It’s becoming more important for homeowners, merchants, and resellers to decide between smart and electronic locks in the fast-developing home security field. At first look, these two technologies are interchangeable; nevertheless, substantial distinctions between them may have a major influence on your safety, convenience, and usefulness.
In this article, we’ll examine how electronic locks differ from smart locks and explain their benefits and drawbacks. Furthermore, we investigate why Philips, a well-known producer of smart locks, is the top option for retailers and resellers in the market since it offers innovative solutions that meet the needs of the current security environment. Let’s get knowledge about both types of locks in detail.
What is Smart Lock?
A smart lock is a digital lock that can be unlocked and controlled from a mobile device. You can control who has access by locking and unlocking doors and setting guest access levels. Smart locks enable remote door unlocking and locking using a smartphone app.
Access logs, remote locking, and geofencing are common features. There are keyed and keyless entry variants of smart locks that can function on a wide range of frequencies. While keyless devices are more versatile and easy to use, keyed variants provide a more secure option.
What are Advantages of Smart Lock?
Here are some of the many advantages of using smart locks:
- Convenience:
Using your phone’s app, you can lock and open the door, doing away with the need for physical keys.
- Access from Afar:
Friends, relatives, or service providers may be given temporary access to your account without your presence being required.
- Protection Enhanced:
Encrypted keys, biometric verification, and tamper alarms are a few of the cutting-edge security features of today’s smart locks.
- Calmness of Mind:
With the ability to monitor your lock’s status and get alerts whenever the door is opened or closed, you can rest easy knowing that your house is secure even when you’re not there.
- Flexibility:
You’ll have command over when and who enters your house by having the ability to create schedules and provide individual access credentials.
- Compatibility:
When combined with other smart home devices like security cameras and lighting, smart locks provide a more secure and convenient environment at home.
- Designed without the Need for a Key:
Refrain from misplacing or losing keys again. Thanks to a smart lock’s like Philips movable access code, you will always be in charge of who enters your house.
- Conservation of Energy:
You may reduce your carbon footprint by using energy-saving features in certain smart locks, such as automated locking and unlocking upon entry and exit or timer-based temperature regulation.
- Simple Setup:
In most cases, smart locks may be installed with no or minor adjustments to the current lock or door.
- Cost-Effective:
Some smart lock versions may be installed as a retrofit for your current deadbolt, making them an economical alternative to re-keying or replacing locks.
- Eco-Friendly:
Smart locks may benefit the environment by reducing paper key production and subsequent waste.
- Improved Availability:
Smart locks may make it easier for those with trouble using conventional locks and keys, such as those who are disabled or have mobility challenges, to enter and leave their homes.
What are the Disadvantages of Smart Lock?
Here are some more disadvantages of using a smart lock:
- Reliance on Electronic Devices:
Because they relied on technology, smart locks could not function if the power goes out or you lose internet access.
- Potential for Hacking:
Smart locks may be hacked just like any other internet-connected gadget. Even the most secure smart locks contain a vulnerability that a determined hacker might exploit.
- Power Retention:
Some electronic door locks use batteries, which will inevitably die. It’s annoying if the batteries expire while you’re not there to deal with the situation.
- Problems with Compatibility:
When shopping for a smart lock, it’s crucial to determine whether the lock is compatible with your door and current lock mechanism.
- Cost:
Smart locks may be more affordable than a complete lock replacement, but they may still be costly compared to more conventional ones.
- Difficulty in Diagnosis:
If your smart lock stops working, troubleshooting and fixing the problem might be challenging, particularly if you need more technical expertise.
- Having a Few Options:
Some smart locks may have restricted functionality, such as not allowing for simultaneous entry for multiple users or incompatibility with other smart home gadgets.
- Back-up Tech:
It’s possible that the manufacturer’s technical help for your smart lock won’t be accessible whenever you need it.
What is Electronic Lock?
Access to a building or room may be managed using an electronic lock, often called an electric lock. Electronic locks may be unlocked using a code, keycard, biometric identification, or mobile app rather than a mechanical key or combination. These locks are available in various styles and are often used to secure homes, businesses, and public facilities like hospitals and schools.
It’s a computerized locking mechanism with centralized control. Locks that are linked together may be managed by a central locking system. The locks may be managed and monitored from afar by a computer or mobile app.
Thanks to this convenient feature, you’ll be able to keep tabs on who comes and goes from your building. Most modern electronic locks have alarm systems, keyless access, and connections with smart homes.
What are Advantages of Electronic Lock?
Here are some advantages to electronic locks:
- Better Protection:
Electronic locks allow individual access codes to be generated, keeping tabs on who has entered and when much simpler. Biometric authentication and audit trails are only two examples of the supplementary security options available for electronic locks.
- Convenience:
In contrast to traditional mechanical locks, electronic locks may be set to lock and open at predetermined periods.
- Automatic Door Locks:
Consumers do not need to worry about losing or having their keys stolen when electronic locks are installed.
- Controlled from Afar:
Remote access control and monitoring of electronic locks make it possible to provide temporary access to visitors or staff, even if you are not there in person.
- Conservation of Energy:
Electronic locks may be linked to a building’s overall energy management system to manage better and reduce energy expenses.
- Simple Upkeep:
Since electronic locks lack the moving elements that cause mechanical ones to wear out, they tend to last longer and need less maintenance.
What are the Disadvantages of Electronic Lock?
Here are some disadvantages of electronic locks:
- Power Reliance:
Batteries or wall outlets provide electricity for most electronic locks. Electronic locks may become inoperable in the case of a power breakdown.
- Threatened by Hackers:
Electronic locks increase their susceptibility to manipulation and hacking when linked to a network or the internet.
- Problems with Technology:
Technical issues or problems with electronic locks might prohibit them from opening or locking.
Cost:
The cost of an electronic lock may be much more than that of a standard mechanical one.
- Complexity:
Some electronic locks may need specialized installation, maintenance, or repair knowledge.
- Short Lifespan:
There may be an increase in maintenance and replacement expenses due to the shorter lifespan of electronic locks compared to mechanical ones.
- Reduced Ability:
There are several situations in which electronic locks are restricted because they are incompatible with the existing door, hinges, or hardware.
- Restricted Availability:
Because they often demand physical skill or the ability to view and utilize a touch screen or keyboard, electronic locks may not be usable by people with impairments.
- Power Retention:
Battery replacement is an inconvenience and an added expense when using electronic locks.
- Interference:
Some electronic locks may be disrupted by nearby devices like cell phones, Wi-Fi aWiFi points, or other electronic locks.
- Replacement Expenses:
Electronic locks may be costly to repair if they stop working, especially if they need to be installed and programmed by a professional.
- Insufficient Control over Keys:
Some electronic locks lack the same degree of key management as conventional mechanical ones, making it more difficult to keep track of keys and provide permissions.
Which is the Best Between Smart Lock v Electronic Lock?
When it comes to protecting your house or business, smart locks and electronic locks are two of the most well-liked solutions. Both are intended to give you peace of mind, but each has advantages and disadvantages.
To avoid interference with other electronics in your establishment, choose a smart lock like Philips or an electronic lock that runs on the same frequencies as your other devices. Consider your budget and level of technical expertise, as well as your security demands and goals, when deciding between the two.
Final Thoughts
Functionality, connection, and convenience are where smart locks shine above electronic locks. Smart locks provide better protection and convenience than standard electronic locks because of their high-tech features like remote access and compatibility with other smart home devices.
With a stellar reputation for quality, innovation, and customer happiness, Philips is the go-to brand for many distributors and wholesalers. If you’re in the market for state-of-the-art security solutions, teaming up with Philips to fulfill the rising demand for smart locks is the way to go.
