A step-by-step guide to choosing the right smart lock

The world around us is full of technological innovation. Smart locks are commonplace in our homes and control access to buildings, but when it comes to industrial locking and access control for equipment cabinetry, options can seem limited. Equally, there’s not enough accessible information to act as a guide.

The development of new technologies and cabinet capabilities feels as though it is being held back. But that doesn’t have to be the case.

Common problems are seen across the locking industry

• Mechanical locks are limiting: Many businesses are looking to upgrade the mechanical locks they’re using to electronic locking systems, but don’t know where to start. Rolling out business-wide feels like a big undertaking.
• Security: Visible mechanical locks are often the attack point for break-ins. Upgrading or changing security levels is not a simple process.
• Lack of data and communication: Businesses can track and audit every area of business operation, except access to their machines. Having locks that can’t provide data or communicate with other machine elements presents a problem, e.g., security breaches only being discovered after the fact, leaving no indication of the source.
• Lack of access control: An inability to easily grant or revoke access leads to long operational steps that may not always result in a simple fix. The cost of fixing an offline, mechanical system, like losing a master key, can be expensive.
• Key management and associated expenses: Managing keys can be time-consuming and costly when they need to be replaced. Especially when the only option is to replace the lock and the keys, to prevent future unauthorised access.
• Supply chain: Once companies decided on the locks they want, securing reliable fulfilment is the next hurdle.

Advancements in locking hardware and access control place connected, smart locks are a value-adding piece of IoT technology and a solution to these problems.

Mechanical locks

Problem: Mechanical locking acts as an island unconnected and unable to communicate with machines.

Solution: Smart locks that integrate with other elements, such as alarms or sensors, to enhance the machine’s ecosystems.

Companies can choose off-the-shelf locks, build standalone systems or create custom, integrated solutions

A locking system can be much more than a method of keeping the door closed. It can be security, peace of mind, data gathering, and more, and remote control. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to locking. While businesses may seem to have limited options, they don’t.

Companies can choose off-the-shelf locks, build standalone systems with smart locks and compatible controllers, or create custom, integrated solutions that work with existing software, telemetry or payment systems, and peripherals. There’s a solution for every need, whatever the specification.

Security

Problem: Visible attack points and a lack of information on asset security.

Solution: Companies can upgrade to conceal smart locking with door monitoring, providing visibility on the state of both the lock and the door.

Lock picking and break-ins are unfortunately common in outdoor unmanned cabinets, such as vending machines and utility cabinets. Removing the visible attack point can be an easy prevention method. Concealing the lock also protects it from the elements, reducing the need for IP ratings.

Incorporating lock monitoring provides an additional security feature, as well as visibility on the security of assets. To add further deterrents along with enhancing machines, integrate the locking system with sensors and alarms.

Lack of data

Problem: The only area of businesses not collecting data are the locking systems.

Solution: An easy way to gain locking data is to add lock and/or door monitoring.

One of the benefits of a fully connected system is it will do the hard work, so the data can be easily managed

This is the simplest way to start gathering basic access information. To scale this and gather a complete profile of access data, look to an electronic locking system that connects with existing software.

One of the benefits of a fully connected system is it will do the hard work, so the data can be easily managed and audited. These could even be integrated with an inventory management system.

Access control

Problem: Lack of control and knowledge over access, as well as costly key management.

Solution: An access control system can grant access remotely, as well as track who has access, when, and how.

Access control lifts the burden of expensive physical key management, by utilising digital keys that can be authorised or revoked instantly, as well as remotely.

Companies can take control of who, when, and how applications are accessed. Integrating access control with other peripherals, such as telemetry systems can further enhance the lock and functions of the overall system.

Integrations

Problem: Existing locks cannot communicate with the other technology inside machines.

Solution: Smart locking with the capability to not only communicate but also work in conjunction with other, existing technology.

Anything that needs to work seamlessly with the door opening and closing can be integrated

Smart locking isn’t just Bluetooth-enabled locks; with the right integrations, it can elevate any application.

By cleverly utilising incorporated I/O ports, locking systems can be enhanced to communicate with other system peripherals. These could be sensors, alarms, or lights. Anything that needs to work seamlessly with the door opening and closing can be integrated.

Supply chain 

Problem: Extremely long lead times affect supply and customer delivery dates.  

Solution: Suppliers who can plan fulfilment around specified delivery locations and required frequency, hold components, and buffer stock quantities, just in case. 

The type of smart locks opted for is irrelevant if the stock doesn’t show up when it’s needed. When vetting a supplier, companies should look for someone who can demonstrate expertise in complete supply chain management. This will help keep lead times to a minimum, as they will likely use multiple sources. 

Product management and assembly

The next element to question is their supply chain: where are the products made and assembled? Do they use more than one location with the ability to ship directly from the best location for a preferred delivery hub?   

If taking a year's worth of stock doesn’t suit the business, do they offer stock holding or set delivery schedules? Can they hold buffer stock quantities in case of unforeseen courier delays that may prevent companies, and their customers, from getting goods on time?