This may be the most interesting biometric fingerprint lock we have ever seen.

• It has the smallest footprint for a biometric fingerprint digital lock with handle
• It has three access methods for a digital lock
  - fingerprint
  - token
  - mobile via bluetooth app
  And an over the air/internet access via a bridge device.
• It has excellent design points
  - an intuitive thumbprint (literally) placement
  - long battery life (inherent in lever lock)

Some of us may still want the number pad option and it may not suit all purposes but for a HDB master bedroom or important office room door, it could be quite a good fit. 

We Wish Everyone a Prosperous Chinese New Year!
Gateman Z10 Fingerprint Lock (2017 model)
Promotions may apply.

Thinking of putting a digital lock on the Singapore metal gates?

We like to advise our customers to re-assess the need to put a digital lock on the metal gate  (when you have one already on the main door). In the context of Singapore where security cameras are ubiquitious in both private and public housing and that one cannot lock-pick a digital lock, putting an additional digital lock on the gate may be unnecessary.

That said, if you still like the notion of having two locks for extra security or if you like to leave the door open for the wind to come through, then read on...

We custom-mount Gateman rim locks on metal gates. Referencing the picture below, note:

• solid wood mounting board (not plywood or thin metal sheet) for the front
• metal enclosure to block access to the rear of the digital lock
  - and hence the use of a remote controller to unlock (when exiting premise)
• metal enclosure itself can be unlocked for change of batteries or settings

​A broad choice of digital locks (fingerprint or card, pin) and prices for custom mounting on the metal gate can be found on this link on our website.

iRevo, the company that makes the Korea #1 Gateman brand of digital locks claimed as part of their company philosophy that no products are newly introduced into the market without having key differentiators and ensuring consumer value. 

Take for instance, the Gateman Z10 fingerprint digital lock that comes with pin code access. The input number pad is the only digital lock in the market that addresses consumer's worry for traces of fingerprints left on the number pad. Gateman has specially manufactured a brushed matt surface that does not attract finger prints. 

Note: This feature is also found in the A20 series of iRevo Gateman digital lock.

You know iRevo Gateman has what it takes to survive and be # 1 when it pays attention to small details.

Only a few (perhaps no others) make digital locks like iRevo Gateman do. Despite years being the leading digital lock manufacturer in Korea, the company does not sit idle but continue to push the envelop around innovation and build quality.

Case in point: which other manufacturer make monocoque body ie. single piece like leading automobile makers for rigidity and strength against forced intrusion? Look at their internal frame below - a single piece! 

Some digital locks are sporting Bluetooth feature but what does it do for you (other than getting you to pay more)? Bluetooth feature means with the correct phone and bluetooth level, you can do (a) unlocking (b) viewing of user entries (c) administration. Let's look at some of the models in the market. We appreciate feedback.

Kwikset Kevo claims "Just touch the smart lock to open for the ultimate in convenience". It is odd that a smartphone with bluetooth turned on is required before you "Just Touch" the lock to unlock. There is no "keyless" solution; either a smartphone or a physical key fob. This looks like jumping from the kettle into the fire: trying to get away from having a physical object (the old key) and one ends up with a bigger (phone) "key" that needs bluetooth switched on. Yes, it does mean you need to bring your smartphone out when you check the letter box or throw your garbage or go for a run. And no, Kwikset has no pin number access, no fingerprint - but a phone or a physical key fob. 

Samsung P728, Samsung P920 does a little better than Kwikset - but comes at a size 20 times bigger (and a price to match). Unlocking is however not smart: one needs to carry the phone, to take out the phone, to unlock your screensaver, to start the sHome application, to wait for lock and app to link, and then to (!) press the unlock button on the app. Obviously this is user interaction/design at it's worse. Why would anyone use Bluetooth to unlock when a swipe of the fingerprint does the job? The ability view users' entries is also badly executed: it only shows unlocking when it is done by the sHome app : which based on the above, many will be using fingerprint/pin/card to access instead of bluetooth.

[ more locks will be commented on over time, and feedback appreciated if above is not the fact! ]

Hummingbird

Over the years, we have customers who wanted to fit digital locks on room doors. 

• Residential premises:
  - a study room where important documents are usually kept
  - a bedroom where privacy is needed
  - a storeroom or a walk-in wardrobe where valuables may be kept (or even a wine cellar)
  
  When the premise is tenanted, or you have a helper or maid, or when friends/relatives frequently stay over, a digital lock is a very effective way to keep things out of view (and access) up front - than to suspect when things are lost or privacy intruded.
  
  Or if you are a tenant, you want to install a digital lock that can be reversed when you vacate.
  
  
• Small businesses or company departmental use:
  - rooms that has to be locked at all the time as they are reserved for special usage and authorised people, houses important equipment or documents for a project, or just for the few VIPs
  
  Customer examples include: storeroom in F&B industries, reserved-used toilets , reservation only meeting rooms and nursing rooms.
  
  

Requirements for these locks may fall under the following:

• simple to use and administer by home owner or the secretary
• fingerprint for more secured applications (where pin code and card access may be inadvertently compromised)
• dust and water resistant (eg. toilets)
• easily reversible (if you rent the premise, the lock can be removed, and the previous mechanical lock re-instated, and leaves no hole on the door)

In addition to our company's manufacturing defect warranty (local), our policy of "Don't pay if it does not fit" is something that is of incredible value to Singapore buyers. This protects the buyer from risk of buying online and pay for it only to find out their door does not allow the lock to be fitted. 

Take the recent cases of customers who are sold a Gateman Z10 variant by sellers based in Korea - only to realise upon receiving the goods and contacting us that the lock will not fit the their door.

These cases arise from the following factors:

• most Korean based sellers sell a variety of products -from hair dryers to cosmetics with digital locks thrown in i.e. they are not digital lock specialists and they have little accountability because they are based overseas and they are not contactable by phone or email 
• the seller made a mistake in sending the product (sometimes we understand they are out of stock on one model and the seller just ship out another look-alike model to fulfil the order on the assumption that you will accept )
  ​
  They have no idea what they are selling, who they are selling to, and the local installation requirements. All risks are shouldered by the buyer. 

If you are the 10% affected by the above, you would have cherished our ""Don't pay if it does not fit" policy but it is too late if you read this after receiving the (wrong) lock (variant).

Going with our company with local presence and expertise on digital locks is a safer approach. 

What batteries to use? What to do if the batteries run out of juice? These are the two most commonly asked questions by new buyers and also existing users.

Here are simple practical answers for batteries for digital locks:

1. What batteries type to use?
   
   Use 4 x AA-size alkaline batteries. Sometimes the lock allows up to 8 pieces (when the lock is equipped with remote control or bluetooth option. If your lock can work with 4 pieces then stay with 4 pieces. Risk of battery leaks are lower with fewer batteries so don't put more than required.
   
   You do not need the more expensive lithium batteries because the locks do not discharge high currents like your flashlight, cameras and other high speed motorised gadgets. You should not use rechargeable batteries (because manufacturer says so).
   
   
2. What brand of batteries?
   
   We are not intimately familiar with each battery brand and the supply chain. We can however put on our thinking hats and rationalise along the following lines to minimise chances of battery leaks:
   - buy from high traffic​ outlets (supermarkets, petrol kiosks) on the assumption that the batteries have not been on the shelf for a long time (alternatively you can try interpreting the dates on the batteries)
   - buy normally priced batteries and avoid heavily discounted batteries or batteries priced very low
   
   We think Energizer Max at NTUC supermarket could be decent brand to use. Avoid Eveready, IKEA and GP batteries.
   
   
3. What if the batteries run out of juice?
   
   Fear not as this has been a design consideration since the first iteration of digital locks from many years ago. When the battery is low (and requires replacement within the week), the lock will play a melody and there is also a visual indicator. In the event you miss all these indicators (say when you are away on vacation), and the batteries are completely depleted, just get a 9V battery from the supermarket and plug it in from the outside to give it enough power for you to unlock using one of the access methods (pin etc.).
   ​

Hummingbird

See pictures below for AA size and 9V Energizer Max alkaline batteries.
​