Latest News
What features to look when buying a smart door lock?
Oct 9, 2020
View Full Size
10 features to consider before buying a smart door lock
Battery life
The majority of smart locks operate on either multiple AA alkaline batteries or a rechargeable lithium-ion cell. Whatever type of battery your smart door lock uses, you’ll still get an alert on your app when battery power gets low. Moreover, the housing mounted on the inside of your door will often include an LED that will flash red when the battery needs to be replaced or recharged. How long do these batteries normally last? Well, it all depends on the smart door lock and its functions. Many companies rate their battery life in terms of the number of “cycles” — that is, the total number of physical locks and unlocks — and power usually lasts anywhere from three months to a year, depending on the type of lock and the functions it performs.
Alternate unlocking way
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi may be great, but they are none the less occasionally unreliable. Even technology companies whose job it is to manufacture smart door locks are aware of this potential problem. So, they’ve come up with alternative ways for locking/unlocking smart door locks. As well as wireless unlocking techniques, more and more practical smart locks now offer alternative physical or electronic entry options, including PIN codes (sometimes with an add-on keypad, also Bluetooth-connected) and/or a physical key. A small number of smart door lock suppliers also offer a key fob to wirelessly unlock a door if you don’t have your smartphone with you.
Auto lock/unlock
Bluetooth enabled door locks usually provide keyless or PIN-less entry. When you’re carrying your smartphone, a smart door lock — particularly a retrofit lock — may let you auto-unlock your door when you are a prescribed distance away, and auto-lock behind you after a user-prescribed period of time. However, this prescribed distance is usually limited to around 30 feet, and it has to be remembered that you can only carry out this function from outside the property. A best smart door locks with keypads generally won’t include proximity auto-unlock capabilities for sound security reasons, like preventing an intruder or thief from entering a property using a lost or stolen phone.
Guest keys
Smart door locks, particularly retrofit models, let you assign “keys” for visitors who you’re happy to let into your home in your absence: visitors like out-of-town friends or family members, service workers or delivery people, or neighbours watering the plants, taking in the mail or or feeding the cat while you’re away. You may have come across this particular practice if you’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb property. Entry ‘keys’ are sent via a text or email code through the smart door lock app, and these keys give your visitor wireless entry capabilities for a prescribed period of time or a prescribed number of entries. Replacement smart locks with keypads allow you to simply assign temporary passwords, timed for single use or for a specific number of hours or days. Most smart door locks also track who comes and goes, and smart locks with Wi-Fi can send an alert to your phone when someone comes or goes, so even when you’re still at work you’ll be able to find out whether the kids have returned home from their schools.
Weatherproof rating
Smart door locks are complicated pieces of kit, housing not just the traditional metal pins, tumblers, gears and other standard lock mechanics, but also sensitive electronics. Thus they need to be able to withstand extremes in weather conditions to function properly. Complete replacement smart door locks will indicate what temperatures the door lock is designed to withstand and often have an IP water/dust-proof rating. However, not all smart locks are born equal: not all can withstand adverse weather conditions over a prolonged period. If you want to ensure that your smart lock is up to the job, no matter what the weather throws at it, then only buy from a reputable lock manufacturer with a long and proven track record of testing for such conditions.
ANSI lock quality
Most physical door locks will have their own distinct specifications and idiosyncrasies; so it’s difficult to establish whether the smart lock you’re considering buying will be up to the job. In order to make that choice a little easier, 3 standard lock designations have been introduced by the ANSI/BHMA (American national Standards Institute/ Builders’ Hardware Manufacturers Association). These designation tests judge locks on their robustness and security against picking, bumping, other physical attacks along with the longevity of the locking/unlocking mechanism. The 3 designation grades are:
Grade 1
The strongest grade, usually reserved for commercial applications
Grade 2
The most common residential lock, and most commonly bought ANSI-approved lock
Grade 3
Usually a secondary lock to supplement a grade 1 or 2 lock.
Grade 1
The strongest grade, usually reserved for commercial applications
Grade 2
The most common residential lock, and most commonly bought ANSI-approved lock
Grade 3
Usually a secondary lock to supplement a grade 1 or 2 lock.
Wireless security
Security is always a concern, especially when you constantly hear and read about hacking attacks. That concern is no different for Wi-Fi security. Most smrt door lock manufactures will publish the technical specification of their locks and tell you just how secure their W-Fi security is, but it should be remembered that there is no ‘best’ wireless security scheme or standard for smart door locks. The best smart lock you can hope to discover is just how high a priority the smart door lock manufacturer places on the issue. The only way you’ll discover that, unfortunately, is through extensive research. What can be said with some sort of conviction, however, is that the best keylss door lock – that is the most hack-proof – are keypad-enabled models that don’t use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi as their primary entry method.
Smart home compatibility
Most smart door locks can be integrated into an existing smart home environment — using Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT (If This Then That), Z-Wave, ZigBee, Samsung SmartThings — so it’s easy enough to incorporate the locking of doors, turning on lights and adjusting temperature controls into your smart routine. However, as things currently stand, very few smart door locks are compatible with all smart home technologies.
Voice control
An increasing number of smart door locks that are compatible with Amazon and HomeKit also provide Alexa and Siri voice control. However, this voice control capability is usually limited to locking the door when you’re inside your home. Amazon recently approved an unlock voice control protocol which requires the user to provide a spoken password after a spoken unlock command. A growing number of lock makers are also just beginning to implement this new Alexa Key “speak to unlock” feature.
Fit and finish
Traditional door lock vendors with a vaulted pedigree offer a wide variety of smart door lock hardware finishes and trims and matching latch mechanisms, including variations of silver, bronze, brass and black. Newer tech-focused smart lock providers, however, do not offer such choices. Hence if aesthetics is important to you, your digital door lock purchase options are limited.
If you are going to find the best smart lock but have no idea, we are here welcome every one of you to contact us for a FREE advisory. We are passion to be your best smart door lock supplier in Malaysia.
Hotline 1700-818-808 / 03-7499 3006
Sales (Call/Whatsapp) 012-459 9999
If you are going to find the best smart lock but have no idea, we are here welcome every one of you to contact us for a FREE advisory. We are passion to be your best smart door lock supplier in Malaysia.
Hotline 1700-818-808 / 03-7499 3006
Sales (Call/Whatsapp) 012-459 9999
Types of Digital Door Locks
Sep 29, 2020
View Full Size
Types of digital door lock
Every business is unique, which means that the type of digital lock you choose will depend on your business's own needs and each lock's capabilities.
Many door locks, regardless of its type, offer multiple keyless ways to unlock the door in the event of a lost key or forgotten code.
Keypad door locks
A keypad door lock model requires a PIN to unlock the door. It is the best door lock because they are very easy to install and maintain, and you can assign different codes to different users. You can change PIN at any time, allowing you to easily manage access to your building.
Some models have protective mechanisms such as keypads that shut down after an incorrect code has been entered three times. Most newer models have a touch screen, but some have physical buttons. There are also combination keypad locks, which use a PIN in conjunction with another type of lock, such as deadbolts or handles.
Keyless/wireless smart locks
Keyless and wireless smart locks are some of the most and best digital door lock options. They allow you to connect to your locks over a Wi-Fi connection, so you can control your digital door lock from anywhere in the world via a mobile app or remote. However, unless you purchase your digital lock as part of a smart home package, they may not come with a dedicated mobile app.
Many digital door locks offer Bluetooth capability, which can automatically unlock your doors once you get within a certain distance. You may also be able to use your phone or a key card and tap the sensor to unlock the door.
Key cards/ Smart card locks
Key cards are a way to unlock your Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled smart lock. You simply tap the card against the lock sensor to unlock it. Key cards can be programmed to unlock multiple door locks, so, for example, your one key card can let you into the front, side and office doors in your building.
Fingerprint/Biometric door locks
Fingerprint/ biometric door locks are a popular and upcoming digital smart door lock option. You can unlock a door by having your fingerprint or (less commonly) your eye scanned. This is a very secure option, since fingerprints are all unique and are very difficult to copy. It's also a convenient option for individuals who don't have to carry a key card with them, which means they always have access.
Fingerprint door locks work by scanning a fingerprint and converting it into a numerical template, which then tells the system to unlock the door. Because this system is so dependent on connectivity, thus look for a model with a backup option like a keypad or mechanical lock so you can still gain entry if your fingerprint cannot be scanned.
Many models have a limit of 100 fingerprints that can be stored, so if your company is larger, a biometric lock may not be the best option for you.
Looking for the best digital lock supplier in Malaysia? Don’t hesitate and contact us now for more details.
Whatsapp/Call 012-459 9999
Every business is unique, which means that the type of digital lock you choose will depend on your business's own needs and each lock's capabilities.
Many door locks, regardless of its type, offer multiple keyless ways to unlock the door in the event of a lost key or forgotten code.
Keypad door locks
A keypad door lock model requires a PIN to unlock the door. It is the best door lock because they are very easy to install and maintain, and you can assign different codes to different users. You can change PIN at any time, allowing you to easily manage access to your building.
Some models have protective mechanisms such as keypads that shut down after an incorrect code has been entered three times. Most newer models have a touch screen, but some have physical buttons. There are also combination keypad locks, which use a PIN in conjunction with another type of lock, such as deadbolts or handles.
Keyless/wireless smart locks
Keyless and wireless smart locks are some of the most and best digital door lock options. They allow you to connect to your locks over a Wi-Fi connection, so you can control your digital door lock from anywhere in the world via a mobile app or remote. However, unless you purchase your digital lock as part of a smart home package, they may not come with a dedicated mobile app.
Many digital door locks offer Bluetooth capability, which can automatically unlock your doors once you get within a certain distance. You may also be able to use your phone or a key card and tap the sensor to unlock the door.
Key cards/ Smart card locks
Key cards are a way to unlock your Bluetooth or radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled smart lock. You simply tap the card against the lock sensor to unlock it. Key cards can be programmed to unlock multiple door locks, so, for example, your one key card can let you into the front, side and office doors in your building.
Fingerprint/Biometric door locks
Fingerprint/ biometric door locks are a popular and upcoming digital smart door lock option. You can unlock a door by having your fingerprint or (less commonly) your eye scanned. This is a very secure option, since fingerprints are all unique and are very difficult to copy. It's also a convenient option for individuals who don't have to carry a key card with them, which means they always have access.
Fingerprint door locks work by scanning a fingerprint and converting it into a numerical template, which then tells the system to unlock the door. Because this system is so dependent on connectivity, thus look for a model with a backup option like a keypad or mechanical lock so you can still gain entry if your fingerprint cannot be scanned.
Many models have a limit of 100 fingerprints that can be stored, so if your company is larger, a biometric lock may not be the best option for you.
Looking for the best digital lock supplier in Malaysia? Don’t hesitate and contact us now for more details.
Whatsapp/Call 012-459 9999