Why businesses are changing their locks to smart locks and you should too

Why businesses are changing their locks to smart locks and you should too

All locks pretty much do the same thing, right?

I mean we have been using locks for years to keep our valuables safe. While the shape, strength, and durability of locks have changed, it boils down to having a key to unlock a lock.

Well, we have entered a new era for locks – the Smart Lock Era.

Let me show you why smart locks are not only more effective and cost-efficient but why businesses are replacing traditional locks with smart locks.

Smart locks are more convenient (and cost-effective)

Especially for larger businesses and enterprise organizations, smart commercial door locks and access systems offer greater flexibility and convenience, both for end-users and managers. With mobile-based smart locks, there are no keys to issue, and no re-tooling the locks every time an employee loses their key. From a cost-benefit standpoint, smart locks require less management and last much longer than traditional locks with less wear and tear on the physical hardware. 

They’re more secure

Commercial buildings with lots of people coming and going require more robust security, especially in today’s work flexible, hybrid environment. Traditional keys and even key cards are easy to lose or share around. A smartphone-based credential is much harder to hack or lend out to coworkers. Plus, most commercial smart lock systems come with activity and access logs to track who entered at a certain time.

Smart locks also do a better job of restricting access than traditional door locks. With features like customizable permissions, modern access control systems can limit which users are able to unlock specific entries. This is useful for high-security areas, allowing tenants access to specific offices, and giving employees access to specific locations in a multi-site organization.

You can control smart locks remotely

One of the best features of smart locks is the ability to control them without being on-site. Remote access via cloud-based software is great for managing multiple locations or a large campus. With smart locks, you can unlock the door for locked-out employees, visitors, maintenance staff, or deliveries, from anywhere. 

Plus, remote access improves safety in the workplace. For example, some cloud-based access control systems also have remote lockdown capabilities for smart locks in the event of an emergency.

Smart locks integrate with other security systems and devices

In the world of IoT, efficiency is the name of the game. Smart locks give businesses the ability to integrate their door locks and access control with other management systems, apps, and devices. With the rise of IoT and AI in connected systems to automate processes, better security overall is guaranteed. 

Consider this scenario. The smart commercial door lock receives a failed unlock attempt, and a connected door sensor detects the door is forced open. When integrated with video surveillance, a notification is automatically sent to the property manager and security team with a video of the event included so they can identify if the person is up to no good. Integrated with building alarm and emergency systems, the team can remotely trigger a building lockdown, automatically notify first responders, and even send them a live video feed so they can effectively mitigate the risk. 

The technology is future-proof 

Commercial door locks are an investment. And while traditional locks are less expensive upfront, replacing outdated lock technology every few years will quickly negate any cost-savings. The cost of commercial smart locks is usually around $100-300. The best locks for your business are ones that have all the functionality you need now, as well as the ability to adapt to future needs. 

The best smart locks have important safety features like touchless unlocking, lockdown activation, and activity tracking. But the future-proof options do more. Cloud-based software allows for over-the-air updates that minimize system downtime, reduce costly maintenance, and keep the system protected against the latest emerging security threats, like device hacking schemes. Plus, the more integrations and automation a smart lock access control system offers, the more flexible and adaptable your whole security strategy will be. Traditional locks definitely can’t say the same.

This technology is only getting more robust and advanced. Cloud-based security solutions are giving businesses the ability to be leaner, more flexible, and more adaptable, all without sacrificing safety or convenience. With the newest smart lock technology, unlocking the office door isn’t a hassle, and it actually gives people greater peace of mind that their workplace is safe and secure. 

Liron Segev - TheTechieGuy

Liron Segev is an award-winning tech blogger, YouTube strategist, and Podcaster. He helps brands tell their stories in an engaging way that non-techies can relate to. He also drinks way too much coffee! @Liron_Segev on Twitter