Biometric Front Door Entry - Any Thoughts?

Biometric Front Door Entry - Any Thoughts?

Author
Discussion

juliussneezer

Original Poster:

252 posts

9 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
I'm spec'ing a new street door and I'm just wondering if any of you chaps/chapettes have biometric entry on your doors (fingerprints) or even a full smart lock system (smartspeaker control).

Just fishing for info, advice, experience and recommendations.

Thanks.

Riley Blue

21,618 posts

233 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
Coincidentally I'm wondering about the same.

O/H uses crutches so fishing a key out and putting it in the lock can be a bit of a fiddle for her if I've had to go out for any reason.

RSTurboPaul

11,259 posts

265 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
Sounds like something just waiting to go wrong!

Are you a powerfully built PH director with a substantial London pied-à-terre and wanting to repel ne'er-do-wells? Is there a specific reason a 'normal' front door wouldn't be satisfactory? Do you just like electronic gadgets? biggrin lol

DonkeyApple

58,875 posts

176 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
Victim: 'Alexa! Unlock the door'

Alexa: 'Shuffling music by the Doors'.

Victim: 'Alexa, open the door!!!'

Alexa: 'Playing Open The Door by LongestSoloEver'.

Victim: 'Hello is that the 24 hour emergency locksmith? When can you get here with a new lock and replacement door frame?'

The Yale keypad locks seem to work a reasonable amount of the time but I think I'd run a mile from anything that claims to be 'smart'.

kevinon

966 posts

67 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
I have a soft spot for buying tech that grabs my attention, and which seems to solve a problem. My Roomba, Fridja Clothes steamer, Fridja ultimate juice thingy for example are unused.

But until I hear compelling, long-term evidence about smart door locks I'm out.

croyde

23,891 posts

237 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
I'm not happy about having a smart card for my latest car.

What's wrong with a key.

As to the door, how can you lend a key to a friend/neighbour/family neighbour?

Zetec-S

6,258 posts

100 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
It's a funny one really. I've worked in loads of places which require swipecard access to enter the building, or access different areas inside. And not once has there been any failure, breach in security, someone locked in or out. Yet when you start talking about anything other than the standard old fashioned key in the lock for a domestic situation, everyone (including myself) immediately jumps to thinking of the worst case scenario.

Personally I wouldn't, I think it's technology for the sake of it, but can see the advantage for someone with more specific needs. And it's probably still too niche for people to specifically target, unlike for example keyless entry on cars.


Sporky

7,223 posts

71 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
croyde said:
As to the door, how can you lend a key to a friend/neighbour/family neighbour?
Usually they download the app, you give them whatever level of access you want, and it logs when they use it.

mac96

4,408 posts

150 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
I'd love a door that opened when you said 'mellon' but I guess there are too many LoTr fans for that to be a good idea!

JD

2,890 posts

235 months

Monday 4th November
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Exact same thread in parallel

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Planning on fingerprint for backup and iPhone as main key on my new build.

DonkeyApple

58,875 posts

176 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
Zetec-S said:
It's a funny one really. I've worked in loads of places which require swipecard access to enter the building, or access different areas inside. And not once has there been any failure, breach in security, someone locked in or out. Yet when you start talking about anything other than the standard old fashioned key in the lock for a domestic situation, everyone (including myself) immediately jumps to thinking of the worst case scenario.

Personally I wouldn't, I think it's technology for the sake of it, but can see the advantage for someone with more specific needs. And it's probably still too niche for people to specifically target, unlike for example keyless entry on cars.
No one cares if they can't get into their office. Besides, some slacker will eventually waddle out for a fag. wink

Zetec-S

6,258 posts

100 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
DonkeyApple said:
Zetec-S said:
It's a funny one really. I've worked in loads of places which require swipecard access to enter the building, or access different areas inside. And not once has there been any failure, breach in security, someone locked in or out. Yet when you start talking about anything other than the standard old fashioned key in the lock for a domestic situation, everyone (including myself) immediately jumps to thinking of the worst case scenario.

Personally I wouldn't, I think it's technology for the sake of it, but can see the advantage for someone with more specific needs. And it's probably still too niche for people to specifically target, unlike for example keyless entry on cars.
No one cares if they can't get into their office. Besides, some slacker will eventually waddle out for a fag. wink
Very true! If I turned up at work and we were all locked out, I'd happily turn around and go home. If I got home and couldn't get into the house I certainly wouldn't head into the office biggrin

juliussneezer

Original Poster:

252 posts

9 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
Can I just add to my opening post that there is a difference between;

A Fingerprint Lock

and

A Smart Lock

The first one is pretty simple tech nowadays and the banks etc are quite happy for you to use your fingerprint to access your accounts etc as are the likes of Apple, Samsung et all to access your mobile. It's also superior to simple key locks where the keys can be stolen, lost and/or easily duplicated. They come with keys anyway so if they fail you can still get in. You can also set up the fingerprint recognition so that you have your family able to gain entry without having to issue keys to them all.

The second one is, to my mind, more problematic as it can be used by Alexa and PC's etc as so is likely a little more vulnerable.

I can't see simple key locks being the standard in 25 years time. We all have Air Fryers right? smile



JimM169

556 posts

129 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
Zetec-S said:
It's a funny one really. I've worked in loads of places which require swipecard access to enter the building, or access different areas inside. And not once has there been any failure, breach in security, someone locked in or out. Yet when you start talking about anything other than the standard old fashioned key in the lock for a domestic situation, everyone (including myself) immediately jumps to thinking of the worst case scenario.

Personally I wouldn't, I think it's technology for the sake of it, but can see the advantage for someone with more specific needs. And it's probably still too niche for people to specifically target, unlike for example keyless entry on cars.
On the other hand more than once I've had to go back to a hotel reception because the swipe card hasn't worked. Also I've never been anywhere with a swipe system during a power cut, how does entry\exit work then?




TonyRPH

13,141 posts

175 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
It might be worth checking with your insurer to ensure they will continue to provide cover should you fit some form of electronics smart lock.

Also - do these locks have battery backup? What happens if you need to gain entry during a power cut?

Most offices I've worked at that have electronics locks would default to open in the event of a power cut - one would hope domestic locks don't do that lol.


Peanut Gallery

2,519 posts

117 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
Sorry - have to post this -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwPtcqcqz00

The guy who has a smart house, then goes to the dentist and can't get his house to listen to him..

AW10

4,496 posts

256 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
My concern would be the level of security incorporated by the company that makes the fingerprint reader.

Use of fingerprint readers on smartphones is “tested” by millions every day; if a flaw is found it will be run up the flagpole quite quickly. Can the same be said for a small company making a fingerprint lock? Will they continue to support the inevitable app that’s required to add and delete fingerprints?

And will the fingerprint reader be exposed to the rain? Or what happens if you have sweaty hands when you’ve been out for a run etc?

Chainsaw Rebuild

2,053 posts

109 months

Monday 4th November
quotequote all
I have had a finger print lock for 18 months and its really good. When it needs replacing, I will be getting another one.

Aunty Pasty

718 posts

45 months

Monday 4th November
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In the event of power loss will it fail open or locked?

juliussneezer

Original Poster:

252 posts

9 months

Tuesday 5th November
quotequote all
Chainsaw Rebuild said:
I have had a finger print lock for 18 months and its really good. When it needs replacing, I will be getting another one.
Can I ask which one please?