What’s the big deal with biometric locks?

You’ve seen them in science-fiction movies, and now the future is here. Biometric locks are cutting-edge security devices used by companies, and even homeowners, who want a top-notch security system to protect their property. “Scan is complete. Please proceed.”

These devices only allow authorized people to freely enter protected areas based on specific identifying information, namely a fingerprint, eye feature or facial characteristics. In other words, with biometric locks, you become your own key. There are currently two types of models on the market:

• Touchless biometric locks that use eye or voice recognition
• Touch-identification biometric locks (for fingerprints)

Although the first system is more secure, the most common biometric locks are those that "read" fingerprints using a small touch screen. If the person is recognized by the computer system that’s connected to the lock, the door allows access.

Here are some of the advantages of this kind of safety system.

• Because they record and store the fingerprints of authorized people, there are no keys or codes in circulation.
• Virtually foolproof, these systems offer superior protection against theft.
• There is no risk of losing your keys or getting locked out while your authorization is still valid.
• Some biometric locks open in less than one second.
• Users don’t have to memorize ever-changing access codes or passwords.
• The more sophisticated models enable you to view the entry and exit history of users.
• Biometric locks can be used for any room in a home or building, so you can restrict as much or as little space as you like.

But what happens in the event of a power failure? No problem: biometric locks are usually installed with an alternative opening system that requires an emergency mechanical key, digital code or access card.