The Best Lock to Use: Mechanical Locks or Digital Locks

The digital lock industry is continually growing. These smart locks are not just for doors, they’re also used for safes, lockers, cabinets and furniture. With a lot of possible uses, there’s an ongoing discussion on which kind of lock will work the best. While it almost always boils down to personal preference (at least for residential), there’s no denying there are certain industries that would benefit more to digital locks compared to mechanical locks.

As digital residential door locks have a name for themselves under the “smart home” umbrella, we’ll be looking more at digital locks that are used for lockers, safes, cabinets and furniture in this article.

Mechanical Locks vs Digital Locks—The Pros and Cons

Before deciding which lock would be “the best”, let’s quickly list down each of their pros and cons.

Mechanical locks

Includes deadbolts, tubular locks, cylindrical locks, etc.

Pros:

• No need for a power source or batteries
• Longer lifespan
• No risk of online hacking
• Tried and tested

Cons:

• Reset and maintenance requires the expertise of a locksmith
• Requires physical keys which may be lost
• Takes more time when unlocking, not ideal for emergencies
• Locks can be picked or unhinged

Digital Locks

Includes wireless locks, the NS1000, biometrics, RFID, keypad, etc.

Pros:

• Quick access, ideal for emergencies
• LED indicators
• No need for physical keys (except for RFIDs)
• Includes tamper alarms
• Has warranty for parts (depending on the supplier or manufacturer)
• User-generated PIN codes
• Can track data whenever used
• Can be easily managed without the help of a locksmith or 3^rd party
• Easy to reset in the event PIN codes are forgotten
• Less likely to get hacked, compared to digital door locks

Cons:

• Needs a power source
• RFIDs can still be lost or misplaced
• Pricing

Best Locks for Commercial Use

Gyms, schools, hospitals or clinics, warehouses and similar businesses would be the first ones that would benefit greatly from digital smart locks. While the pricing is usually a bit higher, they’re a wise investment considering that the added features (such as codes for different users, tracking, etc.) are something that these businesses would need.

Not only do digital locks provide the needed security for end-users, but it also gives businesses better management and convenience in setting them up.

Bonus: Features of the NS1000

To differentiate the Nuesmart NS1000 Smart Lock from the other digital locks in the market, here’s a rundown of some of its features:

• Keyless entry, no need for a physical key or RFID
• Keypad operation that can use 4-digit or 6-digit PIN
• Allows multiple users
• Has a tamper alarm and low battery indicator
• Lock management through smartphone or tablet via an app
• Programmable auto-open by schedule or time reference
• Customizable LED light indicators
• Easy troubleshooting process via the app
• Adaptable to different door thickness
• Easy installation or retrofitting
• Tracking for up to 1,000 records
• Can use any power bank or OTG-compatible mobile device as an emergency power source
• Suitable for any environment, wet or dry
• Bulk set-up through an app

To learn more about what the NS1000 smart lock can offer your business, contact us now.