There’s no denying that smart locks are changing the way the locksmithing industry has operated so far. If trends are anything to go by, the situation will continue to evolve as manufacturers improve their technology to address the security risks homes and businesses face.
The locksmithing Industry is one of the oldest in the world ever since the first locks were made close to three millenniums ago. As the centuries pass, the design and efficiency of these locks have improved, and today, we have smart locks driven by technology. The first locks are a far cry from modern locks as they looked different and worked differently as well.
Today, many property owners opt for modern smart locks because they are easy to operate but harder to break according to the experts at locksmith aventura. The smart lock design has indeed changed the locksmithing industry as locksmiths have had to upgrade their skills to match the ingenious designs of smart locks.
Here are common examples of advanced locks and their impact on the locksmith trade.
These Locks Have Upped The Locksmithing Game
Digital Locks
We have digital lock systems that operate in with a similar mechanism to digital clocks. These smart locks are ubiquitous and can be found in many hotels, offices, and commercial buildings. The most common digit code used for this type of smart lock is the 4-digit code. Anyone with this code will have access to the building, which is becoming quite popular. To ensure security at all times, the codes are constantly changed at regular intervals, and occupants and staff are constantly informed about the changes and given the new code.
Fingerprint Sensor Locks
Another type of advanced lock is the fingerprint sensor. A door with this lock cannot open without a registered fingerprint. The user has to place their thumb or any registered finger on the sensor to verify their identity, and the door will open. Fingerprint sensors are best for buildings where sensitive information and tools are kept.
Electro Magnetic Locks
Electromagnetic locks are not conventional locks but work with release buttons that must be pushed.
This lock is mounted on the wall not too far from the door. They are commonly used in medical labs, hospitals, and offices.
Smart Locks
Smart locks are the advanced version of modern locks. They use technology like Bluetooth to open and close, and the user or house owner doesn’t have to be around in person to open the door. They may be a respectable distance from the door, but a single button can open and shut it. However, there is a maximum distance they must be away from the door; if it is too far from the coverage area, the device will not work.
How Smart Locks Are Changing The Locksmithing Industry
The industry has come a long way, and the emergence of smart locks has led to significant changes and influenced how locksmiths operate.
More training is now required
In the past, locksmiths only needed to learn how to fix, maintain or install bolt locks using crude tools. Any locksmith that could fix a lock was good enough to practice, but not anymore. Today, many property owners prefer smart locks, so locksmiths are forced to learn how to operate, fix and install them. It is not surprising that many trade schools now teach smart locks as part of their training programs. The emergence of smart locks has forced locksmiths to get more training to meet the needs of their clients.
Services have expanded
Smart locks have made locksmiths expand their services. Gone are the days when they only cut keys and installed or repaired locks. These days, professionals offer technical services like overriding advanced locks, programming, installation, lock testing, and much more. They also offer software upgrade services to detect vulnerabilities and correct them. Very rarely do you find a modern locksmith offering only one or two services.
Qualified Locksmiths Will Always Be Needed
Qualified locksmiths will always be needed to meet the growing demand for advanced security systems. In light of modern security challenges plaguing many communities and businesses, installing advanced systems is the only way to counter such threats.
Only well-rounded locksmiths with a wide range of skills can operate in the ever-changing industry, not the old-school locksmith who was trained on traditional locks only. We also know that smart locks can be complicated and susceptible to glitches that users cannot handle or address. Skilled locksmiths will be needed to address such issues when they arise.
So as the industry continues to evolve, locksmith technicians will have to keep upgrading their knowledge to meet the rising standards of the industry and innovations entering the market.
If you plan to install a smart lock on your home, you will need the help of a trained professional. How can you be sure that the professional you are talking to is qualified to handle the job? Simply ask for his certification and proof that he has installed smart locks. You may also ask for a security report and work references to see if he is an upstanding citizen. If you are convinced that he is honest and qualified, you can hire him for the job.
