Should You Consider an electronic digital Lock? Exploring the Pros and Cons

The owner of The Keyless Store started as an installation technician. Rather than focusing solely on sales, we approach things from a technical perspective. 

As electronic digital door locks have gained immense popularity over the past decade, more and more houses in New Zealand have been equipped with digital locks which brought great convenience to our everyday lives. However, even great products come with their own sets of pros and cons. In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of electronic digital door locks or smart door locks. 

Pros:

• Convenience. The primary advantage of digital locks is convenience. With keyless entry options like PIN codes, swipe cards, fingerprint or App access, you can unlock your door with ease. Remember last time when you were busy finding keys in the morning and running late to work? This happens no more with digital locks, simply open the door and rest assured that it locks automatically behind you as the door closes. When you come back home, a simple code entry or a fingerprint scan unlocks the door instead of digging for keys in the pocket/bag. 

• Enhanced Security. Many digital locks offer advanced security features like break-in alarm, false entry lock-out, double authentication mode or App notifications. These features make it challenging for unauthorized individuals to gain access to your home. Smart locks can keep a record of whose code/fingerprint are used to unlock the door that can be useful in case of any incidents.  

• Remote Access. Our WiFi-enabled locks offer remote access control - E.g. Schlage Encode WiFi deadbolt, Samsung SHP-DR708/DP609, Yale Assure Deadbolt with Yale Access Kit. This means you can lock or unlock your door, check lock status or even create temporary PIN code from anywhere with an internet connection, providing unprecedented flexibility and peace of mind.

• User-Specific Access: Some of our App-enabled locks allow you to create unique codes or virtual keys for different individuals E.g. Schlage Encode WiFi deadbolt and Yale Assure Deadbolt with Yale Access Kit. You can provide temporary or permanent access and easily revoke it as needed, enhancing security and control. You can also get notified via App as individual code is used to unlock the door. 

• Integration. As smart home system becomes more and more popular, many of our smart locks are compatible with smart home systems via different communication protocols like Z-wave, Zigbee or WiFi, enabling you to control not just your lock but also other devices a single app (E.g. Yale Assure Deadbolt with Yale Access Kit works with Apple HomeKit ). Voice control is also possible via integration with voice assistance like Alexa or Google Assistant. 

• Perfect solution for Airbnb hosts. Imagine a streamlined Check-In and Check-Out process. Smart locks allow hosts to provide guests with digital keys or PIN codes, eliminating the need for physical keys or coordinating in-person check-ins. Some of our smart locks can be integrated with Airbnb App, you can generate temporary PIN code that only works during the stay of your guest (E.g. Yale Assure Keyed Deadbolt with Yale Access Kit) Guests can access the property at their convenience, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Cons:

• Initial cost: Electronic digital door locks can be more expensive than traditional locks. Installation cost also needs to be taken into consideration as they require professional installation.

• Compatibility: Not all doors are compatible with electronic door locks. 

• Environmental Factors: Most of electronic digital door locks are designed for sheltered entrance. They are not suitable for an entrance that's directly exposed to the weather or long-term exposure to direct sunlight. Protection from the elements are crucial for its longevity. 

• Lifespan: Unlike traditional mechanical locks that can last decades, as consumer electronics digital door locks may have a shorter lifespan compared to traditional locks. As technology evolves, new versions or models are continuously rolling out to the market with new features and hardware compatibility, while old models can become obsolete.