Biometric locks and fingerprint security is designed to make our lives more convenient since there's no need to remember to take keys or remember passwords.

But what should you know about fingerprint readers before you decide whether to use them?

Security has become a multi-million dollar industry because everybody needs to use the services.

Multinational businesses and individual households will all employ the services of the security industry.

The main reasons many people don't consider using security devices like biometric fingerprint locks and biometric security locks is because they are expensive and also perceived as not reliable.

These concerns all need to be addressed so here are the answers in this blog.

1. Aren't biometric locks difficult to fit?

Modern biometric fingerprint locks are actually very easy to install. They come in kit form containing everything that you need to use to fit the fingerprint reader. Installing these biometric security locks is about as difficult as attaching a conventional lock.

The only real difference is that a small control panel for the fingerprints will be mounted on the door or just at the side of it.

2. What can cause a false reading with biometric locks?

A false reading is when a fingerprint reader incorrectly identifies someone as being someone else. This is very rare with high quality equipment.

The way all fingerprint scanners work on biometric fingerprint door locks is by comparing the fingerprints and matching a number of different points.

The more points which match, the more likely the people are the same.

It is possible to reduce this threshold level to make the machine much less sensitive. If this is the case then this can quite easily result in a false reading.

3. How accurate are biometric locks?

Fingerprints are unique and so these fingerprint readers on biometric safe locks and biometric fingerprint locks are very accurate. The accuracy of each model will differ however the possibility of one misrecognising someone is extremely rare.

4. Can manuals be sometimes difficult to read?

Some of the cheaper units are imported directly from China; this means that the manuals can be difficult to understand.

The slightly better units do have better instructions.

To get around this it is advisable to have a professional install the unit for you if you are buying biometric home locks for yourself or write up a better manual if you are planning to resell.

5. Is the biometric locks software any good?

These biometric door locks are run using computer software. Many of these are networked or can be hooked up to a computer for programming. Networked biometric security locks make it very easy to adjust security on the fly.

The software will allow you to add new users, and manage existing users. Different types of fingerprint scanner come with different software. You will have to try out the different pieces of software until you find your favorite.

6. How difficult is it to install biometric locks?

Installing biometric home locks is actually no more difficult than installing conventional locks. You will only need to provide a power source and also sometimes network access.

Actually installing biometric home locks involves drilling the holes in the door as normal and then fitting the lock. Once everything is fitted you will then need to use the software to program the unit.

7. How long does installing a fingerprint reader take?

Installing a fingerprint reader is very simple and shouldn't take any longer than a normal door lock.

8. How long does it take to set up the software for biometric locks?

Setting up the unit using the bundled software should be very easy. You just need to run the software with the scanner connected and then start adding units. Many units have network connections which means you don't need to move and plug the machine into your computer every time.

9. Do biometric locks require certain voltages?

Every fingerprint lock is different and so you must make sure you are providing the correct power to the unit.

Most of these either use batteries or are powered off the mains voltage. This makes connecting the power very easy.

10. Can grease prevent correct readings on biometric locks?

If you have grease or any dirt on your hands then this can prevent the fingerprint being read properly by the fingerprint reader. In this case you will need to clean your finger and then try again.

11. Do these biometric locks still work when it's cold?

The cold does nothing to affect fingerprints and so the fingerprint reader will work well throughout the year. You will however have to take gloves off though!

12. How long does it take for a biometric fingerprint door lock to work?

It doesn't take long at all for a fingerprint lock to correctly identify you and open the door. It should take under a second for the door to unlock which means you don't have to waste time waiting around.

13. What are the common applications for biometric devices?

Biometric devices are becoming very popular and are found on computers, door locks and clocking in clocks. There are many more potential uses for these and they will probably find their way into cash points and shop terminals in the very near future.

14. How much will fingerprint locks cost?

Fingerprint readers are very reasonably priced these days, a high quality unit shouldn't set you back more than a couple of hundred bucks.

15. What happens if there is a power cut?

Fingerprint readers require electricity to work properly; if the power is cut then most people want to know how they can get in and out of the door.

There should always be some form of failsafe override including either battery backup, or a key. This means that you will always be able to open your door even if there's no power.

Now you should be more than aware about how biometric locks and fingerprint devices work. Now get out there and start buying.