DON’T SWITCH TO KEYLESS ENTRY WITHOUT ASKING THESE 5 QUESTIONS

Whether you’re just beginning to explore smart locks or looking to upgrade an existing access control system, there are five essential questions to ask first. Read on to discover just what to ask and more importantly, discover helpful answers to guide you to the successful implementation of a keyless entry solution.

1) WHAT KIND OF COVERAGE DOES MY CURRENT INTERNET PROVIDE?

Most multifamily communities these days are equipped with some level of Wi-Fi. According to a 2023 report from research firm Parks Associates, 88% of renters of multiple dwelling units (MDUs) and multifamily properties in the United States report having access to Wi-Fi through their property, either in unit or in a common area.

Determining whether or not your existing network will support smart locks is often a question for a professional. Internet providers who specialize in multifamily properties can perform an assessment to uncover the way your building’s layout and construction impacts your network, pinpoint performance issues and suggest any improvements.

When it comes to keyless entry, just know that outfitting an entire property with Wi-Fi enabled smart locks may not be possible.  Property owners and managers may discover that the building’s Wi-Fi network won’t stretch to connect to a smart lock on a pool gate or an outbuilding. Off-line locks provide great solutions for these outliers.

For example, ReadyPIN-enabled smart locks work on or offline. ReadyPIN-enabled smart locks do not ever need to connect online to validate the PIN because the PIN code itself is encrypted with all the access permissions needed. This allows users to bring remote access control capabilities to any door, with or without a Wi-Fi network connection.

2) CAN EVERY DOOR ON MY PROPERTY ACCOMMODATE A SMART LOCK?

Smart locks are wonderful and convenient, that’s for sure. But that doesn’t mean every door on your property can or should accommodate one.

What about glass doors like those often found on commercial buildings? The vertical metal frame on each side of a glass door is known as a stile. To align with the sleek aesthetic of a glass door, these stiles are often too narrow to accommodate a connected smart lock. Instead, these doors often require hardwired access or a door system that’s hardwired into your property’s power supply, requiring its own panel and wiring to operate. 

The same is true for high-traffic doors like main entrances at a commercial or residential building. The batteries in even the best smart lock would wear out quickly with this constant traffic, so hardwired access is the solution instead. 

Because such solutions require a powered connection, they must be installed by an electrical professional. In fact, any hardwired door requires guidance and installation by an access control specialist.

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3) DO I NEED WEATHERPROOF HARDWARE AT ANY OF MY DOORS?

Just imagine buying and installing a smart lock only to find it doesn’t function when it rains heavily or freezes on very cold winter days. Remember, each area of the country has its own climate challenges requiring certain grades and types of smart locks.

Again, relying on expert guidance ensures you’ll find the right solution. Such professionals are well versed in lock grades (developed by the American National Standards Institute) and their corresponding applications.

4) HOW MANY PINS SHOULD MY SMART LOCKS HOLD?

It’s not uncommon for a property owner to become enthralled with a certain brand of smart lock, purchase their favorite, and then discover it only accommodates 100 PINs.

If your property has a full staff and hundreds of employees, you can very quickly run out of codes. So, be sure to check PIN code storage and err on the side of more PINs if you think your business will grow.

5) DO I NEED SOFTWARE TO MANAGE MY SMART LOCKS?

Many people don’t realize that features like remote control, integrations with property management systems and visibility tools are enabled by access control software, not the smart lock. A cloud based access control platform, like RemoteLock, makes your smart lock even smarter by centralizing all of your properties, doors and locks onto one dashboard, allowing you to remotely manage all your smart locks from your smart phone or laptop.

When looking for access control software, make sure you are selecting a solution that can grow with you over time. For instance, a solution like RemoteLock offers compatibility with a slew of the most popular lock brands and hardwired access systems, too. Even better, RemoteLock’s open API also connects you to 3rd-party software providers you already know and trust, with others added all the time. Software solutions that give you a choice when it comes to hardware and integrations with other software means your solution can evolve as your portfolio grows.

AVOID MISTAKES WITH THE HELP OF EXPERT GUIDANCE

Just like any other technology, smart locks and access control software are always evolving. That’s why it’s wise to ask for help. The experts at RemoteLock can help guide you through details like user experience, security, connection technology, lock grades and more. Having served thousands of customers in multifamily, vacation rental and commercial sectors, they understand that every property has unique needs. Reach out to RemoteLock today to discover your ideal access control solution.

Thank you for this article by KIM GARCIA, Director of Marketing RemoteLock (obtained from AAOA RENT Magazine)

Kim Garcia is the Director of Marketing for RemoteLock. She has over 17 years of strategic marketing management and sales experience in the security industry. She specializes in corporate communications and product marketing with specific expertise in wireless security, access control, and integrator perspectives. Prior to joining RemoteLock, she led marketing for PSA Security Network and Inovonics.

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