Access control is going digital – Are you ready?

For years, plastic smart cards have been the standard in access control. They’ve served organizations well – offering more flexibility and control than traditional keys. But the industry is shifting fast, and the next evolution is already here: digital credentials. 

What was once a forward-thinking concept is now becoming the norm. At Salto, we’ve seen firsthand how the transition from physical cards to mobile and digital access is accelerating – not just as a trend, but as a strategic priority for organizations around the world. These technologies have made access control more secure, convenient, and intuitive than ever before. 

From plastic smart key cards to mobile digital keys 

Salto introduced its first mobile credential back in 2010. Since then, mobile adoption has grown rapidly, especially with the arrival of BLE and NFC technologies and wallet-based credentials supported by Apple and Google. 

Mobile credentials: More than just a key replacement 

Moving to mobile isn’t just about replacing a plastic badge with a phone. It’s about delivering a smarter, more secure, and more seamless experience – one that fits into the way people already live and work. 

With Salto’s Mobile Access solutions, users can: 

• Add access credentials directly to a user, guest, resident, or visitor smartphone 
• Unlock doors with a tap of their phone or smartwatch 
• Benefit from biometric security (like face recognition) 
• Access buildings without needing to carry a physical card, they can use a phone 
• Receive or revoke access instantly, anywhere 

This is especially valuable for visitors, residents, hotel guests, and hybrid workers, where flexibility and real-time control are key. 

Face recognition access control: The next frontier in digital access 

Alongside the shift toward mobile credentials, access control is embracing new biometric innovations – with face recognition emerging as a key advancement. With XS4 Face, Salto introduces facial recognition into its access control portfolio, giving users fast, secure, and contactless authentication.  

By incorporating digital face credentials, XS4 Face uses advanced algorithms to reliably authenticate enrolled users. This delivers several key benefits: 

• Maximum security: Only authorized individuals can gain access, reducing the risk of credential misuse or spoofing. 
• Contactless: Fast, intuitive, and hygienic authentication without the need for physical contact – ideal for environments that prioritize both safety and convenience.  
• Seamless experience: Mobile enrollment takes just a few simple steps, and access is granted in seconds, eliminating queues and delays.  
• Full integration: Designed to work alongside mobile credentials, smart locks, and Salto smart access platforms for a comprehensive solution.  

This next stage of digitalization enables organizations to offer access control that is not only more secure and flexible, but also perfectly aligned with modern user expectations for convenience and frictionless technology. 

A win for users – and organizations 

Mobile credentials and facer recogniton access control technologies offer a better user experience, but they also bring clear advantages for building operators and IT teams: 

• Reduce the need for physical cards and printers 
• Lower credential management costs 
• Streamline onboarding for guests, remote workers, and temporary users 
• Strengthen overall security by linking access to verified identities 
• Simplify compliance through digital audit trails 

As organizations prioritize modern, scalable access control, mobile credentials and face recognition are becoming a cornerstone of that transformation. 

The shift is already happening 

The move from plastic to mobile is no longer just a future plan – it’s happening now. Forward-thinking organizations are adopting mobile-first strategies to meet rising user expectations and stay ahead of the curve. 

At Salto, we’re proud to lead this shift with secure, flexible mobile and face access solutions that help our partners adapt to the changing landscape of access control. 

Salto’s fully digital smart access ecosystem 

What sets Salto apart in the rapidly-evolving world of access control is our comprehensive smart access ecosystem – a fully integrated solution designed from the ground up to be mobile-first. 

Our electronic locking solutions are engineered to work seamlessly with mobile and digital credentials, enabling users to unlock doors using just their smartphones, smartwatches, or face.  

This means: 

• Smart locks with built-in mobile support: Salto locks support Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and NFC technologies, allowing for secure, wireless communication with mobile credentials and wallet keys. 

Thanks to Salto’s innovative SVN (Salto Virtual Network) technology and advanced encryption algorithms, even stand-alone electronic locks can securely support mobile credentials without the need for constant network connectivity. 

• Cloud-based: System administrators and operators can instantly issue, modify, or revoke mobile credentials from anywhere, with no need to physically swap keys or cards. 
• Interoperability across devices and platforms: Salto supports credentials on iOS and Android devices, as well as integration with digital wallets, ensuring a smooth user experience across Salto smart access platforms Space, KS, and Homelok. 
• Enhanced security and data: Every access event is logged digitally, providing detailed audit trails and stronger compliance. 
• Scalability for any environment: Whether it’s single buildings, large multi-site campuses, residential facilities, or workspaces, Salto’s mobile-enabled locking solutions adapt to any organization size and need. 

By adopting Salto’s fully mobile smart access ecosystem, organizations benefit from the convenience, security, and flexibility that modern mobile credentials provide – all backed by a trusted industry leader continuously innovating in access control technology. 

Locker locks for secure storage are also going digital 

Salto extends its mobile access innovation beyond doors to include locker locks and other types of secure storage solutions. Just like traditional door locks, Salto’s locker locks now support mobile credentials, bringing the convenience and security of mobile access to personal and shared storage areas. 

Salto smart locker mobile solutions are deal for environments such as workspaces, universities, and hospitals where secure, temporary storage is essential. Mobile credentials combined with Salto’s encryption and SVN technology ensure that access rights are always up-to-date, and only authorized users can open lockers. 

Facility managers can easily assign and revoke locker access remotely, improving operational efficiency and user satisfaction. 

Looking to learn more? Click here  to explore Salto’s smart access solutions. Make sure to follow Salto on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates.