Since smart home security entered the mainstream in the 2010s, the market has grown consistently in New Zealand: the widespread adoption of smartphones and the development of reliable wireless connectivity set the framework for more and more Kiwis to install smart locks, alarm systems, doorbells, and remote monitoring systems in their homes.
Last year, approximately 11% of households in Aotearoa employed some form of smart home security – and this is projected to increase to 33% by 2027, according to Statista. Bryce Carter, the National Residential Sales Manager for security company Allegion New Zealand Limited, says this projected growth will inevitably increase the demand for new and innovative solutions each year.
“Smart home security is definitely becoming a priority for homeowners in New Zealand,” he says. “With the increasing availability and affordability of smart home security systems, more and more are opting for these systems to protect their homes.
“Homeowners are looking for solutions – alarms, cameras and locking systems – that are easy to use, offer remote access, and provide real-time notifications in case of any security breaches.”
One such solution is the Schlage Artus smart lock, a locking solution that offers a perfect solution for easy to use hardware and software. To find out more, ArchiPro sat down with Bryce to talk about the lock’s specific benefits, its integration with technology, and the other functionalities it offers.
ArchiPro: Can you give me an overview of the product?
Bryce Carter: The Schlage Artus Smart Mortice Lock is our newest entrance smart lock suitable for installation on aluminium and timber doors, designed for a variety of stile widths including 30mm, 40mm and 60mm backset options.
Smart locks have become very popular as smart home automation has evolved, so access to your home by PIN code or smartphone apps makes it more convenient for busy lifestyles. It offers a variety of methods to access your home, including keyless access: PIN codes are simple to programme and provide easy access, while physical keys and key tags are also provided.
The smart lock has several intuitive security features.
The locks are suitable for installation on both aluminium and timber doors.
AP: How does the Schlage Artus smart lock provide keyless access? Can you elaborate on the various access methods such as keypad, Bluetooth, and key tags?
BC: The lock is Bluetooth enabled, so through the Schlage Breeze app it offers simple access by the click of a button. Further features of the app include the ability to customise codes for family, or schedule access for guests. And for those wary of electronic security, we also offer two back-up mechanical keys for safekeeping.
AP: You mentioned the app – can you explain how it integrates with the smart lock, and what functionalities the app offers?
BC: It’s easy to pair the Schlage Artus lock with the Schlage Breeze app via Bluetooth. Our product development team designed the app to ensure it is intuitive to use and offers a step-by-step setup process. Once you are logged into the Schlage Breeze app you can manage and schedule PIN codes – you can send these virtual codes to a cleaner or Airbnb guests, for example.
The history and notification features are also handy: you can receive a notification when the kids get home from school, and you can see if someone has incorrectly entered PIN codes into your lock to attempt to enter your home. Other features include auto-locking or passage mode. Passage mode is where you can leave the lock in a scheduled unlocked mode for set times of the day but scheduled to lock at a set time for security.
Users can manage their smart lock through the Schlage Breeze app.
AP: Tell me about the built-in alarm technology of the smart lock. What security breaches does it detect?
BC: A user has four attempts to correctly enter a PIN code. On the fifth incorrect attempt, the lock will sound an alarm and continue to sound for a set period whilst also disabling the ability to use the keypad of the lock. This feature is designed to scare any unwanted visitors away.
If you have paired your lock to a Schlage Wi-Fi Bridge (for remote connectivity), when you are away from your home a notification appears on your phone to advise you that the alarm has sounded.
AP: Can you elaborate on the WiFi Bridge?
BC: The Schlage Wi-Fi Bridge provides the ability to have complete control over and access to your lock while you are away from home.
It pairs the Schlage Artus lock to your home’s Wi-Fi – which means you’ll receive any lock activity notifications through the Schlage Breeze app as soon as they happen. The Schlage Wi-Fi Bridge provides real-time connectivity, so that any function available through the Schlage Breeze app can be done wherever you are.
