Locking technology: definition, components & outlook

Modern locking systems cannot do without locking technology. Therefore, it contributes directly to the safety of buildings. But what exactly is meant by “locking technology”, what components does it consist of, and what do you need to consider when making your choice? These questions will be answered in the following article.

Definition: What is locking technology?

Locking technology is an umbrella term for various systems and mechanisms that  are used to lock and unlock access points of  all kinds – such as doors and windows. Locking technology can be divided into three basic categories:

• Mechanical: This includes all conventional locks and keys that are based on a mechanical structure and physical movements. ‍
• Mechatronic: Here, mechanical and electronic elements are combined. This contributes to increased safety and a high level of comfort. ‍
• Digital: There are now more and more systems that are completely electronic. Users gain access to premises through alternative access media such as codes, transponders, cards or biometric recognition. These options are convincing in terms of their high level of security and personalization.

While mechanical locking technology was once considered the standard, corresponding systems are increasingly being replaced by digital locking systems.  

What components does the locking technology consist of?

When we talk about locking technology, we mean many components. The important thing is that these elements work together harmoniously to perform their functions to the fullest. Each component serves its own purpose and contributes to the overall function of the locking technology.  

How safe and reliable a system works therefore depends, among other things, on how high-quality the individual components are. Comfort is also significantly influenced by this.

Cylinders

The central element of locking systems are locking cylinders. They have various locking mechanisms – there is something for every requirement. Lock cylinders vary in their complexity and level of security. For example, there are standard cylinders, but also high-security cylinders. The latter are equipped with special protective features, so that drilling or picking is difficult or impossible.

Key

A lock is usually unlocked with a key. Mechanical keys are still widely used. However, they are increasingly  being replaced by electronic access media. These can be transponders or smart keys. Such modern keys, which are used in digital locking technology, are equipped with RFID technology or near-field communication (NFC).

Locking systems

The terms “locking technology” and “locking system” do not stand for one and the same thing. Rather, locking systems are understood to be  the unit that organizes access to several areas via a uniform system. Depending on the size and complexity of buildings, locking systems are designed to be more extensive. Master key systems are used especially in large buildings, so that only certain keys can be used to access certain areas.

Apartment buildings are a good example of this: tenants also have access to their basement compartment and laundry room with their apartment key, but they cannot access the apartments and basement compartments of the other tenants.

Electronic access control systems

The locking technology also includes electronic access control systems. These include PIN pads to enter a PIN code, card readers to unlock locks with an access card, and biometric scanners if the system works with iris or fingerprint scanning.

Such access control systems enable an incredibly high level of comfort. Thanks to centralized, real-time management, security is further enhanced. After all, access authorizations can  be flexibly adjusted via software.

Digital locking technology in vogue

Every building owner wants to protect their building and the people in it. In some industries, special security measures are mandatory, in others nothing of the kind is mandatory. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile for everyone to take appropriate safety precautions. However, the locking technology includes many options, so that at first glance it does not seem so easy to decide on the right variant.

Basically, a change has been observed for some time now : More and more mechanical systems are being expanded to include digital components. And anyone thinking about purchasing a new system is primarily considering electronic locking systems. But why is that?

Digital locking technology has a lot to offer – from a high level of user-friendliness to numerous new functions for increased security to a high degree of flexibility, there are many arguments that convince building owners.

• User-friendliness: The digital locking technology enables contact-free operation of locks and doors. In addition, users do not have to carry a heavy bunch of keys with them. Often your own smartphone, which you always have with you anyway, is enough. ‍
• Security: Special encryption and other security measures make digital locking technology more secure than mechanical systems in some cases. In addition, both variants can be combined with each other to create even more hurdles for burglars. ‍
• Flexibility: Digital locking technology enables the flexible allocation of access authorizations. So if something should change, it can be easily managed in the corresponding software. If a key is lost, the entire system does not have to be replaced. Rather, you block the one lost access medium and effectively save costs compared to conventional systems.

Digital locking technology is becoming an increasingly popular method. Systems such as those from BlueID not only represent an alternative to conventional, mechanical locking technology, but can also cleverly expand it. Electronic elements can be tailored to personal needs. This means that the locking technology is also guaranteed to fit the intended building.

In order for digital locking technology to be able to fully fulfil its functions and contribute to a high level of security in the building, special security precautions such as encryption are  required. Then nothing stands in the way of safe, flexible and convenient use.

Conclusion

Locking technology includes many components that contribute to the security of buildings and people in them. Digital locking technology in particular is on the rise and convinces with a number of great advantages. In this way, buildings can be secured appropriately and reliably.