Why keyless locks need a battery to be future-proof
The use of batteries in digital locks is a common topic of discussion within the industry and customers. In addition to impartial opinions, there are views for and against it.
It is true that batteries do not last forever and should be replaced once in a while. However, batteries provide a continuous power source, which brings along undeniable possibilities that other power sources do not have. These include managing and opening locks remotely and proactive responses to unexpected events. Let’s take a closer look.
Even with high-end keyless, mobile-controlled locks, the constant development of technology and digitalisation has made it possible that today there is 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 advantages as our latest keyless solution, the ABLOY BEAT Bluetooth padlock, clearly demonstrates.
ABLOY BEAT is Abloy’s latest digital solution for protecting critical infrastructure, featuring a newly designed Super Weather Proof Bluetooth padlock, operated with a mobile app and digital key. It offers premium security and privacy protection, heralding a new era of effortless connectivity via our mobile application. Connectivity in this case does not only mean its ability to connect to the user’s mobile phone. As the properties of the lock develop in the future, this means, for example, that the state of the lock can be monitored and managed remotely without a physical visit to the site. This and, for example, opening the lock remotely would not be possible without the continuous power produced by the batteries.
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 has the ability to log events only when one is using it. With its continuous power source and the connectivity of the lock, it can monitor and log unexpected events or unauthorised access.
The benefits outweigh the costs of replacing the batteries
The cost of replacing batteries is one of the most common issues that comes up when discussing battery-operated locks. However, with the ABLOY BEAT solution, the hassle is so small that the benefits of a battery-powered lock easily overcome it. In ABLOY BEAT, the battery life lasts more than 5,000 activations or five years, depending on the frequency of use. On top of all that, changing the batteries is really easy and predictable. After getting a low battery notification on CIPE Manager access management software or the BEAT mobile app, the batteries can easily be replaced in a few minutes with a standard tool during a regular site visit.
If the battery runs out, it is possible to feed backup power to the lock’s electronics via 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 in all, the time and cost of replacing batteries once in a while is overcome by the benefits of connectivity. You don’t have to travel to the site unnecessarily and you can react to vandalism and unauthorised access much quicker, not to mention the peace of mind of having total awareness of your security situation without visiting the actual site.
In addition to enabling interesting opportunities in the future, battery operation is also the most reliable solution available now and built for the future. While other technologies are not, Bluetooth is universal, and a connection can be found on every smartphone. Therefore, the seamlessness of the keyless smart lock can be enjoyed by anyone with access rights, without high hardware costs or installations. To read more about the benefits of battery-powered digital locks, check out the ABLOY BEAT webpage and brochure.
Watch the YouTube video below to see how simple it really is to change the ABLOY BEAT battery