Electronic Door Lock – What Really Matters When Choosing
Types of electronic door locks, the crucial online-vs-offline difference and which access methods (RFID, smartphone, QR) fit which case.
The Three Basic Types of Electronic Locks
Standalone locks work offline: permissions live on the lock or the card. They are cheap but maintenance-heavy as soon as users or permissions change frequently.
Networked locks connect wirelessly or by cable to a controller. Changes take effect immediately and every opening is logged. Cloud systems go one step further and allow cross-site management without your own server.
What to Look Out For
- Does the lock fit the door mechanically (handle, cylinder, furniture lock)?
- Is offline enough or do you need real-time control?
- Which access methods should be supported?
- How long does the battery last and how easy is a swap?
- Is the system open enough to talk to your software?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electronic locks suitable for outdoor use?
Yes – but only with proper IP rating (at least IP54) and temperature-resistant batteries.
What about GDPR for opening logs?
Logs contain personal data. Purpose limitation, retention periods and access control must be documented.
Is a single lock enough or do I need a system?
From three to five doors or several users, a networked system almost always pays off.