OVERVIEW
Digital Locks may seem like cutting edge devices that offer more benefits than traditional locks, but what you have to realize is that they are actually not as special as you might think. Digital locks have been in the market for years, and despite their popularity, they have yet to make traditional locks obsolete. This is because despite all of the benefits offered by digital locks, they also have their own share of weaknesses.
So in this article we will discuss some of the benefits and weaknesses that digital locks have to offer. We will discuss what makes digital locks useful and what makes them less useful compared to traditional locks. First of all, we will discuss their security capabilities; next, we will discuss their cost; and finally, we will discuss what makes them different from traditional locks. So if you’re thinking about installing a digital lock inside your home then here’s what you should know about them.
SECURITY CAPABILITIES
PROS
Digital locks do not require traditional keys. They only require a password, an electronic signal or biometric data. When these things interact with the lock’s sensors or keypad, they are translated into digital signatures which then locks or unlocks the door.
Also, the digital signature of a digital lock can easily be replaced. Unlike conventional locks which need to be rekeyed whenever the key has been lost, copied or compromised, digital locks only require users to make adjustments to their settings. So in terms of security, digital locks are easier to work with.
CONS
The very same digital signature features by most digital locks can also be used to “hack” it open. Although this doesn’t happen very often, specialized equipment may be used to fool the system.
COST
PROS
Digital locks are not as cheap as traditional locks, but you also have to remember that you are paying for additional features and not necessarily for additional security. A traditional lock can cost as low as $10, whereas digital security devices of similar size or function can cost 5 times that amount. If you require all of the features offered by the digital lock then the price is not really an issue. It only becomes a problem is you’re paying for things that you don’t need.
CONS
The disadvantages of digital locks with regards to cost is not their cost, but whether or not you need all of the features that they have to offer. For example, a fingerprint lock which can store 1,000 different fingerprints will cost more than a similar fingerprint lock that can only store 50 fingerprints. The extra cost of the first lock wouldn’t be an issue if you actually needed your lock to recognize 1,000 users. However, if you don’t need that particular feature then you’re better off buying the alternative.
DIFFERENCES WITH TRADITIONAL LOCKS
PROS
Digital locks do not have any of the weaknesses that traditional locks have. For example, you cannot pick a fingerprint scanner, nor can you make a bump key for a lock that uses a pass code.
Another key difference is that digital locks can offer additional features. For example, some digital locks can have alarms, while others can have anti-burglary countermeasures to prevent burglary. So as far as differences go, just remember that digital locks have more features to offer.
CONS
Because digital locks have more features, they also require more maintenance, and this translates to additional costs.
