The Key in Weave Living Properties
There’s a popular movement going on in busy city centers like Hong Kong: the rise of share living spaces brands. For rental brand operators to optimise the living experience, they need to find more convenient ways to control access across multiple properties for their large number of residents as well as staff.
There’s a popular movement going on in busy city centers like Hong Kong: the rise of rental brands. For rental brand operators to optimise the living experience, they need to find more convenient ways to control access across multiple properties for their large number of residents as well as staff.
Weave Living is Asia Pacific’s leading owner, developer, and operator of rental accommodation, offering hassle-free city living in many prime locations. The company strives to bring individuals together in inspiring spaces, allowing them to thrive in an urban environment.
It provides a range of long- and short-term rentals including Weave Suites, which emulate a stay on the concierge level of a luxury hotel; Weave Residences, which are like traditional apartment rentals; and Weave Studios for co-living accommodations popular with millennial types. Within these properties, Weave Living’s residences boast a range of living options such as furnished apartments with private kitchens and bathrooms, and private studios with shared spaces like kitchens, living rooms, workspaces, and gyms.
To maximise its residential and staff experience, Weave Living realised its need for a keyless entry system. It required a system that would allow residents and staff alike to enter and exit living units and shared spaces like main entrances, gyms, rooftops/terraces and meeting rooms without mechanical keys. Managing traditional mechanical keys with rental residents who might only live in a property for as little as a month would be nearly impossible. Additionally, the use of mechanical keys would pose a significant security risk considering that lost keys are amongst the most serious security breaches. Consequently, it was clear from the offset that an electronic access control system would best serve Weave Living’s residential properties.
“SALTO KS enables the freedom of movement between properties for staff and residents with a single credential” - David Lee, SALTO Systems Business Unit Manager, Greater Bay Area and Taiwan.
Weave Living was committed to finding a true cloud solution. It found its ideal solution in SALTO KS’ ‘Keys as a Service’ access control management platform. SALTO was the perfect partner for Weave Living owing to its smart solution offerings that catered seamlessly to Weave Living’s wide range of property types.
The solution provides a flexible, cloud-based access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. An online device with internet connection is its only necessity. The key benefits of the SALTO KS cloud-based solution include: very little maintenance; scalable to any number of doors or properties; and extreme reliability. Property management can easily oversee the electronic locks on doors from any device – a phone, PC, or tablet – and residents can conveniently access their homes with a smartphone. Ultimately, this system eliminates the hassle, cost, and security worries associated with lost mechanical keys.
“SALTO makes it easy to manage users and access groups on SALTO KS remotely without physically presenting an access card, key fob, or smart device” - Juliana So, Weave Living Systems Manager.
SALTO Systems Business Unit Manager, Greater Bay Area and Taiwan, David Lee, said that when Weave Living and SALTO representatives first met, it was apparent that Weave Living placed a very high priority on using technology to drive a better user experience for their residents. Furthermore, SALTO KS is integrated with Weave Living’s PMS provider. As such, SALTO KS delivers a convenient digital key that residents can access from their smartphone within the same mobile app where they read news feeds, sign up for events, and make maintenance or housekeeping requests.
“Whether it’s using the SALTO key fob or integrating with the Weave Living mobile app as a digital key via Bluetooth to access doors, we have been able to create a great experience for our residents and our Weave Living staff members,” said Weave Living Systems Manager, Juliana So.
Another key benefit of SALTO KS is the ability to block access remotely, “In the case of a lost or stolen phone, one of our staff can remotely block access for that digital key and either install a new key on one of the resident’s other mobile devices or issue a SALTO key fob until they can replace their phone. The SALTO system even allows senior Weave Living staff to access multiple properties with just one digital key on their smart device,” explained So.
On a final note, SALTO KS, coupled with the elegant selection of SALTO electronic locks, is the perfect access control solution for the sleek Weave Living decor – comparable to luxury hotels. On this theme, So said, “the SALTO locks are stylish and blend in really well with our beautifully designed homes.”
Weave Living will continue to incorporate the latest SALTO smart locking technology as they expand across Hong Kong and into additional markets like Singapore and Australia. For any global gateway city – good, quality, and professionally-managed rental accommodation is the key to keeping the city competitive and attracting the best international talent to the city.
Take a look at the SALTO KS page for more information on this cloud-based access control solution. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, updates, and news from the industry.
SALTO Systems develops and manufactures advanced and reliable wireless electronic locking and access control smart solutions that provide a smoother, more comfortable, and secure daily life for the people using our systems. We bring added value to our clients, making it easier for decision-making and smarter management of facilities. Our goal is to not only be within the top three companies in our sector in the world, but to also be your number one smart electronic access control provider. As an organization, we intend to create an ecosystem of end users, clients, partners, collaborators, and suppliers with whom we build long-lasting, win-win relationships guided by closeness, flexibility, integrity, and trust.
SALTO joins digital nomad communities celebration at Bansko Nomad Fest
In the last week of June, more than 300 digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers made their way to a quaint mountain town in Bulgaria to take part in the Bansko Nomad Fest.
In the last week of June, more than 300 digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers made their way to a quaint mountain town in Bulgaria to take part in the Bansko Nomad Fest. With inspiring speakers, interactive workshops, community events, and lots of time in nature, the week-long festival was a true celebration of the location-independent lifestyle. Digital nomadism has already been on the rise in recent years, but with the increase in remote work opportunities, the community is set to explode. According to The Economist, by 2035, there will be 1 billion digital nomads in the world.
As one of the main partners of the event, our team at SALTO Systems was able to experience the magic behind the nomad community in Bansko first-hand. Previously, Bansko has been known for its ski slopes and old town, but over the last five years, it has become a notable hot spot for digital nomads, drawing in location independent travellers from all over the world and all year-round.
In order to create a customer-centric experience with our products, we believe in the importance of getting to know our end users and understanding their personal experiences, desires, and needs. At Bansko Nomad Fest, we were able to do just that. Coliving and coworking are all about connection, and having the opportunity to connect with the people who use our products daily in the stimulating festival environment was especially impactful.
To find out all the key takeaways from the event, we reached out to our Think Tank Partner, Leah Ziliak, Founder of The Coliving Consultant and a digital nomad herself.
Read ahead for Leah’s on-the-ground experience of Bansko Nomad Fest!
So, how did a ski resort town in the middle of Bulgaria become one of the top digital nomad destinations?
In 2016, Uwe Allgäuer and Matthias Zeitler founded Coworking Bansko, with the intention of not only building a top-notch coworking space but developing a real community around it. The results have been pretty incredible. Now, with multiple locations and 100+ members at any given time, Coworking Bansko has been able to foster an environment that supports entrepreneurs and remote workers, while cultivating an incredibly close-knit community.
With its picturesque location at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, it’s easy to see the allure of spending time in Bansko, but the real undeniable draw here? The community of Coworking Bansko.
Coworking Bansko has crafted its own unique community experience, one that makes its members feel at home right away. It’s not unusual for members to come for a week or two and end up staying for a few months or years. That’s the power of the community built in just these past few years.
Wanting to open the experience up to a larger audience, Coworking Bansko decided to create a festival to celebrate the location independent lifestyle and connect on an even bigger scale, and with that, Bansko Nomad Fest was born.
With attendees from over 30 different countries, the festival drew in crowds from all over the world. Israel and Italy also participated with their own Digital Nomad communities to join the international nomads who flocked to the festival. With 48% of attendees being women, it's clear that the work-from-anywhere trend is growing among female entrepreneurs and remote workers.
The festival itself was jam-packed with activities all week long, including professional events and workshops, alongside more community-based activities like bonfires, karaoke competitions, quiz nights, horseback riding, and pool parties. But, even during a quiet week at Coworking Bansko, you’ll find an entire schedule of events. With yoga classes, community dinners, skill shares, game nights, group hikes, and more, there are plenty of opportunities for members to connect on a daily basis. No matter your interests, there’s always something you can participate in.
With a strong interest in the coliving and coworking sector, the team at SALTO Systems had been hearing the buzz about Bansko for a while now and wanted to experience it first-hand. Nomad Fest was the perfect opportunity to connect with users and be fully immersed in the community.
SALTO Systems’ Christian Schmitz, Global Lead of Shared Living and Workspaces, and Cate Maoilini, Community and Partnership Manager, presented their talks on The Freedom of the Cloud’ and Growth in Tech in the CO to the main stage audience. Bringing technology to the shared living and working experience is all about creating both a sense of connection and a sense of freedom. Both SALTO presentations took an in-depth look at the user journey experience and the tech needed within the coliving and coworking industries. From communication tools to cloud-based keyless access solutions, the duo discussed how properly integrated technology has the potential to improve the customer experience from the very first touchpoint to the last.
Additional highlights of the week included SALTO’s Sharing Is Caring workshop, bringing together festival participants to collaborate and find solutions to real-life issues they were facing. Along with a Virtual DJ Party, various networking events, and impromptu meetups, SALTO was able to provide their own community experiences and bring further awareness to the possibilities that tech solutions can have within the industry.
Digital Nomads are on the cutting edge of all types of industries: travel, tech, coliving, and coworking to name a few. They’re not the average traveller. Nomads have a very unique set of needs and a unique set of values. They are experience-driven and with a location independent lifestyle, strongly prioritize freedom, which is part of the reason SALTO’s access control solutions are such a powerful tool within the coliving and coworking industry/sector.
One of the things that stands out most while spending time in Bansko is the collaborative, supportive spirit that exists within the community. The personal connections derived from coliving and coworking are immense, but the benefits extend even beyond that. Being surrounded by a group of people with different mindsets and backgrounds allows for an incredible amount of personal growth opportunities.
The sharing economy is about more than just coliving or coworking together. It’s about combining skills, creating together, and sharing experiences that can enhance life in real tangible ways.
One of the biggest trends in coliving right now is the rise in rural and destination-based coliving experiences. Places like Bansko are proving that there’s so much value in a community. As a coliving or coworking operator, if you’re able to create an experience that’s truly unique, people will travel around the world to be part of it. On top of that, rural areas tend to offer a lower cost of living, access to nature, and an enhanced quality of life that you simply can’t find in major cities around the world.
As the remote workforce increases, people are becoming more and more conscious about where they choose to live. If you can work anywhere, you can live anywhere too, right? It’s clear that the number of digital nomads will rise in the next several years. The numbers speak for themselves; an estimated 17 million people aspire to become nomads in the future. Analysts say that by 2035, there will be 1 billion digital nomads in the world.
As for those that are already living the nomad life in Bulgaria, and in various hotspots around the world? They are early adopters of the shared living/working experience and part of a rapidly-growing demographic.
Bansko offers community, ease of living, and the freedom to experience the world a little differently, factors that will one day become the norm. SALTO Systems has the ability to make a real impact within these communities by enabling seamless experiences and creating opportunities for connection through their solutions.
Christian Schmitz put it best, “Community is the key.”
What is the Next Generation of Smart Locks - What is it?
In a new video collaboration by SALTO and Group337 we dive deeper into what we believe "The Next Generation of Smart Locks" will be.
In a new video collaboration by SALTO and Group337 we dive deeper into what we believe "The Next Generation of Smart Locks" will be. The purpose of this collaboration is to spark a conversation—a change. We are hoping to help start a new language for the industry, and if we agree that the smart lock industry has entered into its next generation, we should agree we need to look, say, and act next generation.
In part 1, we are diving into the difference between smart, connected, motorized, and mechanical and what the next generation of smart locks will need to stay relevant.
In part 2, we will tackle the value beyond locking and unlocking. And in the finale, part 3, we reimagine door openings and our relationship with entering and exiting.
We plan to cover the different verticals such as single-family, multifamily, and commercial locks. We will speak to all of them generically and high level enough that what we discuss applies to all use cases. There are fundamental functionality and value creation that work across all verticals in the Next Generation of smart locks, and we want to cover them here.
Of course, this is just the beginning, and we can't cover it all in such a short amount of time, but we will do our best.
All right, let's get into it part one.
It is important to note a clear difference between smart, connected, motorized, and mechanical locks. Unfortunately, we sometimes mix them all and conflate their abilities.
If we are honest, most of the electronic locks on the market today are not smart. What they are, is connected. We went from mechanical to motorized, motorized to connected, and we still haven't gotten to what we all want, which is smart.
But we are getting there. One of the most significant barriers to our industry boarding a rocket ship and seeing that hockey stick growth and adoption we all expected to see by today is that we have not innovated the smart lock (enough). We have only iterated the mechanical lock. Motorized and connected were feature iterations off of mechanical. So think about it, we as an industry said, "what if the door opened itself? Well, if it's locked, that won't work, so let's automate the unlock function." So we went and took the same mechanical lock that we had before, updated it a bit, and integrated a motor into it.
Is it an advancement? Yes, no doubt. But it was not very smart.
Then the market and ecosystem said, "We'd like to take your motorized lock and have our system lock and unlock it. We want to control it." We also said, "wouldn't it be cool if we could lock and unlock via our phone or watch?" 100%.
And we were happy to do it, so we took the same motorized lock and added some radios and gave the ability for it to connect to other systems... introducing the connected lock.
Some marketing departments and analysts got excited and dubbed it "smart locks," but unfortunately, once the cool factor wore off and the inability to drive a consistent experience became a reality, what we ultimately had was a connected lock that, frankly, wasn't so smart.
But that is ok because, like many things, the market is shifting. New technology is being introduced.
As a result, new players are interested in the market, and end-user demand has increased, resulting in a renewed interest in smart locks.
So what does the next generation of smart locks look like?
- It is a reimagined platform—all of it, including the hardware.
- It is not a feature of a mechanical lock like a brass finish. It is its entity.
- Some use cases and end game functionality are unknown, which is ok because it is part of an ecosystem. It is an ingredient to a much larger solution.
- It is a software product with hardware that supports the experiences desired by end-users versus administrators and installers.
- It has safety at the core and safety as table stakes. It is a given and includes cybersecurity as well as hardened physical security.
- A team supports it focused on it day in and day out, not as a side hustle.
- It is a product line understood by leadership with the same importance and expectations as its mechanical brothers and sisters.
- Business plans are not predicated solely on yesterday's metrics.
- Distribution and hardware sales are not the only measures of success. It is time for a new spreadsheet.
- Hardware is used to grow the platform's adoption to unlock software potential exponentially, not get in the way of said growth.
The smart lock is this and many other things. But, more or less, the smart lock of today and tomorrow is a complete re-imagination. And those with curiosity and imagination will unlock it.
Contact us if you have any questions on the SALTO product range or visit our website located here for information on all things SALTO. We look forward to helping!
Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, updates, and news from the industry.
SALTO Systems develops and manufactures advanced and reliable wireless electronic locking and access control smart solutions that provide a smoother, more comfortable, and secure daily life for the people using our systems. We bring added value to our clients, making it easier for decision-making and smarter management of facilities. Our goal is to not only be within the top three companies in our sector in the world, but to also be your number one smart electronic access control provider. As an organization, we intend to create an ecosystem of end users, clients, partners, collaborators, and suppliers with whom we build long-lasting, win-win relationships guided by closeness, flexibility, integrity, and trust.
The world’s largest coliving gathering: Co-Liv Summit 2021
A common denominator for all pioneers is that they don’t stop for anything until they reach their goal. This is also the case with SALTO’s partner Co-Liv.
A common denominator for all pioneers is that they don’t stop for anything until they reach their goal. This is also the case with SALTO’s partner Co-Liv. This May they held the world's largest coliving gathering and even a global pandemic couldn’t stop them from making this online event a huge success.
As residential communities that host like-minded people, coliving has become a welcome solution to the growing desire to live in communities and the lack of individual real estate possibilities. This popular housing concept is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, developers and professionals to contribute with smart technology and new innovations.
SALTO believes in a future built by people, that enhances the way we live and work by technology. A human-centered future that benefits from smart innovations that supports a healthy lifestyle, whether that’s in an office, a shop or a shared living space.
If you have been keeping an eye on the SALTO LinkedIn and Instagram accounts, you are probably familiar with SALTO’s biggest partner in the coliving industry, Co-Liv: a global association of coliving professionals that have the same beliefs on the future of living as SALTO.
Co-Liv unites those professionals who are looking to make a difference in the coliving experience. They believe that together, they steer the coliving movement towards an independent, flourishing, and stakeholder-centered industry that creates value for residents, cities, neighborhoods, operators, investors, and real estate owners alike.
The theme of the Summit was “Laying down the foundations for the future of coliving” and to date is the largest coliving gathering ever held.
On day one Alexander Rosdorff, Global Technology Partner & Integrations Lead at SALTO Systems was a panel member together with fellow industry experts Ari Dinar, Oscar van Wel, and Dimitri Belin, for the insightful discussion 'Deep dive into the coliving tech ecosystem’. The summit was topped off by the very first edition of ‘The Coliving Awards’ live-streamed from Paris, where SALTO’s Christian Schmitz, Global Lead, Shared Living and Work Spaces, and head of tech at Co-Liv, acted as a jury member and simultaneously accepted the award for ‘Best Sponsor’ in name of SALTO Systems.
"I believe that when you are together and you share information, doubts, fears, successes, and more, very strong bonds are created and this will remove many of the current roadblocks in the coliving movement." - Christian Schmitz, Head of Tech at Co-Liv and global Shared Living lead at SALTO Systems
By bringing the whole ecosystem together during the summit, Co-Liv has empowered the movement to grow even further. Small and big players now feel more connected and part of something bigger. With this summit, the word ‘Coliving’ has for once and for all evolved from just a buzzword to a word with meaning.
"This event was a great opportunity to learn about the often overlooked aspects of technology in Coliving, and bring them to light. Integrations being a vital part of this. Choosing the right integrations is essential to create a thriving community, and I enjoyed diving into this important aspect at the summit." - Alexander Rosdorff, Global Technology Partner & Integrations Lead at SALTO Systems
It was an honor to be part of this celebration which casts a much-deserved spotlight on the coliving community.
"This event showcased the core values that we strongly share with Co-Liv which are to educate, empower and connect. These are values that are still felt strongly by the whole coliving ecosystem. Winning the award at the Coliving Awards was the perfect ending to this incredible event.” - Caterina Maiolini, Community and Partnership Manager for Shared Living and Workspaces at SALTO Systems
To conclude this article SALTO would like to congratulate all winners, finalists, and nominees, particularly our partners: Co-Liv for their Ambassador Programme, OurDomain by Greystar, on their awards, and lastly, the winner of the PropTech and ConTech award for which Christian acted as jury member: Hmlet Coliving Software.
Co-Liv has just released a comprehensive report on the key highlights, exclusive industry statistics, key insights from panel discussions, and much more! Make sure to download the report through this link if you want to read exclusive insights from the world’s largest coliving gathering.
SALTO Systems develops and manufactures advanced and reliable wireless electronic locking and access control smart solutions that provide a smoother, more comfortable, and secure daily life for the people using our systems. We bring added value to our clients, making it easier for decision-making and more innovative management of facilities. Our goal is to not only be within the top three companies in our sector in the world but also to be your number one smart electronic access control provider. As an organization, we intend to create an ecosystem of end-users, clients, partners, collaborators, and suppliers with whom we build long-lasting, win-win relationships guided by closeness, flexibility, integrity, and trust.
Spotlight on a Cloud Team: Australasia
We are excited to announce a new blog post series on SALTO KS: Spotlight on a Cloud Team. This series was inspired by the incredible KS Cloud champions/teams working together around the globe with only one common goal: To make this world a key-less one! In this series, we shine the spotlight on these teams across the world in order to showcase their daily work and motivation behind cloud-based access control.
For our very first post, we feature our KS cloud team down under, at SALTO Systems Australasia, i.e. Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands. We interviewed Channel Manager, Steven Strang, who gave us insight into their cloud team, and their journey with cloud-based solutions.
What are three words you would use to describe SALTO KS?
Cloud = the future
Which successes with SALTO KS are you most proud of? What is your favourite KS project?
My favourite project was my first one at the HWT Tower in Melbourne with IWG, it was my first KS project and I did the commissioning of the site, a very proud moment.
What is your favourite thing about working in the cloud team of SALTO?
What I love about the Cloud team is there are no glass ceilings, you can pick up the phone to anyone in the team at any time (benefits of global ☺️) and everyone steps up to help, whether it’s to close a deal, fix an issue or investigate new possibilities.
What can be a challenging aspect of selling SALTO KS?
Waiting for reality to catch up with the possibilities that are being presented daily in the market.
Which cloud product would you like KS to be integrated with, and why?
Smart Building Software helping to streamline and automate the environmental controls of a building in conjunction with access control. With the access control linked to lighting, power, air-conditioning and general servicing, I believe having them on one platform will greatly enhance the experience for the end-user. This would be in conjunction with providing a simple, powerful and efficient management tool for the building manager. This would enhance the KS engagement with existing and potential clients in balance with today’s (and tomorrow’s) IoT world.
At the Clay office, we have SALTO KS installed on our main door, meeting rooms and storage, so the Clay team uses SALTO KS on a daily basis. Are you also a regular user of KS, besides demos at sales meetings?
At the Australasian offices, we have SALTO KS installed on our main door, meeting rooms and storage, so the team uses SALTO KS on a daily basis along with functional integrations with Eagle Eye.
We would like to thank Steven and the entire SALTO Systems Australasia team for featuring in our first Spotlight on a Cloud Team blog post and for sharing with us their thoughts and experience as a KS cloud team!
Follow SALTO Systems Australia and New Zealand on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and keep track of this ambitious team. Go to their website for more information or to get in touch!
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
Kndrd: On a Mission to Change the Way People Live ?
At SALTO KS we care a whole lot about Coliving. We think it's important to change the world together. That's why we partnered up with several organizations that are disrupting the Coliving movement.
Every few weeks you can expect a blog post that will highlight the point of view of one of those Coliving movement disruptors.
We kick off this project with Kndrd, a coliving movement for driven and successful entrepreneurs who are committed to growing their businesses to ultimately make the world a better place:
It’s never easy being one of the first to do something.
Especially in such a nascent industry.
Since we launched a year ago, Kndrd has been about redefining the way the world lives. We don’t think it’s okay to be ‘just okay’ with how your life is going. Everything, from your job to your home to your relationships, should be valuable and incredible.
And for this reason, we believe that it comes down to optimizing every aspect of housing, especially in major cities around the world.
Commuting an hour or two into the city center for work each day? Spending time with people who don’t uplift and inspire you? Feeling alone and isolated without meaningful relationships? These are all issues of time and spending it wisely.
On the flip side, we want to improve the efficiency of how people live and interact with each other. Including direct integration with IoT. Technology like SALTO creates automation and a great solution to home access.
In order for most people to live in the city and save precious time on their commute, they have to sacrifice cost by paying exorbitant rent prices. And it’s out of hand.
This is what drives us at Kndrd: PEOPLE. These lives and stories deserve nothing less than amazing. So we are building the software to connect humans with a CoLiving home that serves them in all parts of their life.
We’re allowing people to travel and live globally in a way that is actually flexible and easy for the first time. Our hope is for this global interconnection to remind people that, deep down, we as humans are far more alike than we are different. And the more Kndrd is able to optimize CoLiving operations, the faster these properties can scale and serve more people.
This is what makes us tick. And the impact is profound: We can’t think of anything greater to do with a company than to help people live better.
Because, at the end of the day, that’s all we have.
Want to find out how SALTO KS can help you offer the most flexible customer experience for your tenants? Contact us and we'll be happy to show you!
-
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
Spotlight on a Dealer: Bectro Installatietechniek BV
Bectro Installatietechniek B.V. is an all-round installation company that offers access control solutions for shops, utility buildings, industrial halls, care institutions and schools throughout the Netherlands. At Bectro you can count on craftsmanship, great service and thorough knowledge. The lines and lead follow-up time is short and the price/quality ratio is excellent.
We spoke to Albert Engel about the future of access control:
SALTO KS is the one and only safe replacement for your traditional keys.
I got excited about the product during the first presentation of Clay by Salto (the former SALTO KS) on a ship on the IJ canal in Amsterdam. When I got home I immediately ordered my own demo case and immersed myself in the product.
Before we had an installer’s account, the challenge was mainly to generate a "Clay code" on the customer's phone while building the system. Now we can prepare in advance which makes a world of difference.
We have all kinds of SALTO KS clients. From a big escalator company that uses SALTO KS providing limited access to their mechanic that works on a malfunction in a locked storage, a church that needs to control access for their board and members or Coworking spaces with members that only use the app. Also, small companies and private homeowners are clients of ours.
A lot of potential clients find openings with their phone a scary thought. But mobile payment had received the same reactions when it was first introduced. People need some time to adjust to these new possibilities that might seem scary at first. The next generation will probably won’t know any better than to open their door with their smartphone. The anxiety to get hacked is also still a fear people have.
Most functionalities are very helpful, but when I show a live demo of a door opening in real-time or show how fast a tag gets blocked when it gets lost, everyone gets really excited! My personal favourite is receiving a message in real-time when my son gets home safe!
As long as an electrical solution goes through the same examination and needs to earn the same licenses as the traditional solutions, I don't see any barriers. I am sure that in the near future there will be an even bigger demand for cloud-based access control solutions.
This was a fairly logical decision for us. In a time where everybody is living life through their smartphones, it was bound to happen: Opening your home or company's doors from your phone would become a possibility. SALTO KS completes the supply to the demand by offering a unique service besides offline SVN and online RF. If you ask me cloud- and server solutions are able to function together when it concerns access control.
Even though a project needs a server solution instead of a cloud solution due to its size, I still explain the possibilities in my presentations. Often a manager or CEO of a company like the pitch and wants SALTO KS.
- Albert Engel
In terms of access control I was happily surprised when one of our clients sent me a Whatsapp message on a Saturday night saying he had actually sold SALTO KS himself! I gained a client through a client. A Saturday evening well spent!
Thank you Albert for these insightful thoughts on the future of access control!
Read more about Bectro's projects like this one at The Student Hotel in Amsterdam.
Want to find out how SALTO KS can help you scale your business? Contact us and we'll be happy to show you!
-
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
Clay’s sunset, KS sunrise
The moment we’ve been equally dreading and looking forward to at the same time has arrived: Before the end of this year we’ll be shutting down my-clay.com.
Not because our journey ended. But because it’s continuing. Right here.
Clay was born in 2012: In a little Dutch city where Xander Heijman and Rick Voogt decided to start a new company that would go on to changing the world of keys, locks and technology.
They decided to start this new company that would float on the changing the world of keys, locks and technology!
At that moment Rick was a company director at a multinational and a known name in the world of access control. Used to big and specialized projects, mainly in the Netherlands, Belgium and France. He considered himself lucky, but not necessarily happy in that role.
Xander, like a true ‘Rotterdammer' is an entrepreneur from his twenties and already (had) owned IT- and Internet companies. Entrepreneurship is the best thing that ever happened to him: A lot of hard work but in exchange the freedom to change whatever you want and do whatever you feel is necessary to make your business work.
Rick and Xander’s knowledge on how to build technology from the bottom up combined let to the birth of Clay Solutions B.V.
Xander and Rick realized they needed a partner that manufactured the physical locks; since this was certainly not their expertise. They made a plan to first make the prototype and then present it to a selection of big potential partners who could contribute a ton of knowledge. Among them was Salto Systems: Through Ricks network, the guys received a lock from this ‘locking company in Spain’. They decided to use it for the prototype.
The necessary electronics were purchased, and Rick and Xander put them in a basic Illy coffee can and developed a demo. After three months it actually worked the way they had envisioned it! There was a lock, a coffee can with electronics, a KPN SIMcard, a website, an app with which you could actually open the door with from a distance, receive a text message when the door opens and even the possibility to alter the rights instantly so you are able to block the door!
The next step was to test if the prototype would work abroad since the first demo was at Salto Systems HQ in Spain. In a restaurant in Belgium, Rick convinced the waitress he had a very important meeting in the restaurant there the upcoming month, and he needed to test a technical solution. The tests turned out great, everything worked like it was supposed to. The full management team at Salto Systems welcomed Rick and Xander with open arms and they got to present the prototype in detail.
End result: Salto was in, and not just as a technology partner but as a shareholder as well!
Just one year after they decided to conquer the world of access control, Rick and Xander found themselves in their brand-new office in Amsterdam and the Clay adventure really had started.
In 2017: SALTO Systems fully acquired Clay and became the sole owner of the company. ‘Clay by SALTO’ got rebranded to ‘SALTO KS’ (SALTO Keys as a Service), saltoks.com was born and the Clay Locking Platform (today known as KS Core) was launched. Industry leaders were now able to preserve their own interface but could still enjoy the best in cloud-based access control.
2018 was the year we got to rebrand the Clay Locking Platform to KS Core and launched the KS Connect program as well as KS Custom. Today we offer large businesses and global enterprises three solutions; SALTO KS, KS Custom and KS Core, as well as an integration program with KSconnect.
As you might have noticed last year we launched the new and improved SALTO KS website, and keep improving it by showcasing how SALTO KS is being used by a variety of customers in different verticals, from coliving to coworking and retail.
All of this would not be possible without the Bricks that make up Clay, and develop the SALTO Keys as a Service product as it is today. As the Clay team behind SALTO KS, we will remain to be the brains behind the product. Follow our journey on Instagram and/or join us along the way.
The time has come to say goodbye to my-clay.com and welcome all the new key-free adventures via saltoks.com.
Please continue to follow our journey to make this world key-free by keeping an eye on the SALTO KS blog and follow us on LinkedIn.
-
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
The Intern Diaries: Marketing Intern Adam
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
Hi, I’m Adam and for the last 6 months, I have been working at SALTO KS as a Marketing Intern. I’m 21 years old and I’m Egyptian-Austrian. I grew up in the Middle East, specifically Kuwait and Egypt. After graduating from high school 4 years ago, I made the thrilling decision to move to The Netherlands at a pretty young age. I started my bachelor program at The Haque University, studying International Business and Management. Throughout my years at university, I spent a lot of time working on marketing plans and entry strategies for both fictional and realistic scenarios. Eventually, I realized that Marketing was the career direction I wanted to pursue. Fast forward to my 7th semester and here I am, doing my marketing internship at SALTO KS!
After completing my minor in Branding and Consumer Trends in Marketing, I knew I wanted to do an internship in a similar field. I started looking for internships while I was doing my Erasmus exchange semester in Vienna. I learned about SALTO KS through a friend who noticed the internship vacancy and told me about it. After looking through the SALTO KS website, I immediately decided to apply. The main thing that captured my interest in SALTO KS was the company culture. After a few rounds of interviews, I was thrilled to find out I had received the offer to work here!
- Adam Aziz
As I said earlier, the company culture here is what mainly attracted me to SALTO KS. Because of our small size of about 35 Bricks, it feels like working with all of your closest friends. Everyone is very friendly, social, and interactive. On my first day here, everyone took the time to stop by my desk and introduce themselves. What I also really like is that the office is designed to be an entertaining workspace. We have a pool table, foosball table, and table tennis! During lunch, you’ll find me at the pool table on a daily basis. Fridays are probably the nicest at the office. When it hits about 5:00 pm, the laptops switch off, the drinks come out of the fridge, and everyone gathers around for some games. Another thing I really like about the SALTO KS company culture is that we have excursions on a monthly basis. This usually consists of barbecues, dinners, or team-building activities such as rock-climbing.
To be honest, the thing I enjoyed most about my job was the challenge of working in this professional environment. A lot of internships consist of boring work that nobody wants to do (making coffee for everyone, make copies, do groceries). Mine was the opposite: As an intern, I felt valued at SALTO KS. I was at the centre of a global sales process, a very critical aspect of my work. Also, I really enjoyed the flexibility of my job, specifically the ability to work from home. I live in Den Haag and it takes me over an hour to commute to the office every day, so having the ability to sometimes work from home is really nice.
My best day on the job was when I received an offer to continue working at SALTO KS part-time after my internship. I remember during the interviews 6 months ago, I was told that getting hired after the internship is a possibility depending on performance, so I had that set as my main goal all along. After receiving the offer, it felt great knowing that I was doing my job well enough for my colleagues to want and need me to stay.
I definitely would recommend working at SALTO KS to a friend. In fact, I already have a few times. Fellow students from my university are also looking for internships and I’ve been referring them to apply here. It’s a great opportunity for anyone.
As I mentioned earlier, my next step is to continue being a part of the SALTO KS marketing team and stay on as a part-time marketing assistant. However, I’ll also be returning to university for my final year and working on my thesis. What I’m looking forward to is that I’ll likely have my thesis sponsored by SALTO KS. Not only do I get to officially work here while studying, but I’ll also have the chance to conduct an entire thesis report about an effective business scenario for SALTO KS.
You should expect to work in a rapidly growing and innovative environment. If you’re taking on an internship that isn’t technical (marketing or sales), it would definitely help to have some technical knowledge, as a big part of the SALTO KS team consists of developers.
Adam, thank you for all of your hard work. We are proud and happy to have you as a team member a little bit longer!
Read more on being an intern at SALTO KS!
-
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
Salto’s inRoomNode Connects Smart Locks to the Guest Room Ecosystem Giving Hotel Operators More Efficiency and Control
By connecting to the Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS) panel, the Salto inRoomNode allows hotels to upgrade locks to wireless functionality
What is Salto's inRoomNode?
Salto’s inRoomNode is a smart peripheral device that connects Salto electronic smart door locks to the guest room ecosystem, allowing hotel operators the capability to improve the guest experience via more efficient and “smart” hotels.
By connecting to the Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS) panel, the Salto inRoomNode allows hotels to upgrade locks to wireless functionality. This provides advanced guest features and online access control functionality without additional infrastructure, quick and easy deployment reducing total cost of ownership for the hotel.
The inRoomNode integrates seamlessly with a wide variety of Salto wireless enable locks, which bring intelligent and dependable automation for guest rooms and operating enhancements. This provides the most reliable, cost-effective, and technologically advanced wireless guest room system for the Hospitality market.
Partnerships with leading GRMS market providers
As an access control technology provider at the forefront, Salto works with other industry leaders to provide the most comprehensive, technology-advanced solutions available. The Salto inRoomNode platform integrates with a wide range of products serving the Hospitality and diverse markets, including Interel, Telkonet, VDA, and Incom by Honeywell.
How does Salto’s inRoomNode work?
The inRoomNode sends live updates of room status from the door lock to the front desk. This gives hotel front desk staff the functionality of real-time door monitoring, showing which guestroom door is opened at what time.
Because the electronic locks are on the GRMS, other system functions – like lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems – can be controlled to work in conjunction with when the room is occupied or vacant. This can help hotels to save a tremendous amount of cost. Energy usage is one of the highest operating expenses the hotel industry incurs and remains the second-largest cost hotels have to contend with. On average, 90% of wasted electricity usage comes from the guestroom, which can be a property’s most unmanaged resource. Conservation is quickly becoming the cheapest and easiest solution to the problem.
Benefits of Salto's inRoomNode
Advanced technology that relies on Salto’s original innovation
Salto BLUEnet Wireless has been developed to meet the highest security and ease of use demands. Salto BLUEnet can be installed as an independent system or can complement Salto Virtual Network (SVN) in areas of a hotel where real-time
control is required. The Salto BLUEnet Wireless engine allows the operator to monitor live access control events. It provides the ability to unlock doors, change opening mode, activate a lockdown, monitor live door status, or change physical access rules in the access plan, all wirelessly and in real-time.
- Control and management of all access points remotely and in real-time from one or more administrator front-desk workstations.
- With a single click of the mouse, the network can be configured and changes made in real-time, including the ability to open doors remotely, emergency remote opening/locking, change door opening function mode, and room status monitoring.
- Real-time re-rooming or extended stay.
- Ability to cancel keys instantly after notice of loss, increasing staff and guest security and peace of mind. Each key is cancelled automatically after every check out.
The new inRoomNode is just the latest in Salto’s efforts to provide hospitality with comprehensive, affordable, and technologically-advanced electronic access control solutions.
