TESTING & CERTIFICATION
Research holds the key to the success of electronic locks
David Jennings , CEO of UAP , explains the drivers behind the launch of a new ultra-secure electronic lock and how a focus on the customer experience has shaped its development .
Smart technology is rapidly filtering through all our lives . From smart bulbs and speakers through to the with Internet of Things ( IoT ), the technology is all around us . People of all ages are now turning to smart home tech , a trend largely been driven by the pandemic which forced everyone to more actively engage with online tools .
This shift in consumer behaviour has accelerated the launch of smart door locks with consumers now faced with a variety of options aimed at improving convenience and security . UAP , like many other manufacturers , has stepped into the smart market but our journey began five years ago . What followed was extensive research , planning and testing aimed at developing a concept unlike any others .
Avoiding risks
We began by researching customers ’ priorities and the factors needed to provide the best possible experience . From the outset , this saw us disregard biometrics such as fingerprint readers as they could cause a host of problems . Say for example , a homeowner was carrying a bag of shopping on a cold and rainy day . Having to put the bags down at their door , remove the gloves and get a fingerprint reader to work spells hassle . There is also a risk of the reader not recognising the print or the technology shutting down if it gets too hot .
The other major concern was security . It is a fact that hackers have stolen , and will steal , digital fingerprints and other biometric data . Once your biometric data is stolen then you can ’ t simply change it – it is lost forever and that means your security is also jeopardised for the long term .
Prioritising needs People want to be able to shut their door and for it to automatically lock , without having to lift a lever and turn a key . They want a choice of tools for locking , and the process needs to be audible , so it is clear the door is secure . At the same time , we learned that in some instances , the consumer may want to reduce or extend the time it takes the door to lock , if for example , they had forgotten something in the house .
If the door lock is operated using a smartphone App , that needs to be simple too . And the App must offer functions that provide the flexibility demanded by customers such as enabling friends or family to operate the lock .
Regarding security , we recognised that some people were worried about keyless car theft and shared similar concerns about an electronic door lock . To address this , we needed to develop technology that would make the key fobs ultra secure .
Meeting consumer demand
Armed with our research and a clear picture of how we could improve the customer experience , we spent five years developing the IONIC . The electronic lock is the first in a series of ‘ smart ’ products set to be launched under UAP ’ s Fullex Ai brand .
Simple to install and easy to use , the IONIC can be operated using a smartphone App , a fob , push button on the inside , or a thumb turn . When a consumer gets to the door , they simply press the handle down and walk in .
The time it takes for the lock to activate can be adjusted to suit the consumer . The App can be used to set up new users and time settings , allowing one off access for workmen or regular access for cleaners or carers for example .
Security is enhanced through face recognition , which builds additional authentication into the App . The fobs have been manufactured in a way that prevents them from being cloned and the lock itself holds no data with the user ’ s own phone controlling the system rather than a server .
To make the IONIC as reliable as possible , we based it on the Fullex Crimebeater lock which has a proven track record . The electronics have been developed by a specialist manufacturer in Europe and every printed circuit board is tested multiple times before being shipped to the UK for assembly .
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66 NOVEMBER 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM