How Technology Is Changing the Locksmith Trade
The locksmith industry has been around for many years providing our homes with security. And throughout the different generations, we have seen how security has evolved. The very first lock was invented 6000 years ago. The Greeks developed a sliding lock made of wooden materials. Then around 1AD, the Romans made their own metal locks inspired by the Greek locks.
You can imagine the different styles of locks during the Roman Empire. You’ve seen those big locks they used to secure the gates in movies. But other than that, they have fun locks, drunk man locks with wedges around the holes to help disoriented persons slide the key, and many other types of locks.
The development of locks has never stopped. Throughout the years, locks have come in different styles, designs, and colors. So long has gone by, and now we have electronic locks and RFIDs, or the called “keyless” entries. Nowadays, locks have been modernized to the point that they can be controlled remotely.
There are different types of locks and access control systems available, including traditional mechanical locks, electronic locks, and biometric locks. Each type of lock has its own set of benefits and limitations. The following are the different types of locks that we enjoy, thanks to technology.
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Smart Locks
Smart locks are a type of electronic locks that utilizes wireless technology to allow for remote control and monitoring of access to a specific area, such as a home or office. They are designed to provide convenience and security through the integration of advanced features such as remote access, automatic locking and unlocking, and real-time access logs.
What’s amazing about smart locks is that they can grant remote access to authorized individuals. With just a tap of a finger on your phone, you could open your home to family members, friends, or service providers. It completely eliminates the need to be present on the premises to open and lock homes and buildings, making it more convenient and a lot easier for property owners and managers.
Overall, smart locks provide an advanced level of security and convenience by allowing for remote control and monitoring of access to specific areas. Their integration of advanced features such as remote access, automatic locking and unlocking, and real-time access logs, make them a popular choice for both residential and commercial properties.
Card Access System
Today many business and residential buildings have made a shift to the card access system. This type of lock only requires a card controlled by RFID technology, which you have to swipe on the lock system to gain access. The benefit of RFID cards is that they can be customized and modified to control and monitor who has access to a specific area, such as a building or a room, and when they have access.
Proximity cards are an important aspect of security, providing a way to protect property, assets, and people. An electronic lock such as a keycard or RFID card offers more advanced security features and is more difficult to bypass. Since they can be programmed to grant access only to authorized individuals, they can also record access logs, providing a way to track who has entered a specific area and when.
Biometric Locks
Biometric locks, such as fingerprint or facial recognition locks, use unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints or facial features, to grant access. These locks provide a high level of security and are difficult to bypass, but can be more expensive to install and maintain.
Access control systems are also beneficial for businesses and organizations, as they allow for the monitoring and control of employee and visitor access to specific areas, such as offices, labs, or secure storage areas. They also provide a way to track employee attendance and monitor compliance with security policies.
Overall, locks and access control systems are crucial aspects of security that can provide a way to protect property, assets, and people, while also providing a way to monitor and control access to specific areas.
Keyless Entry
Keyless entry is a technology that allows you to unlock and start your car without having to use a physical key. Instead, you can use a key fob or a smartphone app to remotely access your vehicle. This technology has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more car manufacturers have begun to offer keyless entry as a standard or optional feature on their vehicles. Many new cars now come with keyless entry as a standard feature, and older cars can often be retrofitted with this technology.
Keyless entry systems use radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to communicate between the car and the key fob or smartphone. When the key fob or smartphone is in close proximity to the car, the car will automatically unlock and allow you to start the engine. Some systems also include push-button start, which allows you to start the engine by simply pressing a button on the dashboard.
However, keyless entry systems have been reported to have security issues, where hackers can potentially access the car with a signal amplifier that amplifies the car’s keyless signal and use it to open the car. Car manufacturers have been working to address these security concerns by implementing more advanced security measures, such as rolling security codes.
Conclusion
Many things have changed in the world. The integration of technology in the locksmith industry has brought many benefits to security and property management. As the demand for a better and more secured lock increases, locksmiths also need to maintain their competitive advantage and keep up with current market needs. The challenge now is for locksmiths to explore expertise outside of their field and to remain on top of new trends and technological breakthroughs.
