Ａ fingerprint door lock is a system that uses biometrics, mostly fingerprints, to grant access to authorized personnel and monitor entry to and from a specific building. It is a useful security measure for offices, businesses, and savvy homes. The door locks are intuitive and very convenient such that you don’t have to fumble for keys anymore or worry about losing them. We discuss the basics of fingerprint door locks down below.
Fingerprint door locks look cool and make great first impressions. Note, their price has gone down over e past years. Many people can now access them, but do you know how they work?
How Do They Work?
When you place a finger on the reader, the fingerprint is censored, scanned, and then converted into data, which is then saved to a numerical template. This process applies to anyone who wants to gain access. The lock tries to match the print, and if it does, a green-ray light up, and access is granted.
Advantages of Fingerprint Door Locks
- Security
The locks are more secure compared to traditional door locks since only verified personnel are allowed. They are excellent in places with very high traffic entries and require high security.
- Convenient and User Friendly
They are easy to install and operate with no need to lock or unlock doors every time you need to pass. Once programmed, they work efficiently and require little maintenance.
- Security is Based on Fingerprints
No two fingerprints are alike hence making the locks very secure. With this in mind, it is tough to hack the systems, unlike password locks or duplicate the print.
Disadvantages of Fingerprint Door Locks
- Power Failure
Most locks operate on electricity, therefore; with power shortage, it poses a danger to
the security of a place. You can try those that run on batteries, but you have to keep replacing them to ensure they work 24/7 or install a UPS(uninterruptable power supply)
- Failed Recognition
Some locks fail to read the print if the finger is oily, scarred, has an abrasion, or the scanner is dirty. Thus, it can be frustrating when you want to go through an entry point, but you cant get access.
- Hard to Replace
Traditional locks or password locks can be easily changed if they are broken into. However, fingerprint locks can not be replaced as they are user-specific.
What to Consider When Choosing a Fingerprint Door
Before purchasing a lock, there are few things you have to consider ;
- Water-Resistant
The locks are electronically powered, whether through batteries or wired; therefore, the water can ruin them. After investing in them, you don’t want them to get damaged easily.
- Power Source
Understand how they operate either through wires or batteries. Also, the installation process is different. You might need an electrician to do the work for you.
- Know the FRR and FAR Ratings
False Rejection Rating(FRR) tells you how often the reader fails to accept a verified fingerprint. In contrast, the False Acceptance Rating (FAR) tells you how often a reader unlocks an unverified print.1% is suitable for FRR’S, and 0.0001% for FAR’s is okay.
Conclusion
Fingerprint locks are an advancement in technology and also a good investment, especially for security reasons. With the basics highlighted above, you can decide whether to purchase the locks or not.
