Four reasons keyless locks need a battery to be futureproof

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Using batteries in keyless solutions is a common topic within the critical infrastructure protection industry and among its customers.

Alongside neutral opinions, there are views for and against it. Batteries provide a continuous power source, which undeniably brings possibilities other power sources lack. Here are four reasons battery-based keyless solutions ensure your locking solution is future-proof.

Future connectivity

Connectivity in this case means more than the ability to connect to the user’s mobile phone. Nor does it only mean the ability to integrate different systems. As the future properties of keyless technology develop, it will be possible to monitor and manage the state of the lock remotely without a physical visit to the site. This and opening the lock remotely would be impossible without the continuous power the batteries produce.

Let’s compare batteries to NFC technology. NFC locks are activated only when a device with an NFC chip is present at the site. Without the right device, the lock stays offline and will not open.

Opening a wireless lock remotely is impossible without a continuous power source. That’s why a battery-operated lock can be opened remotely using Bluetooth gateway, so people accessing a site won’t have to carry the right type of smartphone to open a lock. Yet a Bluetooth lock reduces battery power only when it is used and it can connect with smart phones from a 50m distance.

Situational awareness

Implementing keyless access control solutions without a continuous power source not only weakens some of the key features of a keyless lock, but also decreases the situational awareness of site security and operations, as the lock can log events only when one is using it. With its continuous power source and the lock’s connectivity, it can monitor and log unexpected events or unauthorised access.

You don’t have to travel to the site unnecessarily and you can react to potential vandalism and unauthorised access much more quickly – not to mention the peace of mind that comes with total awareness of your security situation without visiting the actual site.

Universal technology – accessible for everyone

In addition to enabling interesting opportunities in the future, battery operation is a convenient solution now and is built for the future. Bluetooth is universal while other technologies are not and a connection can be found on every smartphone. The seamlessness of the keyless smart lock can therefore be enjoyed by anyone with access rights, without high hardware costs or installations.

Operational cost control

The cost of replacing batteries is one of the most common issues that arises when discussing battery-operated locks. Changing the batteries is easy and predictable. After you get a low battery notification on your access management software or a mobile app, batteries can easily be replaced in a few minutes with a standard tool during a regular site visit.

For example, in the ABLOY BEAT keyless solution, the battery life extends to more than 5,000 activations or five years, depending on the frequency of use. If the battery runs out, it is possible to feed backup power to the lock’s electronics via a USB-C port. BEAT locks can also be operated without a cellular connection when access rights are updated on the mobile devices before entering the offline area.

All this means the time and cost of replacing batteries occasionally is overcome by the benefits of future connectivity and situational awareness. You don’t have to travel to the site unnecessarily and you can react to potential vandalism and unauthorised access much more quickly, not to mention the peace of mind of that comes with total awareness of your security situation without visiting the actual site.

ABLOY BEAT – unbeatable keyless protection for critical infrastructure

Even with high end keyless, mobile-controlled locks, the constant development of technology and digitalisation means there’s plenty to choose from in the market besides wired and battery-powered solutions. Although there is a place for every solution, battery usage always has its own advantages – as this article demonstrates.

From ABLOY’s growing BEAT portfolio, the Super Weather Proof Bluetooth padlock and the controller have audit trail features that give an insight into a lock’s status in real time. It offers premium security and privacy protection, heralding a new era of effortless connectivity via our mobile application.

To read more about the benefits of battery-powered digital locks, check out the ABLOY BEAT webpage.

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