A guide to selecting the right smart lock for you and the best locksmith to install it.
The world is changing fast. New technology brings both new capabilities and new challenges. No recent change in any industry has been as transformative as smart locks to the locksmith industry. From the simple mechanical push button locks of the last 4 decades to the fob, keypad, fingerprint & even facial recognition features available today; the average Australian door lock has changed drastically.
Have you ever lost your keys or had an attempted (or successful) break-in? These are just 2 examples of issues mitigated by installing a quality smart lock. If you’ve not considered getting a smart lock before, here’s a guide to help you select the smart lock that’s right for you.
When choosing a smart lock for your front door it is important to determine the type of lock required. There are surface-mounted deadlatches, traditional deadbolts and a plethora of knob or lever styles. It is always best to find a smart lock with similar characteristics to the lock currently fitted to your door. If your front door is a Lockwood 001 for example, the best smart lock replacement option is the Lockwood 001Touch Plus. This smart lock is designed to completely replace the existing Lockwood 001. There is also the Yale Digital Deadlatch Upgrade Kit, which modifies your existing deadlatch to a keyless version. If you are unsure of the type of smart lock required, call Infinity Locksmiths on 0421 986 316. Once the type of smart lock required is determined, the next stage of the process is finding a smart lock with your desired features & functions.
In your ideal world, how would you open your door? A simple code? a press of your fingerprint? A swipe of an rfid fob? Even a simple “smile” for a facial-recognition camera? There are many different options available to you. Let’s find a smart lock with the features you need.
The most common, popular & reliable function is the simple pin code. Simply tap the screen, type in your code and hey presto – you’re in! It sounds easy because it is. For many who are struggling to keep up with today’s technological advancements a simple pin code function is all they need to do away with their keys & say “hello” to peace of mind. The pin code feature is available on nearly every smart lock, so if you want to try other features you can always have a pin code set – just in case.
For those who do not wish to be entering a pin code each time they enter, there’s Rfid fobs. Rfid fobs are a simple way to unlock your door without even touching the lock. Simply wave your fob over the lock and Bob’s your uncle! Rfid credentials come as fobs, cards, stickers (for the back of a mobile phone), wristbands & even rings! Most smart locks accept rfid fobs which are extremely easy to use.
In today’s world of convenience, if it’s not on your phone does it even exist? Smart lock manufacturers understand the significance of convenience to their customers and have a very simple solution for this: Smart Lock Phone Apps! These feature-rich apps allow you to set up, program, monitor & operate your smart locks all from your trusty mobile phone. Most smart locks require the phone to be within “Bluetooth range” of the lock, meaning less than 10 metres away.
Who hasn’t watched a sci-fi movie & dreamed of entering their home with a quick scan of their face or fingerprint. While they don’t emit the iconic red laser beams, the smart locks of today are surprisingly not that dissimilar to those of your favourite movies. A growing number of smart lock manufacturers are choosing to equip their products with biometric functions ie the ability to unlock your door by placing your fingertip onto a special reader. The reader confirms that your fingerprint is authorised to access & releases the locking mechanism. Some smart locks hot off the press are also now featuring facial recognition. While these locks are growing in popularity overseas they are still relatively new to the Australian market.
Speaking of sci-fi, what’s more high-tech than unlocking your door from the other side of the world? Many Bluetooth smart locks can be upgraded via an additional gateway. The gateway connects to the lock via Bluetooth; and to the internet via either wifi, usb or ethernet cable. Once connected, most smart lock apps take on loads more functions, such as the ability to add or delete pin codes remotely. Some smart locks even allow you to unlock the door remotely. This feature is favoured by AirBnB & Stayz hosts alike, by providing emergency access to your guests at the tap of your finger.
For those once-in-a-lifetime moments, it pays to have a plan B. Most smart locks feature an emergency key override function. This provides access even if the lock has been badly vandalised or damaged. Many of the oldies among us are uncomfortable relying on technology and prefer to use a key. That’s fine Grandma, here’s your keys:
Now that you’ve carefully considered the style, functions & features of your smart lock; it’s time to get it installed! Most hardware stores will direct you to their local handyman for installation, however this is not advised. Infinity Locksmiths are specially-trained to install, program & service even the most complex smart locks. We are also qualified to install security hardware and are licensed to do so by NSW Police. Finally there’s insurance. Those unqualified & unlicensed “handymen” would surely struggle to obtain public liability or professional indemnity insurance, right? Would you insure someone to carry out work they are not trained, qualified or licensed to? Exactly. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong it pays to hire real locksmiths. Infinity Locksmiths.
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