Smart locks are increasingly becoming popular worldwide, helping homeowners tackle security concerns with ease. True to their name, these locks offer newer and more innovative ways towards ensuring better home security, enabling keyless unlocking and locking solutions. Most of these locks depend on mobile apps and wireless networks, along with other digital frameworks. There are several entry points including voice commands, fingerprint scanners, smartphone apps, and more.
How do Smart Locks Function?
Smart locks make use of advanced technology to help you access your property without a physical key while offering newer ways of locking/unlocking. Some even come with automatic locking or unlocking settings, along with integrated intercoms and video cameras. Some of the smart locks can also be connected to other smart devices.
You can thus easily view people coming to your doorstep even when you are away from home. You may get notifications regarding entry and exit, and some smart locks may help you offer remote access to staff members or visitors while you are away with full monitoring. Many of these locks can be easily linked to alarm systems for burglary and theft.
Key Features of Smart Locks
Smart locks come with several features and attributes that may vary across models. These include cutting-edge safety attributes that will make you want to buy smart locks today for maximum convenience and peace of mind. Some key features are:
- Remote monitoring: Most smart locks allow you to track your home, visitors, entry, and exit from your smartphone or any other smart device.
- Remote access: You can get Wi-Fi smart locks or Bluetooth-connected ones that link to smart home hubs. These offer remote access, and you do not have to worry about leaving your home unlocked since you can easily lock it anytime and anywhere. Some locks help you share digital keys to let in other people. You can also set access limitations with timings that grant entry to specific people. For instance, suppose the gardener comes to water the plants on your terrace at 11 a.m. and leaves by 1 p.m. You can set access limitations from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in this case, and entry/exit will not be possible beyond this point if you are away from home.
- Multiple keyless entry options: Many smart locks help people enter their homes with key cards, voice commands, fingertips/fingerprint scanners, and smartphones.
- Connectivity options: Many smart locks have internet or Bluetooth connectivity options.
- Compatibility aspects: These locks can be easily added to existing deadbolts while maintaining their design and structural integrity, at least in most cases.
- Advanced encryption and authentication: Smart locks make use of high-end encryption protocols along with multi-factor authentication encompassing biometric features and PINs.
- Tamper alerts: Real-time notifications and alerts are handy if there is any suspicious activity. This will help you alert the authorities immediately in case any such event occurs.
- OTPs and other virtual keys: Some of these locks also come with varied kinds of virtual keys and even offer OTP-based access for maximum convenience.
- Other features: Some smart locks come with temporary access codes for service providers/guests without offering primary access. You can add random numbers after and before PINs to avoid security compromises. Many of these locks also work nicely during power disruptions, with alternative sources of power being used. Some even come with emergency power backup features.
Installation and Setup
Smart locks are not hard to install, provided you reach out to a reputed brand in the market. Some locks can be easily integrated into your existing locking system and doors while others will have to replace your present lock.
Conclusion
If you wish to buy smart locks, then you may consider one of the most reputed brands in this segment. The SL 1 offers a key-free and 360-security experience with unlocking options like access cards, fingerprints, and pins in tandem with the dedicated Home App. You can also use a physical key to open the lock. The best part is that user data is stored within India on trusted servers with complete encryption across three stages.
Some other major features include snoop protection (you can enter random numbers after and before the PIN to open it without someone seeing the code). This is ideal for safeguarding the PIN itself. There is a manual deadbolt that can be used from within your door to ensure even more privacy. Once you activate it, the other unlocking modes cannot open your door. Emergency power backup is available, and you can easily connect external power sources to unlock your door. On that note, here’s to securing your home with smart locks that make your life safer, better, and happier!
