Can you put a smart lock on any door?
A simple answer to this question is, yes, you can pretty much put a smart lock on any kind of door! Another question could be, how easy is it to put a smart lock on a door. That depends on the manufacturer and just how smart those smart locks are.
Some smart locks require batteries, others need cables. Some even need Wi-Fi or to be connected to the Internet. In the case of manufacturers like iLOQ, no batteries, cables, Wi-Fi or Internet connection are required. The power needed to recognise access credentials and open locks comes from the kinetic energy generated by pushing iLOQ’s digital key into the smart lock or from the electromagnetic induction of a smartphone when it is held against the smart lock.
There are many different types of ‘door’ and in many different environments from residential properties to critical infrastructure sites.
What type of doors can smart locks be used on?
In residential properties alone, there are many different types of doors or access points, such as:
- Main entrance doors
- Warehouse doors
- Apartment doors
- Sliding doors
- Screen doors
- Patio doors
- Storm doors
- Double doors
- French doors
- Security doors
- Garage doors
- Mailboxes
And they can be made from many different materials, such as:
- Wood
- Steel
- Aluminium
- Composite
- Glass
In addition to the types of doors mentioned above, commercial properties, critical infrastructure and utility sites have other types of access points that need to be secured. These include, for example, rotating doors, gates, fences and turnstiles.
Smart locks can be added to any of these types of doors to improve security levels and make life easier for the people that are responsible for taking care of access credentials. iLOQ’s smart-locking solutions have been innovated to bring a wide range of benefits for building owners, locking system administrators and residents in large multifamily properties and student accommodation, and employees in large commercial properties and critical infrastructure sites. Smart locks are also widely available from a number of other providers, for example, for private houses or even hotels.
Are smart locks hard to install?
No, smart locks are not hard to install. In new properties, smart locks, such as iLOQ’s, can be added as soon as there are doors on site. This ensures secure access during the building process.
Access credentials for 3rd-party service providers (builders, plumbers, electricians, etc.) can be programmed to digital keys or sent to iLOQ’s app running their smartphone. The access credentials are individual and allow them to move around only the areas relevant to them at times appropriate for their role. Administrators can update the access credentials remotely and in real time as needs change making sure that only the right people have access to the right places at the right times.
As soon as their job is done, their access credentials are cancelled. There’s no need for administrators to worry if the digital keys have not been returned, or that the app is still being used. And when residents eventually move in, they can be confident that no unauthorised person has access to their property or individual apartment.
Smart locks are also a huge benefit during renovation work that, from time-to-time, is needed to improve the environment for residents or employees and to maintain the value of the property. They can be small projects, such as painting interior walls, or large ones such as replacing the facade or updating the plumbing system.
A smart locking system ensures the highest levels of security are maintained while the work is being done. Locking system administrators have control at all times over who has access to the property and during what times. And, once again, these access rights are removed when the work is completed.
Can smart locks be installed on doors in existing properties?
Yes, smart locks, such as iLOQ’s, can be very quickly installed with no need for special tools or drilling and without the need to change the existing infrastructure. Just unscrew the old lock, put the new one in place and tighten the screws. Job done!
Can smart locks enhance the value of properties?
So, for new builds, installing smart locks is a no-brainer. But did you know how easy it is to enhance the value of an existing building just by upgrading the locks to smart locks?
The benefit of iLOQ’s smart locks is that they are battery-free, cable-free and and they don’t need a source of electricity or a WiFi connection. This means that there’s no need to make any changes to the current doors or existing infrastructure. Locks can be installed in a matter of minutes and using just basic tools.
This makes it ideal for retrofitting an older building to bring it up to date or enhancing security in an existing property during a renovation project.
Installing smart locks is a quick and easy way to turn your property into a smart living or working environment. By enhancing both security and the user experience, cutting administration and maintenance costs, and keeping, for example, the retention of tenants high, it gives a healthy boost to the value of the property.
