In the past, hotels gave keys to their guests to access their hotel rooms and other facilities on the hotel. The Key method however, had its downside like guests could lose their keys, the keys could easily be copied and the door locks could also be easily picked. After a millennial, hotel door locks finally incorporated technology and produced electronic door lock system that replaced the key and introduced automation.
Electronic door lock system operates by means of an electric current. Electronic doors are controlled by electric impulse, depending on the type of door lock system chosen, triggered by a key card, biometrics or typing in an access code. Some electric doors may also have a physical key slot incase of an emergency.
Types of Electronic door lock systems
Magnetic locks
Magnetic doors consist of n electromagnet attached to the frame of the door and an amateur plate attached to the door. When there is an electric current passing through, the electromagnet attracts the amateur plate magnetically keeping the door shut.
Electronic Door strike
Electronic door strikes are similar to the traditional strike faceplates. The latch works with the electric current, the electric current either locking or releasing the latch.
Electric Bolt locks
Electric bolt locks are similar to deadbolt locks. They are suitable for maximum security because they are stronger, are compatible with most electric systems and are easy to install.
Electronic Keypad Locks
Electronic keypad locks are the most common used electronic door lock systems. To access a door one is required to type on the Electronic keypad an access code (pin, password, passcode). It is advisable to use safe access codes that cannot be easily guessed by outsiders.
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Locks
RFID locks use radio frequency keycard or device that carries the signal to unlock the door. RFID locks are convenient since it is not a must for one to be near the door to gain access. However, just like the key locking system, the keycards or device to access the door can be lost and are very expensive to replace.
Bluetooth Electronic Locks
Bluetooth electronic locks use Bluetooth to gain access to a door. To gain access the smartphone should be near the range of proximity of the Bluetooth sensors. The downside of this system is its total dependence on a smartphone or Bluetooth gadget.
Biometric Equipment
Biometrics lock system is the most commonly used lock technology. To gain access to a door, one is required to scan a fingerprint or retina. Biometrics is the most secure locking system because it is difficult to disrupt the system since it makes use of unique human body features.
Benefits of an Electronic Door Lock
Enhanced Security
Electronic door locks replace the traditional key locking system which required physical key slots to gain access. The key slots could be easily picked, electronic door lock system eliminates the need for the key slot making the pick-proof.
Electronic door locks systems can also incorporate access privileges allowing only authorized persons to gain access of the door.
Easy Access and Monitoring
Electronic door locks are easy to access since to gain access one requires only to input an access code, scan biometrics or swipe the keycard or access gadget.
Electronic door locks can also incorporate recording of persons gaining access to a door and the time of the access.
Automatic Lock
Many of the electronic doors lock themselves once the person gaining access shuts them. This eliminates the chances of unauthorized access or the need to remember to lock the door.
How to choose an electronic door lock system
Security
To choose the electric door system suitable to you, you should consider the level of security you require. Some types of the electronic door lock system are suitable for maximum security like biometrics locking systems while others may not guarantee this level of security.
Traffic on the Door
It is important to note the location of the electronic door to determine the level of traffic it will serve in a day. For example, a door at a reception area serves a large traffic thus might require an automatic lock system to ensure no unauthorized access.
Dependence on a Device, Gadget or Other Factors
Some electronic door locks systems are dependent on other factors for them to function. The Bluetooth electronic locks are dependent on a smart phone, RFID locks are dependent on the Keycards or access devices and some of the locking systems may depend on availability of stable WIFI.
Maintenance
When choosing an electronic door lock one should consider the location of installation whether it’s a location that will allow the easy fixing of the electronic lock incase of a fault.
Convenience
When choosing an electronic door lock one should consider the chosen method of access whether biometrics scanner, keypad or Bluetooth offer convenience to the door users and the traffic the door serves in a day.