Before diving in to the subject of this part, which is smart locks – I want to just mention security.
The biggest risk to the smart home is network security. You must deploy a holistically secure network. Sure your smart home can be dumped on-top your general home network. The risk of an insecure network is however untenable, and you really must spend the extra to make your network secure. This cannot be trusted to anyone who knows how to connect cables.
I will be doing an article on the holistically secure smart home network – down the line.
SMART LOCKS
Smart Locks – some say, will do away with the need for physical keys. You will however continue to need your physical keys. When the smart system fails for any reason, you will need a method to manually access at least one of the doors.
I have had occasion to call glass-smiths to remove windows, so that occupants could access the building after a bio-metric failure. Your smart lock designs need to consider the manual alternatives in the event of a failure.
Smart locks do however reduce bottlenecks within access control processes, enhance efficiency, safety, and security.
Smart locks can be operated ;
- From a smart phone app – this can be done remotely, and allows operation of many doors simultaneously. This kind of control, reduces the possibility of some doors not being locked – when they should be.
- Using voice commands via the amazon or google smart voice assistant devices. As you know from a previous article in this series – we recommend the amazon assistant.
- Using biometric readers. These readers can be programmed to recognize authorised faces, palms, fingerprint, veins and iris. Positive recognitions can trigger automatic actions such as unlocking the doors.
- Deploying a facial recognition camera that will recognize authorised persons and then automatically grant access to the door for a positive recognition.
Some older methods are;
- Using smart cards,
- Smart fobs,
- Numeric Keypads on the lock.
The modern trend is to use the cell phone as a credential using Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth.
Many smart locks employ multiples of the above methods to trigger open the door.
LOCKING MECHANISMS
Since there are so many different types of locking mechanisms – you cannot just go out and buy a smart lock. The lock needs to be compatible with the type of locking mechanism that has been provided for the door.
You can get a lock that either adapts the deadbolt by replacing the thumb turn or handle with a motorized deadbolt, or replaces the deadbolt completely.
We prefer the replacement type locks, although should you not want to replace the entire locking mechanism, a compatible adaptive type lock will work.
Some locks come with built in proximity sensors and will alert you if the door is slightly open.
AESTHETICS
Locks are designed in many different styles. Match the lock to compliment the style and decor of your home.
Wi-fi Locks are now available which eliminate the need for unsightly plug in adaptors and reduce the amount of wiring required.
ISSUES WITH SOME LOCKS
Many locks present problems such as
- Failing to unlock when required,
- Misfiring – some locks which can be set to auto-unlock, can misfire causing the door to open unexpectedly. Most locks that have this auto-unlock feature exhibit the misfiring problem. Auto-lock features can negate the misfiring issue. It might be better to avoid these locks altogether though.
- Require messy wires and adaptors,
- Some locks will auto-lock after a few seconds – which can be a problem if you are not aware of this, or forget about it.
- Many locks can be very expensive given the features they offer compared to other very capable locks.
- Locks with Geo-fencing auto-unlock features can also misfire, or not respond at all.
- Some locks are only compatible with the manufacturers products, and will not integrate with other systems.
- The excessive size of some locks affects the aesthetics,
- Limited or poor Bluetooth range,
- Easy to pick key-ways.
THE TAKEAWAYS
Introducing smart home devices demands a holistically secure home network. The network should limit the number of internet touch points as much as possible, and secure necessary touch points.
Wi-Fi reduces the need for wiring, but can introduce some instability that might cause locks to misfire or jam.
The lock needs to be compatible with the deadbolt system on the door.
Consult a professional rather than just purchasing any lock. Cheaper devices may introduce both safety and security hazards.
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