One of your most significant objectives working in real estate is maintaining building security. Yet, picking out the locking systems for your building can seem overwhelming. A keyless door lock is one modern security upgrade that you might want to consider. However, are they the best fit for your unique property?
This post will cover what a keyless door lock is and how it works. Next, we’ll review the different types of keyless door locks as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Finally, we’ll present the best keyless door lock alternative for your building.
This post covers:
- What are keyless door locks?
- Are keyless entry door locks safe?
- What are the 4 best keyless door locks?
- What is the best keyless door lock alternative?
What are keyless door locks?
Keyless door locks are locking mechanisms that eliminate the need for physical keys. Instead, door locks are accessed via key fobs, key cards, keypads, or biometric credentials.
Are keyless entry door locks safe?
Yes, keyless entry door locks are generally safe. But some keyless door locks are safer than others.
If a door lock requires physical access credentials (such as a key, fob, or key card), then an unauthorized person could steal that credential and enter the building. Keyless door locks without physical credentials are safer because it’s much harder for a potential intruder to guess a passcode or fake a biometric reading.
Burglaries do tend to occur to apartment renters more often than single-family homeowners, so this is a valid concern.
Can keyless door locks be hacked?
Some electronic keyless door locks can be hacked, but this is extremely unlikely. Hacking an electronic door lock is not easy — you’re much more likely to encounter a lock picker than an electronic door hacker, for starters.
You won’t find any real statistics on physical burglaries occurring due to hacking. So, the benefits of keyless door locks and electronic locks vastly outweigh the negatable risk of hacking.
Are electronic door locks worth it?
Electronic door locks and electronic security systems, in general, are worthwhile. They’re often easier to use than traditional door locks. And they usually come with a host of additional security features, such as cameras, smartphone compatibility, and touchscreens.
What are the 4 best keyless door locks?
There are many different types of keyless door locks to choose from. Depending on the type of building you have (and whether it’s a multifamily or commercial property), some of these locks might be better than others.
4 best keyless door locks you may want to consider are:
1. Key card/key fob door locks
These door locks replace traditional keys with key fobs or key cards. Residents still have to carry a physical access credential, but it’s much more convenient for them in several ways.
Key fob and key card door locks:
- Require less effort to use — you can open one with a simple tap or swipe as opposed to lining up and twisting a key.
- Pair with cards/fobs that are easy to replace and program.
- Can record and monitor who and when someone has accessed a door with their unique credential.
Key card reader door locks utilize RFID (radio frequency identification) technology. This is what sends a signal between the door lock and the access credential.
2. Biometric door locks
By far the most futuristic feeling of the keyless door lock family, biometric door locks can be unlocked with a person’s physical trait. For example, they may use their face or finger to unlock a door.
For example, biometric door locks include:
- Thumbprint readers
- Facial scanners
- Eye readers
- Voice recognition
- Fingerprint deadbolts
Biometric door locks are best used for high-security properties because they don’t rely on physical credentials or passcodes that can be stolen.
However, biometric door locks aren’t effective for managing guest access. Additionally, some users may have privacy concerns over their physical body’s attributes being used as an access credential.
3. Keypad door locks
Keypad door locks are user-friendly, and they don’t require an access credential (which makes them truly “keyless.”) You can unlock a keypad door lock by entering a PIN code. This PIN code is easily programmed into the device or connected software online.
Keypad door locks feature either a touchscreen or a numeric keypad. Because of how easy they are to implement and use, they’re highly suitable for both commercial and multifamily properties.
Learn more about how to control access with ButterflyMX:
4. Smart locks
This category usually includes keyless entry door locks with an app. Smart door locks also include keyless entry door locks with a camera.
Smart locks are the most advanced keyless door locks in terms of technology without being as exclusionary (and intrusive) as biometric door locks. These locks also have the added bonus of appealing to younger renters because of how modern they are.
Most users will unlock a smart keyless door lock by swiping or tapping a button within a corresponding app on their mobile device. Some smart locks can also track and record both the time and identity of those who accessed them.
What is the best keyless door lock alternative?
The best keyless door lock alternative is the ButterflyMX keypad and access control system.
ButterflyMX’s keypad can service both multifamily and commercial properties. It offers the user-friendliness and security features of keyless door locks and takes them much further than what a typical commercial lock can offer.
Top features of the ButterflyMX keypad are:
- Mobile-based access. In addition to using a custom PIN code, users can download the ButterflyMX mobile app and unlock a door or gate with a tap of their finger.
- Remote access for guests and deliveries. Guests and delivery personnel can be let into a building remotely. They can also be given temporary PIN codes, eliminating the need for someone to be present during their arrival.
- Date- and time-stamped entry. The ButterflyMX keypad records everyone who uses the keypad and notes the date and time. This data is especially useful to verify that guests are who they say they are and in case any incidents occur on a property.
- Cloud-based technology. This enables automatic software updates, dramatically cutting down on maintenance needs.
Takeaways
- Keyless door locks do away with traditional keys and offer a variety of alternative entry methods.
- Additional security features make keyless door locks as safe as regular door locks (if not safer.)
- The different types of keyless door locks include key card/key fob readers, biometric locks, keypad door locks, and smart locks.
- The best alternative to a keyless door lock is the ButterflyMX keypad because of its optimal security and user-friendly features.
