Topic: "smart locks" that can be opened by iPhones or Android phones anyone?

I am looking at installing these, and I was wondering if you would share any experiences good or bad, including the brand. Thanks so much

I've not used them at my properties...mainly because of cost...but I do have them on my home. Ours are Yale with electronic touch-pad code entry and has the ability to be remote opened via app. It also has a regular key mechanism. I've had it for two years with no problem. Battery has to be changed about once a year. It's a lifesaver - no worries about lost key. We don't even carry the keys. I'm pretty sure if I were to implement on a property, I would not give the key to the resident, just a code with a separate code for management/maintenance. You can pull logs to see what codes were used and when, should there ever be a question of improper entry. From a property management standpoint, I can see it being a real time & money saver... no more after-hours lockouts. Resident can remote open for guests, deliveries, etc if they choose. You'll have to be meticulous about changing codes at turn, but the process is simple and quick. You'll have to make sure also that residents let you know as soon as the low-battery indicator starts beeping. (You have about 3 days to change the battery before it dies at that point. One thing I have not considered or looked into is how easy it would be to hack.

We're planning to in a university sub-market.

Just installed Kwikset's Kevo on my home to test it. I already had Kwikset locks on the other doors so it was a natural starting place. Management/maintenance like Kwikset for their re-key ease.

Works well enough with my iphone 6s. mini ipad & my old Samsung Galaxy SIII (android), but at present the lock only comes with two(2) digital keys. Additionals cost a couple bucks each. I added another and for me that process was easy.

Kevo Plus is their remote access solution (e.g. someone's at the door, you're not, but you can go online to open the lock remotely etc.). I've not gotten around to that part, but understand it comes with a one-time fee. Guessing if we buy hundreds at a whack we'll realize some unit-cost & service-cost discounts. Sorry, I'm not that far down the road yet.

Jeff

Chiming in from Schlage! We actually offer a variety of advanced keyless solutions for renters as well as homeowners, including the Schlage Control Smart Locks with ENGAGE Technology. Specifically designed for multi-family properties, Schlage Control Smart Locks reduce time on maintenance and overall management costs. Schlage Control Smart Locks allows multifamily residents to use their phones as keys via third-party application. Accessed with a simple app, each lock can be intuitively managed using a mobile device to provide accessibility for residents. If you’re looking into residential locks, Schlage’s Sense Smart Deadbolt has an easy 3-step out-of-the-box installation, and makes for a quick weekend DIY project. Designed to work with Apple HomeKit technology, the Schlage Sense system gives you the flexibility of entering your home using the lock’s illuminated touchscreen or with their iPhone. HomeKit also lets you control the Schlage Sense lock with your voice using Siri.

Electronic locks are a great addition to a community...when they work.

We have the Schlage BE367 on all our apartment doors. The system is pretty straight forward and makes Maintenance life a lot easier during turns, lockouts, pretty much any key issue is simplified. They are not without their flaws though. Batteries die randomly (without any indicator other than one that is the same as a miss read of an iButton) leaving you with continued lockout situations, if the battery level is low it will loose it's date and time rendering it almost useless until you reprogram it. No matter what they say, the Batteries only last 6 months.... buy a lot of 9V Batteries, you'll need them.

They partnered with Stratis Sphere to handle the programming of iButtons and locks but Stratis isn't really designed to handle high rises. We have a 13 story community with a 24hr front desk and using Stratis has been an extreme challenge from day one, I wont go into details here but be prepared for a lot of angry residents while you work out the kinks.

All in all I like the electronic locks, just be prepared to fill in the gaps that Schalage and Stratis left on the table when designing it.