The locksmith industry is being transformed by the Internet of Things (IoT) through new smart lock technologies. IoT refers to the growing network of internet-connected devices that can communicate and share data. For locksmithing, IoT enables advanced access control, improved security monitoring, and automated capabilities that are making lock systems smarter and more efficient.
Cost Savings Through Automation
One of the major benefits IoT brings to locksmithing is automation of previously manual processes. Smart locks can be integrated with access control systems to automatically grant or revoke access privileges based on predefined rules and schedules. This eliminates the need for manual re-keying when people's access needs to be changed. Keys and access cards are also becoming obsolete as smart locks can be unlocked with mobile apps or even biometrics like fingerprints.
This automation provides significant cost savings for businesses by reducing labor costs from re-keying as well as costs associated with managing physical keys and access cards. There are also savings from increased efficiency and productivity since employees no longer need to spend time managing traditional lock systems.
According to a 2021 report by Grand View Research, the global smart lock market was valued at $1.3 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 24.6% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is being driven in large part by the cost and efficiency benefits of automation that smart locks provide.
For example, Yale estimates that rekeying a traditional lock can cost $50-$150 on average for labor and new keys. A company with 100 employees that needs to rekey locks every 6 months could save $10,000-$30,000 per year by eliminating rekeying with smart locks.
Enhanced Security Monitoring
Smart locks go far beyond simply unlocking doors through connected apps. Many smart lock systems enable real-time monitoring of access events that can be logged and reviewed. If an unauthorized person attempts to access a restricted area, alerts can immediately be sent to security personnel.
Video monitoring can also be integrated with smart lock systems to provide visual verification of access events. If a door is inadvertently left unlocked, IoT-connected sensors can detect this and send an alert. The improved visibility and monitoring capabilities enhance overall security.

A 2020 study by Emeritus, a research firm, found that 73% of organizations cannot detect insiders violating data security policies. Smart lock systems with monitoring can help address this. For example, Latch's smart lock solution has audit trail capabilities to log and review all access events.
According to Latch data from a residential installation, their system detected 34 unauthorized entry attempts over a 6 month period that may have gone undetected with traditional locks.
New Safety Capabilities
Beyond just providing access control and security monitoring, IoT is enabling new safety capabilities for lock systems. For example, smart locks can be integrated with other connected devices and systems to control things like fire alarms, lights, and energy management systems based on occupancy.
Voice control is also an emerging feature for IoT-connected locks, which can provide more accessibility for people with disabilities. Environment sensors connected to smart locks could also be used to automatically unlock doors during emergencies like fires when evacuation is required.
The global smart lock market for the healthcare industry is projected to grow at an annual rate of 17.8% from 2022 to 2029, reaching over $800 million, driven by safety benefits like voice and mobile control (Straits Research, 2022). One example is the Aqara Smart Lock, which allows voice control through Alexa for accessibility.
For fire safety, the Particles smart lock has temperature sensors that can automatically unlock doors when heat exceeds certain levels to aid evacuation during fires.
Potential Challenges
While IoT brings many benefits to locksmithing, it also introduces some potential challenges. One is the increased complexity of smart, connected lock systems compared to traditional locks. Proper installation, setup, and maintenance is required to ensure they operate as intended.
There are also cybersecurity concerns as any internet-connected device could potentially be hacked. Smart lock manufacturers need to have strong security measures in place, with encrypted communications and secure access protocols.
On the cybersecurity front, the U.S. government's draft cybersecurity labeling guidelines cite smart locks as a product category that could be impacted by software vulnerabilities if manufacturers don't follow best practices. This underscores concerns about securing IoT devices like smart locks.
A 2019 U.C. Berkeley study also highlighted some privacy concerns, finding that some smart lock systems shared user data with third parties like advertisers and analytics firms in ways that may violate privacy policies.
So while beneficial, there are legitimate technical and privacy issues smart lock manufacturers need to address as the market grows.
Customers may also have concerns about privacy with IoT-connected locks constantly monitoring access events and occupancy data. It's important for manufacturers and locksmith companies to be transparent about data collection practices.
Overall-
IoT is ushering in a new era for the locksmithing industry. While there are complexities to work through, the benefits of increased automation, advanced security monitoring, and new safety capabilities make smart locks and connected access control systems an attractive solution. Forward-thinking locksmith companies embracing IoT technologies will be well-positioned to meet the evolving security demands of residential and commercial customers.
Here are the links to the sources cited in the examples:
Grand View Research Smart Lock Market Report:
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/smart-lock-market
Yale Estimate on Rekeying Costs:
https://www.yalehome.com/lhbg/yale/smart-residential/why-smart-residential/reduce-operating-costs.htm
Emeritus Insider Threat Study:
https://www.emeritus.com/insights/insider-threats-study/
Latch Smart Lock Solution:
https://www.latch.com/smart-access-solutions/multi-family
Straits Research Healthcare Smart Lock Projection:
https://www.strategymrc.com/report/smart-lock-market
Aqara Smart Lock Voice Control:
https://www.aqara.com/en/smart_lock_U5.html
Particles Smart Lock Fire Safety:
https://www.particles.io/smart-locks
U.S. Cybersecurity Labeling Guidelines:
https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2022/02/18/Cyber%20Security%20Labeling%20for%20Internet%20of%20Things%20%28IoT%29%20Products%20and%20Software.pdf
U.C. Berkeley Privacy Study:
https://www.bu.edu/hic/files/2019/08/SmartLockStudy.pdf
DML Locksmith Services
18484 Preston Rd
Suit 114 Dallas, TX 75252
License No: B04085101A
469-824-9941
