Technology gurus are developing innovative tools every other day to make life easier and manageable. These innovations are widespread and touch on various industries. This article focuses on one specific innovation in the information technology (IT) and security industry.

Smart lock systems are gaining popularity in most homes as most people embrace a smart way of living like getting doorbells with cameras and other innovations. Similarly, this innovation replaces the traditional door lock system that requires you to gain entry with a key. Are you a homeowner and unsure whether the smart lock system is for you? Worry not as this post will help you make that decision by discussing the advantages and disadvantages of this innovation.

Pro: No Worry About Misplacing Keys

The traditional lock system has had many disadvantages, mainly the issue of losing keys. You’d go to the local store and come back home only to not find your keys. To make matters worse, you might decide to backtrack your journey, trying to locate them to no avail. In this situation, you’re left with no option but to have a locksmith break open your padlock and change your lock system. Besides being inconvenient, you end up spending money.

However, don’t expect to experience this when you adopt a smart lock system. This system is keyless since you’ll be keying in the password at the door. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about where to keep your keys when you decide to go out with a few friends.

Pro: Better Security

A smart lock system gives you total control of the security of your home, which betters security. There are various smart lock systems—some require you to key in a password, others require a fingerprint, and others need facial recognition. Visit ojmar.us to see some of the options available. Whichever system you choose, you don’t have to worry about a lack of security.

With all of them, you’re in control of setting the password from your phone, and you can change it as you deem necessary without affecting the system’s operation. On fingerprints and facial recognition, you can decide who to add to the system such that they don’t need to call you to request access. Depending on your system, the number of entries can go as high as five and even exceed this.

In addition, should anyone try to gain access to your home, the system will notify you through your smartphone, including showing you their images. You can then decide whether to grant access or not; after all, you’re in control.

Smartphone with home security app in a hand on the building background

Pro: Remote Access

With most smart lock systems, you have access through your smartphone. This means you can control it from wherever you are. Having remote access is quite beneficial to you and your visitors.

Your visitors or children don’t have to wait for you on the porch or in the rain or sun when they come home only to find that you aren’t there, yet you’re the only one with the keys. A smart lock system changes the narrative because you can give them access to your home from your smartphone.

Con: Your Smartphone Needs Charge

As previously stated, you can control the smart lock system from your smartphone. Although this is advantageous, it can also be a disadvantage. The disadvantage arises when your phone runs out of power or has a low battery.

There’s a high probability of being locked out in such situations, especially if you’re the only one registered on the system. Most of these systems require your phone to have enough battery life. The smart system more or less utilizes the same mechanism as when you try using your smartphone’s torch when the phone is at 10%; it’s not possible for most phones.

Con: Probability Of Faulty System

As with any other technology, there are times when it might malfunction or stop working completely. In the case of a smart lock system, it being faulty means it won’t capture your details, especially if you use facial recognition or a fingerprint. This means you’ll be locked out until it’s fixed, which can become inconvenient and frustrating.

Con: Need For Battery Changes

Batteries power smart lock systems, so you need to replace the batteries at one point in time. Should you forget to change the batteries, it won’t function the same way your car can’t run without fuel. This means you won’t have access to your home until you do the necessary.

It’s good to point out that most systems will alert you of low charge, mainly by showcasing a red light, or it can send you a notification on your connected smartphone. However, this depends on the specific system. Therefore, should you see your smart locking system blinking red, you should drop everything you’re doing and replace the batteries; otherwise, you might be locked out the following day.

Most vendors will inform where to purchase the batteries. You should take note of this information since it’ll come in handy.

Con: Possible Security Breach

Even with the amount of security the smart lock system brings, there’s a possibility of a breach. This system uses technology such as artificial intelligence. It works just like a computer, so they share the same security concerns as hacking. A technology guru can hack and get access to your home by guessing your passcode or impersonating you.

Also, depending on the location of your smart lock keypad, a passerby can see the numbers you’re typing in, giving them access to your home when they desire. The same is also possible if the keypad directly points to a nearby CCTV camera. Anyone with access to the said camera more or less has access to your home. However, you can mitigate this by having a cover over the keypad or having the edges of the lock extended upwards such that the keypad seems enclosed. This way, only you will know what you’re typing.

Con: It’s Expensive

Acquiring and installing a smart lock system doesn’t come cheap. The costs go beyond the initial cost of acquiring the lock itself. If you’re replacing an existing lock, you need to remove the old one and install a deadbolt lock system. This is what works with smart lock systems.

When it comes to labor, you need to hire a locksmith to fix the deadbolt. Depending on where you source your lock system, some vendors will require extra fees to set up your systems and configure them with your smartphone. When you add all these costs, it becomes expensive.

Conclusion

From the discussion, you’ve seen the merits and demerits of the smart lock system. With this information, you can decide whether this system is ideal for your home. Consider weighing your options carefully without forgetting to factor in the risks. Are you ready to live with the risks? This is a question you need to answer independently; either way, ensure you make the right decision.