MLA EXPO
25
REVIEW
SMART LOCKS: THE DEATH KNELL FOR LOCKSMITHS OR A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY?
» AT THE RECENT MLA EXPO, JOHN Gill our VP Sales & Marketing at DORIX ® gave a keynote on the growing market for smart locks and the opportunity this presents for locksmiths.
For as long as people have wanted to protect their homes, locksmiths have been the quiet guardians of security. From the early warded locks to pin tumblers and keycards, each new evolution has reshaped the locksmith’ s craft. Now, with the rise of smart locks, some may wonder if we’ re reaching the end of the line. The truth? It’ s just the beginning of a new era and rather than being a death knell, it’ s an opportunity to grow, diversify, and future-proof your business.
From Keys to Connectivity Across the UK, homeowners are embracing connected devices faster than ever, with the national IoT market projected to reach £ 28 billion by the end of 2025. Smart locks are at the forefront of this wave, blending mechanical strength with digital intelligence and this market is forecast to grow more than 10 % annually up to the end of the decade.
But what exactly makes a lock smart? Think connectivity( Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-Wave), authentication( PINs, biometrics, mobile credentials), and integration( voice assistants, smart-home hubs). Traditional locks protect by resisting force. Smart locks protect through identity verification and data control deciding who, when, and how someone gains access.
Locksmiths Still Hold the Key
Some tradespeople may worry that smart locks will make the locksmith redundant. But the reality is quite the opposite. Smart locks are not plug-andplay devices for most homeowners. Installation requires careful calibration, network pairing and configuring security permissions. These are all areas where professional expertise shines and consumers are more likely than ever to seek trusted local professionals and locksmiths already have that trust.
Customers don’ t want less security; they want smarter security.
The New Toolkit for the Digital Locksmith
So how can today’ s locksmiths turn this technology shift into a profitable advantage?
1. Professional Installation: Become the go-to expert for installing and configuring smart locks from leading brands, offering reassurance alongside technical know-how. 2. Maintenance and Service Plans: Smart locks require ongoing care, firmware updates, battery replacements, and connectivity checks. Offer annual or subscriptionbased service plans.
3. Ecosystem Upselling: Once a smart lock is installed, homeowners often want to integrate CCTV, alarms, and sensors. Expand your offering to become a one-stop smart-security provider.
4. Commercial Expansion: Retail, offices, and hospitality venues are adopting hybrid mechanical / electronic systems. These clients need professionals who understand both physical and digital access control.
5. Training and Certification: Through partnerships like the DORIX ® Smart Lock Specialist programme, locksmiths can access training and marketing support to stay ahead of the curve.
Cybersecurity: A New Craft to Master
With smart systems come new responsibilities. Locksmiths entering this field should familiarise themselves with cybersecurity basics such as software updates, multi-factor authentication( MFA), and user education. These aren’ t foreign concepts; they’ re the digital version of double-checking a lock before you hand over the keys. Smart locks won’ t replace craftsmanship they’ ll extend it into a new dimension. A digital key is only as trustworthy as
the professional who sets it up and smart locks require professional installation.
Integration: The Future of Security
Smart locks are now central to connected homes, integrating with Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit. They can respond to voice commands, geofencing, and even AI-driven learning. For locksmiths, this means security is becoming holistic with physical, digital, and behavioural protection merging into one.
The Trust Advantage
In an era of cloud accounts and data breaches, trust is the ultimate currency. Locksmiths already have that reputation. Now, by embracing smart technology, they can extend it into the digital realm ensuring customers remain secure on both sides of the door.
Conclusion: The Craft Evolves, Not Ends
Every generation of locksmiths has adapted to change, from keys to keycards, from bolts to biometrics. Smart locks don’ t replace the trade; they redefine it. The future is smart and it still needs your hands.
www. dorix. com
58
NOVEMBER 2025
locksmithjournal. co. uk Issue Takeover