In today’s digital era, the security and safety of both commercial and residential buildings have become a significant concern for residents and commercial institutions alike. During such worrying times, RFID locker locks emerged into the security industry and in no time have gained a strong foothold in the market and have become very popular among the customers. RFID locker locks not only offer an advanced form of security but also are quite convenient to use.
A Brief History RFID Technology
RFID or Radio-Frequency Identification uses radio signals to detect an object to either allow or deny its entry as and when necessary. The technology emerged in the 1940s and it was soon used by the US military as surveillance equipment, albeit in a primitive and rudimentary form.
It was after two decades, in the 1970s, that RFID was released in the commercial market for security purposes and to implement selective entry on some doors and lockers. However, apart from government agencies and multinational corporations, not many could use the technology due to its prohibitively high cost.
With the passage of time and further advancements in technology, RFID became simpler, more compact, and affordable and slowly started gaining mass popularity by the 1990s.
How Do RFID Locker Locks Work?
Locker locks that make use of RFID technology are made by incorporating two major components, namely the tag and the reader.
- A tag is an object that has been given a unique identity. It can be a card or a fob that can be either tapped against the reader or can be waved in front of it.
- The reader is more like a gatekeeper and is kept inside a cabinet that keeps emitting radio signals.
When the tag comes within proximity of the reader, the radio signals emitted by the latter meet the former. Once the reader’s radio signals recognize the unique identification of the tag, the unlocking mechanism of the lock and the unlocking procedure starts. If the reader can match the unique ID of the tag, then the locker door will be unlocked. Otherwise, it will remain closed. RFID locker locks are widely incorporated in offices, schools, gyms, colleges, commercial and residential buildings, etc.
Advantages of Using RFID Locker Locks Over Mechanical Locks
Here are some of the advantages of using RFID locker locks over mechanical locks.
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Easy to Use:
An RFID key can be a card or even your smartphone. The card can be carried in your wallet, pocket, or clipped to the shirt. Given that the RFID system uses radio waves, there is no need for the card to come in physical contact with the reader to trigger the unlocking mechanism. Mechanical locks need to be in physical contact to open the locker, which may prove to be a great inconvenience, especially if both your hands are full of luggage.
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Expanding Access:
While mechanical locks can be opened only with a key. RFID locker locks can be opened using a smart keycard or even your smartphone. The Bluetooth application in your smartphone can be used seamlessly to open RFID locker locks using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Therefore, if you use a smartphone, there is no need to carry a keycard anymore to open RFID locker locks. Lately, many corporations have introduced RFID Mobile Access Locks to make locker access more convenient and simpler for the employees and customers alike.
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Waterproof:
RFID locker locks have a reader and a card. There is no physical slot for the keycard to be swiped or a key to be entered, making the reader waterproof. The key slot in mechanical locks often develops rust if it meets water or moisture. This makes it very difficult to open the locker and access it. However, there are no such issues with RFID locker locks as it does not require a keycard to be in physical contact with the device to unlock the locker.
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No Lost or Stolen Key Situation:
Keys are often lost or misplaced, which starts a chain of events which can cause problems in the future. Once a key gets lost or stolen, the organization needs to install a whole new lock to keep the place secure. Putting in a new lock is not only time-consuming but also a costly affair. However, in case of RFID locker locks, if someone loses the keycard, all the administration needs to do is to change the unique ID code that was earlier given to gain access into the locker.
In Conclusion:
Technology is continuously evolving and has made it simple for miscreants to breach security. Therefore, safety and security have become a prime concern for all kinds of business owners. Installing RFID locker locks not only enhances the level of security at your organization but also saves the administration from having to handle day-to-day hassles like lost keys and forgotten pins.