Smart locks are usually integrated with door phones, especially single-button ones. Nonetheless, indoor monitors can not be excluded.
The integration principle is, that when a device triggers certain events, e.g., opening the door, it will send a command to the lock with a local protocol (including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Zigbee). In a cloud-to-cloud case, such commands can also be sent through the Cloud.
In smart lock integration, at least one of the following requirements must be satisfied:
1. Devices are able to communicate with locks via local protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee and so on.
2. Smart locks have their own Cloud servers, which can be used for controlling the locks and checking their status. In this case, locks having Clouds means they have their own Apps.
How the Locks work with Akuvox Devices
Current integration methods are:
1. E12 Bluetooth integrates with Bluetooth smart locks. When accessing the door by card or calling on E12, the device will trigger the lock to be opened via Bluetooth and makes it unlocked in 10s.
2. On an E16, when accessing the door by card, facial recognition or calling, the device will send an unlocking command to the lock's Cloud server. After identifying and certifying the instruction, the server will transmit it to the lock.
3. The Akuvox cloud integrates with a third-party cloud. Akuvox cloud sends an unlocking command to the third-party cloud.
Practical Cases
1. E12W and Doorcom Locks. Locks opened via Bluetooth;

2. The E16 and Linky Locks, Locks opened via device-to-cloud way.

3. The E12W and Qrio Locks, SmartPlus app and Yale Locks, Locks opened in a cloud-to-cloud way.

Difficulties/Notes in Actual Use or Integration Process
1. To integrate on-premises, the lock provider needs to provide corresponding local protocols.
2. To integrate with a Cloud, the lock provider needs to offer user accounts and authentication methods. Plus, a third-party authentication system will increase the integration difficulty.
3. Customers have to buy devices to perform the stability testing by themselves.
Discussion Questions:
1. What other integration methods are there for smart locks?
2. Any smart locks solutions or ideas or experiences you want to share with us?
1. What other integration methods are there for smart locks?
2. Any smart locks solutions or ideas or experiences you want to share with us?
There is a demo for Qrios and Akuvox: