What kind of technology does a smart lock use?
Smart locks have replaced traditional mechanical lock and key systems. This article takes a look at the technology behind the locks.
Before we get into the technology behind smart locks, let’s take a look in general at today’s technology and how it is smarter than ever before.
In general, ‘smart’ technology refers to devices and systems that are in some way connected. This makes them more intelligent and helps them operate more efficiently. By taking advantage of, for example, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, automation, data management, processing and analytics and machine learning, devices can better understand and respond to user behavior or environmental conditions. Here are just some of the benefits of today’s smart technology.
What are the benefits of smart technology?
- Seamless communication
The more integrated and connected devices and systems are, the more efficient they become and the more seamless the communication is. You can monitor and control devices from anywhere using, for example, smartphones, tablets and computers. This is convenient flexible and gives you greater levels of control.
- Fast processing of data
Through quick and efficient processing of data, smart technology gives you immediate insights which helps you make swift and informed decisions.
- Automation of routine tasks
By automating routine tasks, you can increase productivity and reliability. This leads to significant cost savings and fewer errors.
- Better user experience
User interfaces with easy-to-use and intuitive designs enhance the user experience, engagement and accessibility. They can be customized, based on individual preferences, and even support interactive features such as voice commands.
- Security
Smart technology provides advanced features, such as continuous monitoring for potential security threats, to protect both devices and data. This enables quick responses, enhances overall safety and helps organizations meet regulatory standards and best practices for compliance.
- Efficiency
Today, all organizations need to focus on optimizing resource use, reducing waste and lowering operational costs. By automating certain tasks, smart technology saves time for users and businesses. Scalability to meet growing demands without increasing complexity further highlights its efficiency.
What is smart lock technology?
Smart lock technology has replaced traditional mechanical lock and key systems which are inefficient, unsecure and expensive to maintain. Locks are connected to a local network or the cloud meaning that doors and devices (such as padlocks) can be locked and unlocked with a range of access options such as digital keys, PIN codes, key fobs, biometrics and even smartphones. The technology makes access more smooth, efficient, cost-effective and, most importantly, secure.
How do smart locks communicate?
Smart locks communicate through wireless protocols such as Wi-Fi, NFC (near-field communication), Bluetooth and Zigbee. If you haven’t heard of it, Zigbee is intended to be simpler and less expensive than other wireless personal area networks such as Bluetooth or more general wireless networking such as Wi-Fi. Applications include wireless light switches, home energy monitors, traffic management systems, and other consumer and industrial equipment that requires short-range low-rate wireless data transfer.
There are many different types of smart lock, but the one thing they all have in common is that they require a power source to function.
Battery-powered smart locks
Battery-powered smart locks offer greater flexibility and can be easily installed. However, if the property has many locks, the batteries are expensive to purchase, expensive to maintain and have reliability issues in hotter or colder climates. And there is also the environmental impact of having to deal with the unrecyclable battery waste.
Smart locks with cables
Some smart locks need to be connected to an electricity supply through cabling. This requires a complex infrastructure which is expensive to set up and maintain and impractical, for example, in critical infrastructure sites in remote locations. There is also a reliability issue as access is not guaranteed in a power outage.
Battery- and cable-free smart locks
iLOQ smart locks are unique in that they do not require batteries, electrical cables, Wi-Fi or internet access to operate.
With the key-based solution, access credentials are programmed to a digital key. The power to recognize those credentials and open the lock comes from the kinetic energy generated by pushing the key into the lock.
With the smartphone-based solution, access credentials are sent to iLOQ’s app running on the smartphone. The power to recognize the credentials and open the lock comes from the electromagnetic induction of the smartphone itself.
The same technology is used for all iLOQ products, whether they are locking cylinders, cam locks, key tube cylinders or padlocks.
What are the benefits of smart-locking technology for property owners?
Smart locking technology creates more secure and smarter living environments and working experiences. This increases resident/employee satisfaction and raises the value of the property. With iLOQ’s battery- and cable-free smart-locking technology, it is possible to significantly reduce operational expenditure. A complex infrastructure is unnecessary and there is no need to purchase batteries or pay for the maintenance to regularly change them. With no need for Wi-Fi or an internet connection, access is guaranteed even during a power outage.
What are the benefits of smart-locking technology for property managers?
With no mechanical locks and traditional keys in circulation that can be easily lost, stolen or copied, smart-locking technology provides a quick, easy and more secure way to manage access. With iLOQ’s smart lock technology, access credentials can be created remotely and in real time and programmed to digital keys or sent to iLOQ’s app running on a smartphone. The access credentials can be updated as needs change and instantly blocked if a key or phone is lost or stolen preventing unauthorized access and keeping security levels high. Access logs also help to prevent or solve instances of misuse.
What are the benefits of smart lock technology for end users?
Smart lock technology eliminates the need for mechanical keys and the inherent risk of losing them. It also gives end users more control over who has access to their properties and when.
With iLOQ’s smart lock technology, just one digital key or a smartphone contains all the access credentials you need to quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively move around the place you live or work. There’s no need to carry around a big bunch of keys. And, in the case of critical infrastructure technicians, for example, there’s no need to travel between administration offices and remote sites to collect and return keys making their work quicker and easier. This also reduces travel-related environmental impact.
Smart lock technology also gives end users the ability to grant temporary access to guests or for deliveries or service providers.
Is smart lock technology safe?
Smart locks offer security features like encryption and two-factor authentication making them much more secure than mechanical locks that can be easily picked and keys easily copied.
iLOQ’s digital keys are physically identical making it pointless to try to copy them. The access credentials for the digital keys and smartphone keys can be updated or cancelled remotely and in real time ensuring that only the right people have access to the right places at the right times.
And, when it comes to data security, iLOQ’s strong, global, cloud-based infrastructure ensures that our access management solutions are secure and resilient, that they are operational at all times, and are protected against a wide range of cyber threats (including data breaches, unauthorized access, and attacks which aim to temporarily or indefinitely disrupt services).
Is smart lock technology error free?
Smart locks that need batteries or an external source of power always have the potential for errors. If the batteries run out or there is a power outage, reliable access is not guaranteed. Choosing smart locking solutions, such as iLOQ, where the power to recognize access credentials and open locks comes from the motion of pushing the digital key into the lock or from the electromagnetic induction of the smartphone goes a long way to alleviate these kinds of reliability issues.
What is the verdict? Is smart lock technology worth it?
Smart lock technology requires an investment. However, the maximized security, improved flexibility and convenience, slashed lifecycle costs and enhanced user experience that you get from adopting smart lock technology definitely provides a fast return on that investment.
