ᐅ Smart lock for front door

Hello!

We would like to equip our front door with an electric door opener. Ideally, the door should be able to open in the following ways:

• Fingerprint
• PIN code
• Bluetooth (auto unlock)
• Remote (app)
• Key (as a fallback)

If possible, we would also like extensively configurable access rights (e.g., temporary or date-specific) and flexible integration with a smart home system.

Most of these features are offered, for example, by the Aqara Smart Lock U200. However, this is a retrofit solution for existing doors and is connected to an existing lock. Besides the appearance, the major drawback is that it is powered by a battery that needs to be recharged regularly. Therefore, we would prefer an integrated solution with a direct power connection.

Our builder unfortunately couldn’t really help us with this and only referred us to Schüco. But they have several systems under different names (BlueCon, SafeGuard, DCS SmartTouch), whose exact functionality is poorly documented.

In general, this topic doesn’t seem to attract much interest in new builds. Almost all available reports are about retrofit solutions.

How have you handled this? What would you recommend?

Hello,

depending on the door manufacturer, integrated solutions with a fingerprint reader are often available. For this, a motorized lock is installed in the door.

I am not aware of a solution that combines all your requirements. In your case, it probably makes sense to divide the trades. The door would get the motorized lock and possibly the fingerprint reader. The keypad and the NFC reader could then be part of the door communication system. I don’t know of any manufacturer offering Bluetooth, but I consider it unnecessary if a fingerprint reader is present.

The connection of the systems must be properly planned and implemented in the electrical installation.

Best regards

We consciously decided to go with an aftermarket solution (Switchbot) because a) it offers all the needed functions and b) there is less worry that the provider will disappear in three years. The in-house systems from various manufacturers look nicely integrated, but for me, it felt risky to end up in a dead end where you might only get out with a lot of effort. Some of them were also close to the upper limit of our budget.

We don’t regret it; the neighbors with the integrated solution have significantly more problems and fewer functions. You just have to be okay with having the device attached directly to the door lock.

We also have the Switchbot, and it works perfectly. We charge it once a year; the only downside is that the module is attached to the lock – but you get used to it.

Our window installer also recommended a retrofit solution, as it has worked better for his clients so far compared to the integrated options.

I would like to install the Nuki. You can customize it completely according to your preferences (either just with a smartphone, or add fingerprint or keypad as an option – a physical key is always possible).

We had an automatic lock retrofitted, and I installed a Goliath video intercom system with fingerprint and chip access. Emergency key override is also possible.
Goliath is also available with a PIN option.