Convenience redefined: streamlining daily life with smart door hardware solutions

In today's fast-paced world, convenient security is paramount for homeowners, and smart door hardware solutions are an agile, interactive way to streamline daily life and enhance home security. To understand the intricacies of these responsive innovations in a connected, app-driven world, we spoke with Ru-Yang Tan from ASSA ABLOY, a product management specialist in smart door technology.

Key features & technologies

Modern smart door hardware solutions are characterised by several key features and technologies. According to Tan, one significant development is PIN code entry, which eliminates the need for physical keys and the associated security concerns. "With built-in tamper alarms and automatic notifications to the Yale Home App, users can be confident their door has 24/7 monitoring," says Tan. Additionally, Yale smart locks feature a door position sensor that allows users to check if the door is left unlocked via the app. It provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind, knowing it can easily be locked remotely.

Smart door hardware solutions significantly simplify homeowners' daily routines. "Our smart locks' auto-lock function allows users to walk out the door without worrying about security," says Tan. Integration with smart home systems takes convenience to the next level. For instance, homeowners can set their lights and heat pump to turn on automatically as the door unlocks. This seamless integration ensures that coming home is always a welcoming experience.

Streamlining things even further, the Yale Home App or a PIN code on the lock allows easy access for all household members and guests. "You can easily see if the kids have arrived home or if the dog walker has picked up your dog," shares Tan. Having this kind of visibility and control over who can enter your home makes daily life much easier and more convenient.

Enhancing security & safety

Homeowners' security is paramount, and smart door hardware offers clever and robust solutions. The use of touchscreen PIN code access eliminates the need to hide keys or manage duplicates. "There's no longer the inconvenience and cost to get a locksmith in to replace locks or get new keys cut,” shares Tan. Yale smart locks also come equipped with door sensors and programmable auto-lock functions, ensuring the door is always securely closed and locked.

The Yale Home App provides comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities. Users can unlock the door, enable auto-unlock, give out temporary PIN codes, and disable old ones, all from the app. "The app allows users to see who has unlocked the door and when," says Tan.

While smart door hardware offers numerous benefits, privacy and security are common concerns. Tan acknowledges the importance of rigorous physical and IoT security testing and warns against low-cost solutions from non-reputable brands that may have vaguely defined privacy measures. Ensuring that security is a top priority is essential for maintaining trust and safety.

Choosing the right smart door hardware

When selecting smart door hardware, homeowners should consider several factors. Tan advises assessing which feature set will be most useful for their daily lives. For those replacing locks on existing doors, choosing smart locks that fit the existing lock holes is important. Style is also a consideration, with options ranging from smart latching locks with integrated levers to slimline smart deadbolts paired with oversized pull handles.

Soon, we can expect smart locks with advanced features like 4-point locking, which has become popular in New Zealand over the past couple of decades. This design offers extra security and helps reduce wind noise and rattling doors. These innovations ensure homeowners can choose solutions that meet their specific needs and improve their overall home experience.

Integration with smart home systems

Integration with other smart home devices is a key aspect of smart door hardware. During development, ASSA ABLOY considers which of their products need to work with common third-party communication protocols like Zigbee or Z-Wave, enabling seamless integration. "We also work closely with home automation integrations such as Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant," says Tan. This compatibility ensures a convenient user experience, allowing homeowners to control their smart locks alongside other smart home devices.

Looking ahead, Tan anticipates that smart locks will extend beyond the front door to all entry and exit points of the home, which will all be able to be integrated using the smart Yale Home App. 

This includes new technology, such as Yale Aeron*, which was developed in New Zealand by ASSA ABLOY as a smart window actuator for high-up, hard-to-reach windows. "The app is designed to be a future-proof ecosystem, allowing all future Yale smart security home integrations to be managed via a single app," explains Tan.

User-friendliness

Smart door hardware solutions are designed to be user-friendly, even for those who may not be tech-savvy. Tan assures Yale provides clear step-by-step videos for programming, available online and via YouTube, along with FAQs and how-to guides on their website. The Yale Home App features in-app instructions and a user-friendly interface, making navigating and updating smart lock settings easy.

*Aeron is a registered trademark of Yale

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