When it comes to building security, traditional locks and keys may no longer be enough. As advanced technology solution continues to evolve, it’s important to keep up with the latest advancements in smart security systems. One of the most promising innovations in this area is the development of smart locks. The benefits of smart locks are numerous, for example, they can enhance the security of your building, streamline access control, and improve operational efficiency.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top benefits of smart locks and analyze the benefits by business type. So, if you’re interested in upgrading your building’s security system and exploring the latest advancements in access control technology, read on to learn more about the top benefits of smart locks and how they can help you take your building security to the next level.
A smart lock is an electronic door lock with advanced technology that verifies the user’s identity using wireless technology and various methods such as passwords, fingerprints, and facial recognition. It can also perform multiple functions such as unlocking, locking, and remote control. Compared to traditional mechanical locks, smart locks are more secure, convenient, intelligent, and controllable.
A smart lock typically consists of the following main components:
Electronic lock body: Smart locks use electronic lock bodies such as electromagnetic locks, which automatically lock the door after installation and can be unlocked without a key.
Door lock controller: The door lock controller can receive user input and verify their identity, such as unlocking passwords, fingerprints, and key cards. If identity is confirmed, the lock body will be able to unlock.
User identity recognition module: Most smart locks are equipped with identity verification modules such as fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, and password input. Users can use a designated identity verification method to open the door lock.
Remote control module: smart locks can also be remotely controlled, for example, by using a mobile app to turn the door lock on and off remotely.
Due to the highly programmable and intelligent nature of intelligent locks, they are used for various types of access control, such as in homes, apartments, hotels, office settings, and more.
What Can Smart Locks Help You Achieve?
In terms of security
Smart security:
Smart locks seem to be more “intelligent” in security, not only structurally but also functionally. Most smart locks use C-level lock cylinders, and more complex internal structures, making them harder to crack, and more secure.
In terms of functionality, smart locks provide various alarm situations. Not only do they sound an alarm when someone breaks in, but they also sound an alarm when the door is slightly ajar or improperly locked, giving you peace of mind.
Anti-cat eye unlock:
The smart system can also prevent children and pets from accidentally unlocking the door with the anti-cat eye unlock function. It requires pressing the button and the handle simultaneously to open the door.
In terms of functionality, smart locks provide various alarm situations. Not only do they sound an alarm when someone breaks in, but they also sound an alarm when the door is slightly ajar or improperly locked, giving you peace of mind.
Anti-cat eye unlock:
The smart system can also prevent children and pets from accidentally unlocking the door with the anti-cat eye unlock function. It requires pressing the button and the handle simultaneously to open the door.
In terms of convenience
Various unlocking methods:
Fingerprint unlocks: Use fingerprint recognition to unlock the door.
Password unlocks: Enter a digital or symbolic password to unlock the door.
Mobile app unlocks: One-click unlocks are available for mobile apps.
Face unlocks: Use 3D facial recognition, which prevents pictures/videos to unlock.
Keycard unlocks: Use of keycard unlocking is more common in hotels and holiday resorts.
Temporary password unlocks: You can generate a temporary password for your visitors while you are outside.
Backup access key unlocks: Use mechanical key unlock, and the regular manufacturer configuration of the key will be harder to copy.
Bluetooth unlocks: With a Bluetooth key, you can open the door with a single button.
Benefits of Smart Locks for Hotels
Enhanced Security for hotels
Compared to traditional lock systems, hotel smart lock systems allow for customized access permissions, effectively preventing unauthorized access to the hotel’s internal areas.
Additionally, many security functions in the system add an extra layer of security to the hotel, such as access records and door lock monitoring features. This means, anytime someone opens the door lock in any way, the hotel system’s database records it.
Improve Economic Efficiency
Traditional hotel booking methods can also result in rooms being unavailable for rent or repeating the reservation. Modern hotel door lock systems allow guests to book online, with clear and detailed room arrangements and check-in information, improving hotel room utilization. Online payments by customers are processed immediately, boosting hotel cash flow and increasing hotel room economic benefits.
Enhance Service Quality
Online self-service booking simplifies the cumbersome check-in procedure for customers at the front desk. Customers can also choose their rooms and services, enjoying more detailed service offerings.
In addition, hotel mobile check-in model can reduce the workload of the hotel front desk staff, allowing them to focus more on customer service and enhancing the overall service quality of the hotel, thereby improving the guest’s experience.
Increase Work Efficiency
Intelligent management allows for more transparent hotel operations, authorizing employees to view certain information based on job requirements. It also provides faster and more timely service to guests. Additionally, hotel business owners can remotely monitor daily hotel operations and analyze data regularly through the software.
Smart hotels are developing to promote management without front desk employees. Customers can book rooms through Internet technology, which can reduce human resources, simplify procedures, increase work efficiency, and upgrade the hotel business model.
Improve Hotel Management System
The intelligent hotel access control system controls all access inside the hotel. It consists of hotel computers, card issuers, smart door locks, and hotel cards. Hotel key card door entry system allows for custom cards such as floor cards, building cards, guest cards, and master cards.
Different cards have different usage permissions, collectively managing the permissions for hotel employees and guests to enter hotel rooms. Additionally, the system can connect all hotel smart devices for unified management, fundamentally optimizing the hotel management system.
Diversification
Digital platforms provide guests with diversified services, including online booking, mobile payments, etc. Moreover, smart hotel rooms allow guests to control various facilities through their smart devices. For example, remote unlock with a smartphone, adjust the room temperature/lighting with a voice assistant, save time and effort with unmanned drone room service, and more.
Benefits of Smart Locks for Apartment Buildings
Convenient and Safe
Internet-connected door locks can be unlocked with mobile device apps, fingerprints, passwords, IC cards, etc., making them very convenient to use. Most of them use advanced encryption technology, which provides higher building security levels. And you will no longer have to worry about problems such as the lock being pried open or keys being lost.
Saving Labor Costs
Internet-connected door locks can be directly managed through a backend system, which provides real-time updates on room availability and occupancy. There is no need to arrange for a staff member to check the rooms.
When receiving guest reservations or viewing request messages, you can set temporary access for guests. With the temporary entry code, guests can enter the room themselves, without waiting for staff to open the doors. This makes the process simple and quick. All in all, smart door lock systems simplify the check-in process and save labor costs.
Security Monitoring and Management
When an illegal door opening occurs, the system of an internet-connected door lock can sound an alarm and provide real-time feedback on the door opening.
In contrast, traditional apartment door locks cannot detect problems or illegal door openings since they are not connected to the internet. Examples of accidents resulting in bodily harm or property damage are common. With internet-connected door locks, these problems can be avoided, preventing criminals from exploiting these situations.
Providing Data Support for Management
Internet-connected door locks collect data in real time, and the building manager can understand the current business situation through the backend data. They can optimize operational plans by analyzing the data, such as adjusting management strategy, changing room types or pricing, etc.
Benefits of Smart Locks for Residential Areas
Provide More Convenience
Different from typical mechanical locks, smart locks have an automatic electronic sensing system that automatically detects the lock status. For example, when the door is closed, the system locks automatically. Smart locks also allow multiple unlocking methods, making them flexible and convenient. Some smart locks even have unique voice command functions, making them easier to use.
More Safety Features
Currently, smart locks on the market are becoming more advanced, with multiple protection mechanisms that make your home more secure. Advanced security features include virtual password function technology, free handle setting, anti-copy fingerprint head, quadruple alarm assistant, and pole anti-clamping design, among others.
Increase Lock Interactivity
Smart locks have built-in embedded processors and intelligent monitoring, with the ability to interact with visitors at any time and even actively check the visitors of the day. On the other hand, homeowners can remotely control smart locks to open the door for visitors.
Set Temporary Access Codes for Friends
If relatives or friends come to stay at home, to make it convenient for them to enter and exit freely, a temporary password can be set for them. During their stay, they can enter and exit the house with this access code. After the guests leave, the homeowner can delete the access code at any time. This not only facilitates the use of visitors but also enhances security.
Allow Keyless Entry
With smart lock technology, you no longer have to worry about forgetting your keys. For smart home locks, key unlocking is not the only option. Without a key, you can still use fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, mobile app, pin code, and more. Of course, different types and price ranges of smart locks have different ways of opening, but they all allow keyless entry.
People Also Ask
Why are more people choosing smart door locks?
※ Word of Mouth
Smart locks are one of the most important security devices for protecting personal privacy, so when selecting locks, people become very cautious. With the development of smart technology, more and more people are using smart locks. Some people recommend the product to those around them if they find it useful. Over time, more and more households switch to smart locks.
※ Changing Times
As the pace of life quickens, young people prefer things that are simple and convenient. The biggest advantage of smart door locks is convenience and safety. Additionally, they enhance the overall quality of the home. Furthermore, smart door locks have better human-machine interaction performance and more unlocking methods, catering to the usage habits of different age groups. Internet-connected smart locks are an inevitable trend for the future of the lock industry!
※ Smart Locks Themselves
Any change certainly comes from the product itself, and the bigger reason why so many people choose smart locks is because of the smart locks themselves. YGS smart lock Beta 7, six unlocking methods, make you feel convenient from the moment you step out the door.
The automatic alarm system will send alerts to your phone for attempts to pry the door, theft, multiple password or magnetic card errors, and you can even check them remotely. The smart linkage feature allows for linkage with smart home devices, making the entire home simple. The lock uses a C-level lock core, ensuring security.
How to choose the right smart lock?
- Pay attention to the brand. The smart lock brand strength of the manufacturer directly determines whether the smart lock is worth buying. A manufacturer with over 20 years of production experience will not produce poor-quality products.
- Pay attention to the quality. No one wants to see their home’s door lock easily picked by someone. The quality of the door lock directly affects its security performance. Therefore, when choosing to purchase, the quality and warranty of the door lock are very important.
- Pay attention to the software, especially in hotel applications. The hotel’s management software and other smart device management platforms must be compatible. Otherwise, it will cause inconvenience during use and may reduce customer satisfaction.
- Pay attention to the configuration, mainly for hotels. The hotel lock is not a single unit. Card issuers, card readers, master cards, time cards, and so on need to be considered. If it allows an internet connection, the number of gateways also needs to be considered.
- Pay attention to the requirements. Determine your purchasing requirements before buying, such as budget, functional requirements, etc. Excluding products that do not meet your needs in advance can save a lot of time and effort.
- Pay attention to after-sales service. Selling a smart lock does not mean the end of the transaction, but rather the beginning of service. Choosing a manufacturer with good after-sales service can make you worry less.
Common questions and troubleshooting for smart locks
1. Why won’t my smart lock connect to my Wi-Fi network?
- Make sure that your Wi-Fi network is working properly and that you have the correct network credentials entered into the lock’s settings.
- Check to see if your smart lock is within range of your Wi-Fi network. If it’s too far away, you may need to move it closer or install a Wi-Fi range extender.
- Make sure that your smart lock’s firmware is up-to-date.
2. How do I reset my smart lock to its default settings?
- Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular smart lock, but most locks can be reset by pressing and holding the reset button for a certain amount of time.
3. Why won’t my smart lock respond to the app or keypad commands?
- Make sure that your smart lock’s battery is fully charged or replace the batteries with new ones.
- Check to see if the lock is properly installed and aligned with the door.
- Make sure that the app or keypad is working properly and that you have the correct access codes or settings configured.
4. Can I use my smart lock with Alexa, Google Assistant, or other voice assistants?
- Yes, many smart locks are compatible with voice assistants. Check with the manufacturer or app documentation to see if your lock is compatible and how to set it up.
5. Can someone hack into my smart lock and gain access to my home?
- While any device connected to the internet carries some risk of being hacked, smart locks have been designed with security features to prevent unauthorized entries. It’s important to follow best practices for securing your Wi-Fi network and to choose a reputable smart lock manufacturer that has good security practices in place. Additionally, it’s a good idea to use strong, unique passwords for your smart lock account and to avoid sharing smart lock codes with people you don’t trust.
6. What should I do if my smart lock malfunctions?
- Refer to the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide for your particular smart lock or contact their customer support team for assistance.
- If your lock is still under warranty, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced for free.
- If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own, consider hiring a professional locksmith to assist you.
What downsides the smart locks have?
※ High cost: Smart locks can be more expensive compared to traditional locks, which can make them less appealing to some consumers.
※ Power supply considerations: Smart locks require power to operate, which can be an issue in situations where there is no nearby power source or where the lock needs to be installed in a remote location.
※ Requirement for pressure or physical force on the door or handle: Some smart locks require a certain amount of physical force to be applied to the door or handle in order to activate the locking mechanism, which may not be suitable for all users.
※ Need for maintaining a high level of mechanical security: In certain scenarios, maintaining a high level of mechanical security is crucial, and some users may be hesitant to switch to a smart lock due to concerns about the security and reliability of the technology.
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