Unless you're the type of person who regularly locks themselves out, you probably don't have a regular mobile locksmith. An emergency locksmith is an on-demand service, and if you've ever had to call one, you probably hope it will never happen again. Even reasonably priced locksmith services are a financial inconvenience, and of course you have to wait outside your home or vehicle for the service. Soon it will be possible to speed up the process of gaining entry to your locked home utilising smartphone technology. There are a number of pilot schemes underway in the USA, and if these prove to be successful they will probably make their way to Australia before too long. There's also already a way to use technology to solve the problem of being locked out once and for all.
A Flat Rate Service
Most locksmiths will charge a fee that covers the call out and the cost of the service. In extreme cases, a new lock will be required, but of course this doesn't happen so often. A scheme currently being trialled in New York pairs you with a licensed locksmith in your area courtesy of a smartphone app. The app is not particularly cheap, but this covers the cost of the call out and the service fee. This ensures that users know exactly how much they will pay before the locksmith arrives, regardless of the complexity of the job.
A Direct Connection
It's not surprising that internet search engines are starting to get into the locksmith game. Again, it's something that's only being trialled in certain US cities, but it will no doubt become a global service if successful. You simply need to perform an internet search for locksmiths in your area, and you are then able to send a job request to a number of prescreened providers. The locksmith would then call you back to arrange the details. This is really not so different from looking up the necessary service provider and then calling them, but it streamlines the process.
Keyless Entry
There's also a way to unlock your door without a key, provided you have a smartphone and a locksmith who is able to provide the service. You can install a lock that uses a conventional key but that can also be operated electronically via a smartphone app. Your smartphone simply sends a signal and the door unlocks. You can also remotely authorise others to enter your home, which is handy if you have friends visiting. If you decide to install such a lock, make sure that your smartphone is equipped with a firewall and antivirus software. It's highly unlikely, but if your smartphone was hacked, others might be able to unlock your home.
A locksmith can be your best friend when you find yourself locked out. Fortunately, technology is making it possible to find this best friend quickly… when you really need them!
Share8 September 2015
As the manager of a five-star hotel, I face many interesting challenges. There's never a dull moment! One of my biggest problems is security. I spend a lot of time obtaining quality keys, locks and safes and ensuring they are well-maintained. There's nothing worse than a tired guest and a broken lock at 3 am! Over the years, I have trialled many different types of locks and safes. I also keep up with the latest technology in this area. I am therefore quite the expert when it comes to advising family and friends about the best systems for their homes and businesses. Given that so many people ask me for advice, I figured that there may be others who are overwhelmed by the plethora of options out there. This blog may give you some ideas and help you make good decisions in your search for superior locks and safes.