DOORS & SECURITY
SECURITY N
o longer considered a luxury or ‘nice to have’, smart technology is now an expectation in the home. More and more people are turning to
smart devices to make their lives easier and to feel safer and better connected. In line with this trend, electronic locks are growing in popularity. In response, technology has quickly evolved, and this has brought a variety of new products to market, providing merchants and their customers with more choice than ever before.
Key requirements
When choosing an electronic lock, ensuring the highest levels of security will always be a top priority for homeowners. However, in an increasingly fast-paced world populated by tech-savvy consumers, an electronic lock must tick other boxes too. Improving the overall customer experience is crucial and that requires a lock that is both very easy to use and flexible.
From our own research with customers, we learned that people want to be able to shut their door and for it to automatically lock, without having to lift a lever and turn a key. They want a choice of tools for locking, and the process needs to be audible, so it is clear the door is secure. At the same time, we discovered that in some instances the consumer may want to reduce or extend the time it takes the door to lock if, for example, they had forgotten something in the house. If the door lock is operated using a smartphone app, that needs to be simple too. The app must offer functions that provide the flexibility demanded by customers such as enabling friends or family to operate the lock.
Regarding security, we recognised that some people were worried about keyless car theft and shared similar concerns about an electronic door lock. Some technologies can also be counterproductive. Biometrics such as fingerprint readers, for example, can increase
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the risk of hacking. Earlier this year, research revealed that off the shelf hardware combined with minimal hacking knowledge could harvest fingerprints via a consumer smart lock, largely due to a lack of dedicated secure storage.
Next level tech
Advances in technology and new approaches to design are helping to address these needs and expectations. The IONIC, for example, is a new electronic lock that follows five years of research and development. The design is based on the Fullex Crimebeater lock and can be operated using a smartphone app, a fob, push button on the inside, or a thumb turn. A simple interface hides complex technology built into the app. This enables several access functions, including the ability to add new users and set times for entry allowing one off access for workmen or regular access for visitors such as carers or cleaners.
A wireless unit which fits easily to a door frame connects to a control unit and is used to power the Iock. Customers can either use a USB wire with a plug or a power pack to charge the lock via this system. If there was a power cut, a charged lock can operate for up to four weeks without a power supply. Using our extensive knowledge of mechanical and car vehicle technology, the IONIC has been developed to offer the most advanced security encryption on the market.
A SMARTER APPROACH TO
David Jennings, CEO of UAP, explains how customer insight and advances in technology are delivering more secure and user-friendly electronic locks.
The fob codes can’t be stolen by intercepting the signal in the same way that thieves target keyless cars. This is
because every fob has been manufactured with two million
rolling codes making every transmission unique. Face recognition further enhances security and no server is needed to control the lock which holds no data. As a 45mm backset
multipoint lock, the IONIC can be installed on timber, aluminium and composite doors of any thickness between approximately 44 to 54mm. No complex wiring is needed making the product as simple to fit as any multipoint lock. Once installed, the risk of any future maintenance or troubleshooting is minimal. The electronics have been developed by a specialist in Hungary which manufactures printed circuit boards for the car industry. Each one is tested multiple times before being shipped to the UK. This not only maximises reliability but ensures EU GDPR compliance.
Adapting to change As technology continues to rapidly evolve, electronic door locks are more effective and accessible than ever before. Thanks to customer insight, advanced electronics and testing, smart locks are now more tailored to consumer needs, providing safer and more flexible security solutions that are quick and easy to install. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2023
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