Security Sales & Integration November 2021 - 49

Bluetooth, WiFi and protocols like Z-Wave
and Zigbee help facilitate seamless integration
among home security/automation providers,
affording consumers a wide range of wireless
choices. " It should be noted that while many
commercial applications still make use of hardwired
smart locks for functions like key card
authentication, wireless technology now dominates
the residential arena. Most people already
have WiFi capability in their homes powering
their Internet connection, so WiFi is a relatively
easy sell, " adds English.
Biometrics: Biometric access for smart locks
is largely borne out of widespread biometric access
capabilities in most smartphones, says Lovejoy.
Considering the average smartphone user
unlocks their phone 150 times a day, largely with
face or fingerprint verification, many smartphone
users now expect the same convenience
from their smart lock. Hence, many smart locks
now include a biometric access option, especially
via fingerprint or touch. English agrees the use of
biometrics in smart locks is expanding rapidly.
To this point, he says, biometrics is basically centered
around fingerprint detection, using a thermal
or optical scanner to store the fingerprints of
anyone authorized to unlock your door.
" Not only are more manufacturers putting
these capabilities onto their locks, but the range
of biometric parameters is expanding; some
manufacturers are even using iris identification,
facial recognition and voice authentication, " says
English. " With some locks, the recognition is
built into the lock, while others use the biometric
capabilities already installed in their smartphones.
But the use of biometrics is catching
on. It's about security, not only about protecting
your home and family but protecting access to
the lock. Biometrics plays a key role in that area. "
Networking: Networked connectivity became
a game-changer for the smart access industry.
And, as English explains, homeowners
can network their smart lock through their personal
automation system on a platform in their
own home. This could be provided through
their home security and/or Internet provider.
Smart lock technology advancements have allowed
for a number of ways to connect to networks
and manage locks remotely.
Integration: " It's not only essential that a
smart lock work on its own; it's important that
it integrate with other smart devices, " English
adds. He notes that if you have a lock that requires
a smart home hub to realize its full range
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NOVEMBER 2021 Security Sales & Integration 49
of features, you'll want a lock that has the versatility
to work with all the popular home automation
systems. He maintains this will give you
flexibility in which hub you choose, as each one
features its own unique capabilities.
" In addition to smart locks, there are myriad
other integration scenarios, including with
voice assistants, video doorbells, security cameras
and more. The evolution of this capability
is enticing to consumers as it creates scenarios
whereby devices can naturally work together.
For example, you can set up a scene where
your doors unlock when a smoke or CO alarm
is triggered. Or you can pair your lock with a
video doorbell, which will allow you to see who
is at the door before you unlock it. "
Smart Integrators Selling Smart
The expanding capabilities of smart locks can
translate into significantly more sales for dealers
and integrators who leverage them with existing
and new residential customers. For those
working with customers who already own
home security or automation systems, adding
smart locks is an easy next step to " smartening "
home access, Lovejoy points out.
" Adding a smart lock to an existing security
camera system can make monitoring front
door activity even more seamless. Customers
can receive notifications every time movement
is detected by cameras and ensure their door
is locked, or remotely issue access codes when
they notice an unexpected guest has arrived.
These regular touch points remind customers
of the value of their smart home system. "
Jenner advises every security integrator evaluates
the growing opportunity in the single-famThe
August WiFi smart lock
allows for upgrading legacy
deadbolts. Users can remotely
lock or unlock the door, check
door status, grant virtual guest
keys, and review who's coming
and going. Or they can use
their favorite voice assistant to
control their door.
Keypad and
touchscreen
technologies
provide users
with convenient
and secure access
through unique
codes.
- Garrett Lovejoy,
ASSA ABLOY
http://www.securitysales.com
Security Sales & Integration November 2021

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