With so many options to choose from when it comes to security for your business, making the right decision can be difficult. It’s hard to determine what type of locks you want for your door, and once you’ve made that decision, it can be equally difficult to choose a brand and model.
A smart lock for commercial glass door is an electromechanical locking system that uses a smartphone or other smart feature to lock and unlock the door. These locks can make access more convenient for users, and they can make buildings more secure when compared to traditional mechanical key locks.
In this article, we’ll briefly review who glass door smart locks are best for. We’ll also help you choose the best lock for you and your business.
Who Should Use a Glass Door Smart Lock?
A smart lock for a commercial glass door can be a great investment. It’s convenient because it doesn’t require people to carry around keys, and it can be more inexpensive than other types of security. In general, a smart lock for a glass door is best for commercial properties that only need a lock for one or two doors. It’s also ideal for people who are budget-conscious and are looking to save a bit of money. You’ll find smart locks in many types of buildings and businesses. In fact, they’re very popular in hotels and apartment buildings.
Typically when discussing a smart lock for commercial door, you’re looking at a standalone lock that isn’t connected to a more extensive access control system. With a true smart lock, you will be able to access information about the lock’s use via an app or online platform. If you’re looking for a more extensive security system that you can fully manage, you’ll need more than a singular smart lock.
A singular smart lock might not be ideal for a larger business that has many access points or that could benefit from more security. In those instances, it would be better to choose a full-fledged access control system. This will give you more control over your buildings and properties, and it will also make them more secure.
How to Choose a Good Smart Lock for Commercial Glass Door
A good commercial smart lock for a glass door should be convenient and commercial-grade. This means it should be easy to use, and it should be strong, durable, and built to withstand the large volume of use it will face. For optimal security, choose a lock that has deadbolt hardware to ensure the door locks securely.
When choosing a lock, think about how you want your users to enter your building. Many smart locks have the option of using a PIN for entry, but that isn’t the only access option. Other popular options include biometrics such as a fingerprint, an app, a key fob, or geofencing (which is when the lock open’s when a user’s phone gets near the lock).
Although keyless entry for commercial glass doors is often what you’re looking for when you buy a smart lock, it’s also a good idea to choose a lock that has a backup unlocking system such as a keyhole. At the very least, look for a lock that has at minimum two unlocking mechanisms.
In addition to being durable, any lock on an exterior door needs to be weather rated. This is for both safety and to ensure the lock works correctly. Other features to look for include an extended warranty and long battery life.
Finally, look for a smart lock that is compatible with the software you already use. If you want to integrate your lock with other smart features in your building, choose a lock that is compatible with those devices as well.
The Best Smart Lock for a Commercial Glass Door
When looking for a smart lock, first consider your needs. Take time to list everything you need your smart lock to be able to do. From there, consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a smart lock. Be sure to factor the cost of installation into your budget if you will be paying someone to install the lock for you.
Once you’ve narrowed down what you need and what you are willing to spend, you should be able to narrow down the options on the market to a select few that will work for you. Below are two of the best locks in the category of smart lock for commercial glass door.
Assa Abloy SECURITRON® R100 Wireless Card Reader and Aperio® Hub
Assa Abloy sells a surface-mounted smart lock that is ideal for glass doors. It’s easy to install and doesn’t require any drilling or wires. It also has a very clean appearance, which is what you’re typically looking for when you add any type of hardware to a glass door. The lock is rated for indoor or outdoor use and has an aluminum cover.
The lock employs fully-encrypted AES 128 wireless communication, and it allows for online transaction audit trails. It alerts you when the battery is low, so you won’t have to worry about security breaches due to a dead battery. It’s also protected by a three-year warranty.
In addition to the smart lock, Assa Abloy also sells mechanical locking hardware including glass door pulls. They also make mortise locks, center lock housings, and glass door deadbolts. All of these products can work well in conjunction with each other to secure the glass doors in your buildings.
Dormakaba Digital Door Locks
Dormakaba manufactures digital door locks and has for years. Their smart locks for commercial glass doors have smart features such as fingerprint recognition. With the FH 100, FH 9, and FSL series locks, users can use their fingerprints to unlock the door, and with the FH 100 lock, semiconductor fingerprint technology allows people to open the door with one grip.
They offer various sleek designs featuring both square and rounded corners. Other features of Dormakaba’s smart locks include voice navigation, an anti-pry alarm, an emergency power supply, remote unlocking, vibration verification feedback, and mechanical key override.
