Smart and easy-access locks are growing in popularity, completely transforming home and office security. There are a number of new electronic and keyless door locks available for a property, but as they are still new systems, people remain uncertain over whether they are more secure than their traditional counterparts.

Do key entry door systems make your property secure?

Digital or smart locks are marmite-level divisive in the security community. Some love them, some hate them, and both sides are pretty much right. Good-quality, professionally-fitted keyless entry door locks are safe, but will they make your property safer than the locks you already have? High quality locks are vital to securing your property, and anything inside it, but whether a smart lock is right for you, is dependent on the property and your user needs.

There are wide range of door entry systems that will make your property secure. It’s important to remember that the main flaw in a properties security system isn’t the lock, but the user. Most burglars are opportunists, and will often enter your home through an unlocked door or by forcing open a window or door. Although good quality locks can be an important security measure, this is only the case if you actually use them.

How to know if a smart entry system is for you

Although keyless door entry systems are easy to operate, if you are forgetful, or don’t like these sorts of modern technologies, smart locks may not be for you; while a smart key doesn’t need to fit the lock, a smart lock still needs to fit the user. That being said, these security systems are extremely beneficial to apartment blocks; debate rages within the security community around whether audio or video entry systems make for the best entry systems for flats, over a conventional lock and key.

Keyless door locks are also useful for workspaces and large properties, where workers may be based a long walk away from the front door. For example, door entry systems with facial recognition allow you to control who enters the building without the inconvenience of walking to the front door.

Here are the pros and cons to consider before you choose to go with a keyless entry door lock for your home or business:

Advantages of using keyless door entry systems

• They’re keyless. This is, admittedly, an obvious one, but keys can be easily lost, which is both a nuisance to the holder and a potential security issue as well.
• Keyless door locks offer easy access for authorised personnel. If anyone without a passcode needs access to your property immediately, they can contact you to gain the code.
• You will know exactly who has and who hasn’t entered your property.
• They can be easier for people with certain disabilities who may struggle with keys
• They can be aesthetically pleasing, with a choice of different styles and colours to suit your property. Keyless locks could also make the property more attractive to potential buyers when or if you look to sell.

Disadvantages of using keyless door entry systems

• If the lock gets used regularly and is left uncleaned or without being dusted. The PIN may be easier to guess as the buttons used will be obvious.
• If the digital door locks are powered by electricity, it could stop working as a result of a power failure. In this case, it’s best to find digital door entry systems with backup batteries.
• It’s only safe if only trusted people know the PIN. Make sure you change it from the default code when you install the door entry system. And make sure only people you want to give access to your property know what the PIN is.
• If you, or any of your team, are particularly forgetful, having to remember a PIN could lead to some degree of inconvenience.

One thing is for certain, they must be fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing. There is no reason why you shouldn’t get a keyless entry door lock for your property, however you should make sure it is fitted by a professional.