a high level of security.
Another type of digital lock is the fingerprint lock, which uses a person’s unique fingerprint to unlock the door. Fingerprint locks are more secure than keypad locks, as they cannot be tampered with and are not affected by power outages.
Magnetic stripe locks are another type of digital lock that uses a stripe of magnetically encoded data to unlock the door. Magnetic stripe locks are very secure, as the data on the stripe cannot be duplicated.
RFID locks are another type of digital lock that uses radio frequency identification to unlock the door. RFID locks are very secure, as the data on the RFID tag cannot be duplicated.
Digital locks offer a variety of benefits over traditional mechanical locks. They are typically more secure, as they cannot be picked or tampered with. They are also usually easier to install and use. However, they can be more expensive than mechanical locks and may require professional installation.
5 Benefits to a Digital Lock System
Digital Locks can often be installed to run alongside other smart home devices and bring many benefits that analog key locks cannot replicate. Digital Locks can be more secure, better for your environment, convenient, accessible, and allow for tracking of who is using coming and going.
If you’re looking for a lock that’s safe and can be controlled remotely from your very own phone, digital locks are the way to go.
Additional Security for Your Home
Digital locks are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a number of advantages over traditional mechanical locks. They are more difficult to pick, cannot be bumped open, and often come with additional features such as keyless entry and audit trails.
One of the main advantages of digital locks is that they are much more difficult to pick than traditional locks. This is because digital locks use a number of different pins, rather than just a few, making it much harder for would-be burglars to manipulate the lock.
In addition, digital locks cannot be bumped open. Bumping is a technique used by burglars to open traditional locks by inserting a specially cut key into the lock and then striking it with a blunt object. This causes the pins in the lock to become misaligned, allowing the lock to be opened. However, digital locks use electronic pins, which are not vulnerable to this type of attack.
Digital Locks will also often have Audit trails, which keep a record of when the lock was used, who used it, and for how long, which can be useful for security purposes.
Another advantage of digital locks is that they often come with additional features, such as keyless entry and audit trails. Keyless entry systems allow users to unlock the door using a code, rather than a key. This can be convenient if you often lose your keys, or if you want to give someone temporary access to your home without having to give them a key.
Additionally, this code can be changed at any time. This makes it impossible for someone to guess the code and gain entry, and if you suspect that your code is unsecure, you can change it with no hassle or cost to yourself.
Help out Your Environment
Digital locks are a popular choice for businesses and homeowners alike, not only from security, but an environmental standpoint too.
For businesses, making the switch to digital locks can help to reduce their carbon footprint. These locks don’t require the use of energy-intensive machinery to manufacture, and they can be programmed to work with energy-saving features like automatic lighting and temperature control. In fact, some digital locks are even solar-powered, which can further reduce a business’s environmental impact.
Additionally, digital locks can also help to reduce waste. Unlike traditional locks, which are often made of materials like brass or steel that can’t be recycled, digital locks are made of plastic and other recyclable materials.
Some companies are even going above and beyond with the way that their locks are made and sold, often producing their locks and packaging from recycled materials or by using PVC-free coatings for their products. And, because they last longer than traditional locks, digital locks generate less waste over time.
Finally, digital locks offer a number of security benefits that can help to protect the environment. For example, they can help to deter burglars, who may target homes with traditional locks in order to gain entry quickly and without attracting attention. Additionally, digital locks can help to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas such as garages or sheds, where harmful chemicals or tools may be stored.
Overall, digital locks offer a number of advantages over traditional locks in terms of environmental protection. If you’re looking for a more secure and sustainable way to protect your home or business, you should consider making the switch to digital locks.
Convenience for You and Your Household
Another component in the rise of digital locks is their convenience compared to traditional locks.
One of the most obvious advantages of a digital lock is the removal of traditional entry methods. You no longer need to carry around a key, which can be lost or stolen. Instead, you can simply enter a code to unlock the door.
This is especially useful if you have a large number of keys and find it difficult to keep track of them, or simply when your arms are full and rummaging for a key is the last thing on your mind.
Another advantage of digital locks in terms of convenience is that they offer a wide range of access methods for users. For example, some locks can be opened remotely using a smartphone. This is useful if you forget your code or if you are locked out of your home, or if you are out and want to let a friend inside. Some locks also have an emergency call button, which can be used to contact a locksmith if you are locked out.
Easy Access for Yourself and Others
Digital locks are an incredible boon to accessibility, providing people with a wide range of abilities the ability to easily and securely enter and exit a variety of settings.
Perhaps most importantly, digital locks can be operated without the need for fine motor skills, making them an ideal solution for people with conditions like arthritis or cerebral palsy. Digital locks can also be equipped with features such as Braille keypads and voice-activated entry, making them accessible to a wider range of individuals, who may struggle with, or feel cut off by, traditional means of access to their homes.
But digital locks aren’t just for people with disabilities; they can also be a godsend for busy parents and caretakers. Imagine never having to fumble for keys while carrying a squirming child or a heavy load of groceries.
With a digital lock, all you need is the push of a button, (or the swipe of a card, in some cases) to gain entry. Even for when children are older, locks can be automated to allow unaccompanied children inside after school, saving the stress of your child potentially losing or forgetting their key and being stuck outside.
And if you’re worried about security, don’t be. Digital locks can be just as secure as traditional locks, and in some cases, even more so. That’s because they often come equipped with features like automatic locking and tamper-resistant construction, helping to make accessibility easier for those who you want to come and go, and harder for those who you don’t.
Keep Track of Who is Coming and Going
As mentioned above, Digital locks are extremely helpful for keeping track of people coming and going from your property.
With Audit trail features, you can see who is being allowed inside your property, when they arrive, and how long they stay. This makes it easy to see, track and respond to unwanted visitors.
Additionally, with the easily changeable lock codes, you can give temporary access to your home. Giving out codes to babysitters, dog walkers, or simply visitors who you wish to let in. Once they leave, you can simply change the code again and not worry about anyone having free access from then on.
This feature is also brilliant for AirBnB hosts, or individuals seeking to allow access to their property to a tenant or short-term guest. Guests can simply be given the temporary key code to allow them access while they stay, and then once they leave, the code can be changed for safety. This also saves the hassle of hiding a key somewhere and running the risk of someone else finding it.
For more permanent tracking of comings and goings, digital locks often will allow for multiple codes, belonging to multiple people. Members of a family could all be given different codes to the lock, allowing for easy checking of who is coming and going at what times.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a digital lock can improve your life. They have many benefits, including additional security, convenience, and increased accessibility. From keeping out unwanted visitors to giving access to family and friends, digital locks can improve your quality of life greatly. If added security and ease of access sound like they might appeal to you, then it might be time to make the change.