As the locksmith industry continues to feel the impact of IoT technology options, the expanded use of smartphones for access control is becoming more the norm than the exception. The use of near-field communications in access control systems such as Bluetooth technology provides key-enabled options that are perfect solutions for physical security.
A Bluetooth enabled smartphone can employ the three key elements of an authenticated access control device by providing something you have, which would be the phone, something you know, which could be a PIN, along with something that may prove your physical identity like a fingerprint biometric.
Making the Case for Bluetooth
Companies like Master Lock have been early adopters of Bluetooth technology featuring Bluetooth-infused solutions for their lock boxes, padlocks and now their advanced keyless door controllers. The all-new Bluetooth Door Controller, which offers security professionals and their customers cost-effective keyless access control from the convenience of a smartphone, was recently introduced to the market and is ideal for retail storefronts, employee entrances, warehouse entrances and service doors. The Bluetooth Door Controller allows businesses to manage access through the Master Lock Vault Enterprise platform’s web interface or easy-to-use smartphone app.
“Bluetooth solutions with integrated software, like Master Lock Vault Enterprise, can eliminate the cost, security risk and complexity of physical key management, providing a smart, simple and secure solution to control access,” says Sherri Hanson, a Senior Product Manager for Master Lock. “Bluetooth-enabled products can be mixed and matched to meet users’ specific security needs, with the convenience of simplified access management through their smartphones by granting, revoking and managing access for as many users as they need.
Hanson adds that these solutions make for better and more convenient user experiences, with quicker access and cost savings as added bonuses. Bluetooth software also puts the ability to monitor access activity at users’ fingertips, increasing accountability and enhancing monitoring efforts.
Master Lock has become a big proponent of the Bluetooth solutions with technology options across several product lines. Hanson says that after identifying the growing demand for more connected, mobile security solutions, Master Lock launched its indoor and outdoor Bluetooth Padlocks in 2015, essentially making your smartphone the key.
“Our Bluetooth product portfolio now includes five products in total, all of which operate with the Master Lock Vault Enterprise web interface and smartphone app to provide a smart, simple and secure solution for businesses. Included in our line of Bluetooth locks are the indoor and outdoor Bluetooth Padlocks, wall mount and portable Bluetooth Lock Boxes, and now, the new Bluetooth Door Controller,” Hanson explains. “For many commercial properties, convenience and cost-efficiency are top priority when choosing a security system. The Bluetooth Door Controller – which easily wires into electric strikes or magnetic locks, offers businesses a new option to enhance security with access management. With the Master Lock Vault Enterprise smartphone app and web interface, businesses achieve both the simplicity and savings of keyless security and the added benefit to control, monitor and track building access.”
Features & Benefits
The new Master Lock Bluetooth Door Controller wires into electric strikes or magnetic locks and operates with the convenient Master Lock Vault Enterprise smartphone app and web interface. This security solution offers businesses the simplicity and savings of keyless security with the added benefit to control, monitor and track building access. Here are the main features and benefits of the door controller:
- Easy Installation – Master Lock’s Bluetooth Door Controller wires directly into electronic strikes and magnetic locks for quick and easy installation. Its slim profile fits most common door frames and features strong Bluetooth signal for reliable connectivity.
- Keyless Security – The Bluetooth Door Controller allows businesses to conveniently manage and provide access to buildings and areas via the Master Lock Vault Enterprise smartphone app and web interface. By eliminating physical keys that can become lost, copied or stolen, businesses can gain peace of mind knowing their properties are secure.
- Simple and Secure Door Access – Through the easy-to-use Master Lock Vault Enterprise web interface, administrators can grant, revoke and manage access for as many users as they need, while authorized employees can access the Bluetooth-enabled door lock via their smartphones.
- Easy Account Setup – Master Lock Vault Enterprise provides simple account setup that allows installers to quickly onboard customers by registering their credentials into the Master Lock Vault Enterprise web interface. Individuals can then access the door controller via their smartphone.
- Enhanced Accountability – Businesses can monitor door access and activity with robust data and audit trails available via the Master Lock Vault Enterprise web interface. By knowing which employees accessed the property and when, businesses can increase accountability for identifying points of potential vulnerability.
- List Price -- The Bluetooth Door Controller lists for $200 and includes access to use Master Lock Vault Enterprise
Prep & Installation
Once a locksmith has decided to move forward with this option, what sort of prep and installation issues can expect they expect?
“While we expect it to take time for locksmiths to get familiar with any new product, electric strikes installations are already a common part of locksmiths’ jobs. Because our Bluetooth Door Controller fits most door frames and wires directly into electronic strikes and magnetic locks, locksmiths can expect to experience an easy installation,” says Hanson. “Master Lock Vault Enterprise also offers a simplified setup process for end-users. Should clients have any questions or technical issues, our solution comes with a responsive customer service line, eliminating the need for locksmiths to handle those inquiries.”
Hanson does suggests some helpful tips for any locksmith looking to entering this end of the security and door hardware market, saying that businesses of all types look to locksmiths as security experts who evaluate their customers’ requirements to recommend the best solutions.
“By learning and providing more advanced solutions like Master Lock Vault Enterprise and the Bluetooth Door Controller, locksmiths can expand their range of security solutions to new and existing customers across a variety of industries. As a trusted name among locksmiths for nearly 100 years, we’re always available as a resource to help locksmiths understand and navigate this new technology,” she adds.
As for marketing it to locksmiths’ prospective clients, locksmiths can advise their clients how this full solution offers businesses the simplicity and savings of keyless security with the added benefit to control, monitor and track building access. Then, they can focus on the key benefits to their client including:
Secure door access—only those with an authorized device can enter
- Grant or revoke access quickly—efficiently ensure the right users have the right access
- Valuable audit capabilities—easily monitor access and access history with robust data and audit trails
- Simple web interface to set up users, groups and locks
- Easy-to-use smartphone app to unlock and track lock use
- Master Lock’s variety of online resources to support locksmiths and end users
- Master Lock’s team of technical experts ready to assist
“Master Lock Vault Enterprise represents the culmination of our nearly 10 years of expertise in remote access control, combined with the latest technology and our market-proven digital solutions. With Master Lock Vault Enterprise, we’re building on our software expertise and incorporating key learnings from our business customers around the globe to provide a robust, enterprise-level platform, meeting the needs of commercial users across a range of industries,” concludes Hanson.
To learn more about the Master Lock Bluetooth Door Controller and the Master Lock Vault Enterprise platform, visit www.masterlock.com/solutions/vault.
Steve Lasky is the Editorial Director of SecurityInfoWatch Security Media, which includes print publications Security Technology Executive, Security Business, Locksmith Ledger Int’l, and the world’s most trafficked security web portal SecurityInfoWatch.com. He is a 32-year veteran of the security industry and a 27-year member of ASIS. You can contact him at [email protected].
