ᐅ Front Door – Door Code or Fingerprint?

Created on: 20 Oct 2015 16:41
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Panama17
Hello everyone,
I wasn’t able to find any relevant information on this topic.
Today, we visited the window manufacturer and also discussed front doors.

Since I often forget my key (at least I don’t lose it), and frequently have to crawl around in the garden to fetch the spare key, I would like to install an entrance door system in our new build that can be opened preferably with a door code or fingerprint (and optionally also with a key).

So far, I don’t see any clear advantage of one system over the other.

And no, it’s not enough to have a spare key in the car or at the neighbors’—I definitely want a system that works without a key.
Uwe8221 Oct 2015 23:36
We have an independent fingerprint system BioKey from idencom installed in our front door. It only requires a power supply and comes with an IR remote control for programming support. Up to 150 fingerprints can be registered. Unfortunately, the fingerprints cannot be activated or deactivated on a timer; they have to be managed manually one by one.

I don’t have any experience with it yet, as the lock isn’t powered on so far. However, I believe a timer function could be retrofitted with an additional module. It cost an extra 950€ (euros).
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Boergi
22 Oct 2015 08:42
We installed both systems:

The ekey system with the control unit is installed in the front door and the door from the garage to the house. Multiple fingers per person can be registered, and different functions (keys) can be assigned to each finger. For example, I can open the front door with my index finger and open/close the garage door with my ring finger. It is also possible to arm an alarm system, for instance.

The system settings can be adjusted quite easily via the ekey Multi control unit. If you want to manage everything through a PC, you need to choose the slightly more expensive ekey net version. The material costs start at about 600€ (for the fingerprint scanner, though you will also need a motorized lock in the door, which usually costs between 600-800€).

For the garage door, I installed the BioKey system (not intentionally—I wanted ekey here as well, but the window supplier delivered the wrong product). The additional cost for this was 650€. The system actually works quite well, but, as mentioned, it does not offer all the features available with ekey.
RFR22 Oct 2015 08:59
If you are only looking for an inexpensive solution to open and close the front door, I would suggest considering nuki.

It can be controlled with a smartphone or a transponder.
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Panama17
24 Oct 2015 11:02
Payday schrieb:
The advantage of fingerprint locks is that you can grant access to specific people without the risk of them passing on a physical key. Depending on the provider, you can also set time restrictions for each fingerprint. For example, you can allow cleaning staff or gardeners during certain times, all without worrying about someone losing the key or copying a code. The most elegant solution is probably the keyless version, like in cars, where you only need to be close enough to unlock. However, you lose the convenience of “lending the key without needing to get it back.”

That’s why we chose fingerprint locks.

I think that’s a very good point, too.

On the other hand, I would prefer to have both options, meaning the door can also be opened with a traditional key. For “outsiders” like cleaning personnel, I would only want to give a key.

I think my ideal setup would be a combination with a key fob (so I can open the door as long as I have the fob in my pocket, without needing to insert a key) and a backup door code for emergencies (in case I forget the fob). The code would only be known by my husband and me, while the children and housekeeper would get a key fob.

We don’t have a second entrance through the utility room or garage.

Oh, and one more thing. I also don’t believe burglars would enter through the front door here—they would definitely come in through the backyard. There is an open, undeveloped garden plot behind the house that is freely accessible.

Our front door faces the street and is only 5m (16 feet) from the sidewalk. The street is in a residential area with moderate traffic. There’s also a pub three houses down.
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Panama17
24 Oct 2015 15:05
One more question,
is it possible to install a door code system on doors from any manufacturer, or do you have to use specific brands?
Are there well-known suppliers of aluminum front doors?
Does anyone know of a large showroom in NRW?
Mycraft24 Oct 2015 17:38
Well, you need a door with a motorized lock... the rest is handled by the access control system...