Biometric Lock Technologies For Smart Homes: Where They Stand Today, And Where They’re Going Tomorrow

The following guest post was submitted by Locksmiths South Perth WA, a local 24/7 mobile service in Australia.

In various industries, biometric security has been standard for years now. Few solutions are more secure because biometrics are difficult to copy or hack. Fingerprints, iris scans, and even facial recognition are common components here. Government and commercial entities rely upon such security measures all the time. Unfortunately, these technologies have been absent from a consumer standpoint. Smart homes are changing that, though.

Biometrics: Bursting Into Consumers’ Lives

Everyone knows about fingerprint and iris scanners from the media. Recently, biometric technology has pervaded into consumer devices. High-end smartphones now come with fingerprint scanners, and two devices feature iris scanners. The rise of smart home technology has brought the same concepts into consumers’ homes. At this point, a lock and key are no longer necessary for controlling access to a home, or even individual rooms.

How Biometrics Apply To The Residential Setting

As smart home technologies pervade the mainstream, biometric locks continue to become more popular. More devices and options are available than ever before at frequently decreasing prices. A keyless doorlock is suitable for most entry points. Homeowners could even protect individual rooms in their home with these locks. Instead of using a key, a property owner controls locks through the use of a finger lock.

What are the benefits of a keyless biometric door lock?

Exchanging a regular lock for a keyless doorlock doesn’t require many hassles. From there, operating the system is even easier. No resident needs to remember keys because multiple fingerprints can be stored on a finger lock. Fingerprints that don’t match the stored prints are denied and refused entry. Without a doubt, this type of system is many times more secure than an old lock and key combination.

Temporary authorizations stand out as a useful benefit of biometric locks. A given person can be given fingerprint authorization on a temporary basis. Also, many systems include integration with smartphone apps via Bluetooth or WiFi. If a fingerprint doesn’t work, then the app can authorize entry instead as a fallback option. The best biometric locks are quite accurate and come with extra features like an emergency keypad and more.

The Future Of (Residential) Biometric Security

With improving hardware and software, iris scanners and facial recognition will become more commonplace as lock solutions. These technologies haven’t yet reached mainstream status due to limited options and higher costs than fingerprint systems. Fingerprint-based systems will continue to improve in fingerprint recognition accuracy and speed. More and more features should come to these locks with each passing year, too.

How Locksmiths Will Evolve With Biometrics

Getting rid of lock and key systems suggests that locksmiths will become obsolete. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Locksmiths will evolve like they always have to meet demand related to biometric locks. One day a mobile locksmith will arrive to install biometric systems for homeowners and troubleshoot installed devices. Biometrics don’t make skilled and forward-thinking locksmiths obsolete.

Should homeowners rush to biometrics today?

For smart homes, biometric security still lies in its infancy. A number of quality security solutions are available, but vast room for improvement exists. Tech savvy homeowners may wish to acquire a keyless doorlock or two immediately. Then again, others might prefer to stick with their traditional lock and key setups. Biometric options like a finger lock do offer better security and more convenience, though.