Education

In today's world, access control is an essential part of any building's operations and security system. Smart access solutions have also evolved with the increasing need for smart buildings and the rise of cloud-based technology. However, choosing the right access control solution can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider, including cost, use case, installation size, technology, integrations, and security. 

Building operators can choose from two primary access control solutions: cloud-based access control and on-premise access control. In this blog post, we will discuss the differences between the two and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each. 
 

Cloud-based access control solutions 

Cloud-based access control solutions (ACaaS - Access Control as a Service ) store the software and all the data in the cloud. The cloud-based system allows administrators to manage and control access to their facilities, devices, and data from anywhere with an internet connection. These solutions are becoming more popular because they offer flexibility, scalability, future-proof integration capabilities, and cost savings.

Cloud-based access control solutions are hosted on remote cloud servers. This means that system operators can manage their installation from anywhere with an internet connection – and with no need for any physical infrastructure. These solutions typically involve the use of software as a service (SaaS) platforms to ensure that they are secure and up to date, which offer a range of benefits to organisations, including:

• Scalability: Cloud-based access control solutions are highly scalable, which means that buildings can easily add or remove users, locations, or other resources as needed. 
• Flexibility: One of the significant advantages of cloud-based access control is that the cloud service provider is responsible for maintaining the infrastructure. This means that organisations do not have to worry about maintaining the hardware or software required to run the access control system, increasing flexibility and system capabilities.
• Cost-effectiveness: Cloud-based access control solutions often require lower upfront costs than on-premise solutions, as they do not require organisations to purchase and maintain expensive hardware, physical infrastructure and software. 
• Integration capabilities: With cloud-based access control solutions, organisations can easily integrate their access control systems with other cloud-based services, such as video surveillance, intercom, visitor management, PMS, or intrusion detection systems. 
• Ease of use: Cloud-based access control solutions are typically designed with user-friendliness in mind, which means that they are easy to set up, configure, and use.
   

On-premise access control solutions 

On-premise access control is an access control solution where the access control infrastructure is installed and managed on-site by the organisation, with an IT Infrastructure hosted on-site. The solution consists of hardware and software installed on the organisation's servers and is accessed through a local network. 

One of the significant advantages of on-premise access control is that organisations have complete control over the solution – including the security of the infrastructure. This means that organisations can customise the solution to meet their specific security requirements. On-premise access control solutions offer many other benefits, including:

• Enhanced security: These access control solutions offer enhanced security as all access control data is stored within the organisation's own network and infrastructure, which means that there are fewer points of vulnerability. 
• Performance: On-premise access control is not dependent on an internet connection. This makes the solution more reliable and less susceptible to outages caused by internet connectivity issues.
• Control: With on-premise access control solutions, organisations have greater control over their access control systems – they can customise these systems to meet their specific security requirements. 
• Customisation: On-premise access control solutions can be customised to meet the specific needs of organisations, which means that they can be tailored to meet the unique requirements of different industries or organisations. 
• Compatibility: On-premise access control solutions are often designed to be compatible with a range of other security systems and hardware, which means that organisations can integrate them with other building management systems technologies.
   

Cloud-based vs. on-premise access control: Which is right for your organisation?

When choosing between cloud-based and on-premise access control solutions, there are several factors to consider. These include the size of the organisation, the number of locations, the industry application, the security requirements, and the integration capabilities. 

For small organisations with limited IT resources or an organisation with multiple locations, a cloud-based access control solution may be the most practical option. This is because cloud-based solutions require minimal hardware and software maintenance, reducing the burden on the organisation's IT staff. 

For larger organisations with more complex security requirements, an on-premise access control solution may be the better choice. On-premise solutions offer not only more customisation options but greater control over the entire security infrastructure.
 

SALTO’s innovative smart access solutions

SALTO offers smart access control solutions for businesses and organisations. We provide three main smart access control platforms: SALTO Space on-premise, as well as SALTO KS and Homelok cloud-based solutions.

SALTO Space:  A standalone, virtually networked, wired, and wireless online smart access control data-on-card platform.

SALTO Space is a fully-integrated, stand-alone, wire-free, smart-locking platform and web-based software management tool, with an on-premise system that brings seamless access to every door in any building in an efficient, safe, and secure way. It is a flexible and scalable access control solution that can be customised to meet the specific needs of each customer. It provides a high level of security, ease of use, and control over access to buildings and rooms.  

SALTO Space on-premise is ideal for organisations that require advanced access control functionality but prefer to manage the system on their own hosted servers. SALTO Space combines the reliability, security, and scalability of an on-premise access control solution, with the flexibility and availability of stand-alone, SVN-powered, and networked smart electronic lock technology.

SALTO KS: Scalable and flexible cloud-based smart access control solution, with best-in-class real-time capabilities.

SALTO KS (KaaS: Keys as a Service) is a scalable cloud-based Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) solution, built to fit anything from small and midsize businesses to large enterprises and multi-site organisations. It is designed to be user-friendly and easy to manage, with a simple web interface that allows administrators to manage access – from anywhere, at any time. 

SALTO KS is ideal for businesses that want a turnkey access control solution that can be easily scaled up or connected to a third-party system. SALTO KS smart access solution offers multiple ways of opening doors, including digital keys. It supports a wide range of smart, keyless access methods to improve user experience and the security of any type of building or door. It also delivers advanced security features on a fully remote and wireless cloud-based smart access management platform.

SALTO Homelok: All-in-one cloud-based smart access solution for residential living.

SALTO Homelok is a smart access solution that offers managers and owners a convenient and secure way to control access, improving security across all types of residential properties. A comprehensive and cloud-based smart access control solution, it includes both hardware and advanced software technology for the residential, multi-family, and smart-living industries. 

Homelok provides a smart, modern, easy-to-install and maintain electronic locking solution without the cost and complexity of traditional mechanical access control methods, including Apple Wallet. It is designed to secure every part of any type of residential property – from apartment unit doors to perimeter access points and common areas.

Make the best selection

Choosing between cloud-based and on-premise access control solutions can be a difficult decision, as both types of solutions offer their own unique benefits. Ultimately, the best solution for your organisation, property, or building type will depend on a range of factors, including your security requirements, use case, keyless entry method, and IT infrastructure. 

However, by considering the benefits of each type of solution, you can make an informed decision that will help you protect your facility's critical assets. With the right access control solution, you can bring smart building management into a new era of capabilities, including keyless entry, remote opening, and flexible access scenarios; users, staff, visitor, and resident access management, and more efficient building security and operations management.
 

Looking to learn more? Click here to discover more about SALTO’s smart locking solutions for smart building management, and follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram for the latest updates.

The SALTO smart locker system offers numerous benefits for managing lockers and cabinets, from enhanced security and efficiency to increased data tracking and integration.

How does a smart locker work?

Keyless access to lockers and cabinets is a rapidly expanding trend championing convenience, security, and efficiency. Our SALTO smart locker system uses electronic lock technology to allow you to lock and unlock your locker with a smart key card or smartphone. Smart locks can also be used on cabinets and parcel delivery applications, making them more secure and smarter than ever before.

Our SALTO smart locker system offers numerous benefits for managing lockers and cabinets, from enhanced security and efficiency to increased data tracking and integration options. Our electronic locker management products set new standards in security, manageability, flexibility, and design that modernise virtually any locker type. SALTO is home to a range of smart access management platforms. These include SALTO Space on-premise networked infrastructure, SALTO KS cloud-based access control platform, and GANTNER eLoxx smart locker management platforms.

With the SALTO and GANTNER smart locker system, you can create a customised experience that meets your organisation's specific needs. The system allows you to manage users, access rights, and inventory easily. Plus, it provides real-time data tracking on locker use, so you can see how many times a locker has been opened and by whom.

When it comes to managing lockers and cabinets, the SALTO smart locker system is a perfect choice — here's why.

Advantages of Salto smart lockers:

1. Enhanced security: SALTO smart locks can be securely opened by RFID, PIN code, or via a mobile device. This ensures that only authorised individuals can access the lockers or cabinets.
    
2. Easy, time-saving and convenient: With the SALTO smart locker system, users and members can quickly and easily access their assigned locker or cabinet without the need for physical keys or combinations. Users simply use their smart RFID key cards, a PIN code, or smartphone to gain access – much more convenient than traditional mechanical systems.
    
3. Increased efficiency: Eliminate wait times in crowded areas by enabling multiple users to access their assigned locker or cabinet simultaneously. SALTO and GANTNER smart locks are perfect for high-traffic areas such as universities and large workplaces.
    
4. Improved tracking: Track the usage of lockers and cabinets, providing valuable data on usage patterns, popular times of day, and which are used most frequently. This information can optimise locker and cabinet placement and inform future planning and decision-making.
    
5. Flexibility: The SALTO smart locker system can be programmed to assign and reserve lockers or cabinets in advance based on the user's preferences regarding location, calendar, user profile, or locker size. This provides a personalised experience.
    
6. Reduced maintenance costs: Smart locker systems require less maintenance than traditional locker systems, as electronic locks are less prone to damage and wear and tear. This can lead to reduced maintenance costs over time.
    
7. Customisable: Designed for both new and retrofit installations to suit specific needs, technology, and use case requirements, our locks feature a simple plug-and-play battery-operated solution. This means retrofitting existing coin or key locks is an option for any locker.
    
8. Communication: SALTO and GANTNER smart locks provide users and members with real-time communication, such as notifications of locker availability, reminders of expiration dates or reservation times, and updates on locker or cabinet maintenance with connected locking systems. We guarantee maximum security combined with maximum convenience.
    
9. Integration: Integrate with other systems such as mobile apps, cashless payment, or corporate smart cards. Build access to control systems to provide a seamless and integrated user experience.
    

SALTO offers solutions for organisations of all sizes, from smart corporate offices to coworking spaces, healthcare, education, fitness centres, attractions, leisure, and sports associations around the world. 

Are electronic lockers safe?

The SALTO smart locker lock offers protection against theft to a wide range of lockers, cupboards, display cabinets – whatever you choose. Our smart locker locks are integrated into the SALTO wire-free electronic access solution for your peace of mind.

Looking to learn more? Click here to discover more about SALTO’s smart locking solutions for lockers and cabinets, and follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram for the latest updates.
 

Modern access control systems are a crucial component of a comprehensive strategy for school, college, and university security–especially for life-threatening situations that call for emergency lockdown. Ask yourself these important questions when considering an access solution for education.

In the wake of an unforeseen security crisis, many educational facilities and institutions around the world are reexamining lockdown procedures and are conducting a thorough review of the capabilities of their school’s access control systems. And for good reason: investigations into recent tragedies have found that miscommunication, a lack of clear responsibilities and procedures, and insufficient building access for first responders were serious problems during these horrific events. 

School safety experts have been warned about the vulnerability of ineffective crisis management for decades. In recent years, billions of dollars have been spent on modernizing school infrastructure and building security, yet, today, an estimated one in four public schools in the United States lacks classroom doors that can be locked from the inside. 

Security measures in universities, colleges, and K-12 schools need to be robust and effective, yet unobtrusive. This can be a challenge for schools which have to be prepared for a variety of threats. Parents need to trust educational institutions to look after their children, so it is vital that they provide effective 24/7 security to ensure both students and staff are safe and protected at all times.

If your school district or organization is evaluating security, you should consider the following key questions when developing comprehensive lockdown procedures for any school or district. 

What are the best practices for lockdown systems in schools?

Because the size and characteristics of schools and districts vary widely across the country, a universal school safety plan or lockdown procedure does not exist. While each school might be better suited to a particular security system, require different hardware, or have specific vendor commitments, there is a set of “5P’s” that is universally applicable when it comes to security: Planning, Process, Protocol, Practice, and Prevention.
 

What are your procedures for school lockdown?

It sounds simple, but it’s vital to review your security procedures and protocols and develop a thorough understanding of every step. School administrators often want to focus on the capabilities of their access control systems and other security technologies first. But the first step should be planning and defining the process. Then, you should establish specific lockdown protocols–identifying exactly what happens (and doesn’t happen) during a live lockdown scenario. Access control systems are very important, but they are one component of an overall lockdown strategy. 
 

Who has the responsibility for instituting a lockdown and giving the all-clear?

Another crucial step is to identify not only who has lockdown responsibility and capabilities, but who is responsible for giving the “all clear” when the situation has been resolved. In addition, think about accountability: How do you measure the effectiveness of drills? This brings us to another of the 5P principles – practice. Did everyone do what they were supposed to do and at the right time? How do you know? Some access control systems give you auditing capabilities so you can objectively answer these questions. 

How will first responders access your buildings?

If all the doors to your building are locked in an emergency, how will first responders get into the school? This question is too often overlooked. Do your local first responders have physical keys to your schools? Modern access control systems offer the advanced capability of delivering mobile credentials that grant first responders immediate access for a specific amount of time, such as during a lockdown. 

What are the capabilities of your access control systems?

It is also very important to understand what your access control systems are capable of as well as what they are not capable of. Can one person lock down the exterior and interior doors of an entire school from one location? Can they do so from their mobile device, or do they have to be in an office or a certain room? Will your access control system function even if your network is down, or if the school has lost electrical power? Try to envision as many scenarios as possible. 

Do you also focus on Prevention?

Finally, the last of the 5P’s is prevention. As part of that, your access control system should restrict – or prevent – entry to school property by any unauthorized users.

Salto Systems offers cutting-edge smart access technology to businesses for a complete smart building experience.

We are now thrilled to announce that we are offering other best-in-class technology leaders the opportunity to partner with us for an integrated and improved customer offering.

Why to become a Salto Technology Partner?

Salto’s Technology Partner program empowers best-in-class technology companies to link into our access control Technology Platforms and integrate and certify their solutions within Salto's smart locking product portfolio.

As such, we are looking for third-party systems to integrate with our smart access technology architecture with the aim of improving any type of facility’s operations in terms of efficiency, flexibility, and security. Our aim is to provide you and your customers with the ultimate smart keyless living experience. 

Technology partners will benefit from these integrations by delivering comprehensive solutions that unite smart access control, security, building automation, software, property management software, operations, and more, in an all-in-one integrated technology platform.

In a nutshell, by partnering with Salto, companies can offer improved access control solutions for their customers and overall operations enhancements for complete building management.

Salto offers a range of solutions to technology partners

Through the SaltoTechnology Program, our partners will have access to the following solutions:  

• Smart access experience, delivering seamless, keyless building experiences to users.
• Wireless technology for electronic locking solutions via an on-premise network or the cloud. 
• Mobile device access and digital key solutions.

• Secure and robust performance across all products. Salto is trusted by industry-leading companies worldwide and offers this peace of mind to potential partners.

Salto’s Two Main Solutions

Salto was the early leader in cloud-based access control technology and has become a major player in keys-as-a-service providers over traditional access control solutions, accelerating digital access transformation projects. The Salto portfolio now includes world-class software management, cloud solutions, and mobile applications for businesses of all types and sizes.

• Salto Space: Technology partners can benefit from Salto’s stand-alone, virtually networked, wired, and wireless online smart access control platform
  
  Salto Space is a fully-integrated, stand-alone wire-free smart-locking platform and web-based software management system that brings seamless access to every door in any building in an efficient, flexible, safe and secure way. 
  
  Our partners are offered a smart access control on-premise platform that’s designed to work in a wire-free environment. 

Click here to learn more. 
 

• Salto KS: For a truly unique offering, Salto’s technology partners can make use of a scalable and flexible cloud-based smart access control solution with best-in-class real-time capabilities.
  
  Salto KS offers proven reliability and recognized stability for our technology partners. This service provides higher functionality and performance than what is possible with a traditional mechanical key access solution. 
  
  Our Salto KS cloud-based access control product range offers a flexible solution that requires no software installation with remote management capabilities and endless integration possibilities for our partners.

Click here to learn more. 

Technology partners: bringing excelence to customers

Technology Partners benefit from a wide product range across numerous industries

Salto Systems offers cutting-edge solutions across a range of industries, including; Commercial, Healthcare, Hospitality, Retail, Coworking, Shared Living Spaces, Corporate Smart Offices, Fitness Centers & Gyms, and Residential.

Our current partnerships include a broad range of integrated systems, such as Property Management Systems, Check-in Solutions, Mobile Apps, CCTV Security Cameras and Video Surveillance, Intercoms, Room Management Systems, Time Attendance, Booking, Management software, Visitor / Identity Management, Elevator / Lift Control, and Point of Sale software.

Technology partners are not limited by their industry by any means. SALTO Systems is confident that we can find a smart access solution for virtually an interested technology leader.
 

Technology Partners have online access to Salto’s customizable smart access technologies

Salto Systems offers an online platform for partners to customize their access solutions. Our technology partners will benefit from our extensive product portfolio for their systems integration, which includes:

• Electronic Locks and cylinders for Doors: We have an extensive range of electronic door locks that make use of wireless, keyless, card access technology, as well as a range that makes use of a keypad with a unique safety code.
• Wall Readers and Controllers: Control access with sleek, easy-to-fit wall readers that offer contactless, keyless access and control.
• Locker Locks: Safely store contents with electronic locker locks that make use of pre-programmed keyless technology to give authorized users access to the locker content.

Become a Technology Partner today

Contact Salto Systems, and we will not only demo how our product works, if you’re interested in becoming a technology partner, we’ll also discuss a truly unique integration solution. 

We are confident that our innovative and customizable technology will be able to support our certified Technology Partners so they may better their service offering. 

Technology Partners can look forward to becoming a SALTO certified technology partner to deliver even more innovation for their brand, bringing their customers so much more in the keyless living experience. 

Learn more about becoming a technology partner and sign up today

Access control plays one of the most critical roles in protecting people in educational environments. It can be used to secure and control every kind of door found throughout a campus and student accommodation, delivering peace of mind for students, staff, visitors, and parents.

From student dorms to university campuses across the world, they have all begun to take advantage of advances in mobile and smartcard technology. With this comes the ability to integrate the physical security needs of students and staff into a student card or digital key on a smartphone. By integrating electronic access control into students’ smartphones, SALTO Systems provides the most convenient and secure access for students and staff, and better control for system managers.

Let's simplify your operations, connect to your existing management tools, and ​​make access control simple and secure, helping you grant specified access to your staff, suppliers, customers, or even delivery services.
 

Y Suites delivers PBSA across Australia

Y Suites offers purpose-built student accommodations (PBSA) across multiple cities in Australia. The company’s focus is on well-being and creating a lifestyle for studying, friendships, and fun. They go out of their way to deliver a comfortable and safe experience. Y Suites is developed and owned by Wee Hur Capital of Singapore. Their primary mission is to “provide a home away from home for our students.”

The facilities at Y Suites are impressive and include shared kitchens and lounges, meeting rooms, a sky lounge, music and dance studios, gym and yoga facilities, and more. Y Suites works to ensure they deliver all of the amenities that a student could imagine.

With student experience and welfare top of mind, it was key that the Y Suites multi-site developments have a robust, operationally efficient, and integrated electronic access control system to meet student, staff, and visitor security needs across campuses with one single student card, smartphone app, or keyfob. The primary purpose of the solution was to increase student, staff, and guest security and peace of mind. 

Y Suites management focused on ensuring student safety in a way that enhanced the student experience with a seamless solution that adds convenience, and one that avoided having to replace, maintain, label, and securely store multiple keys. An electronic solution provides the opportunity to reduce operational costs and increase efficiency, oversight, and security, and is much more efficient and safer than having to replace lost or stolen mechanical keys.

The challenge Y Suites faced as they sought an electronic access provider was to find a technology that could meet the variety of the operational, integration, and safety requirements they had. They wanted the ability to program access times, zones, and access points for students, staff, and visitors. They also needed to edit access privileges, including durations in real-time, for visitors and short-term guests, contract and temporary workers, as well as staff and students. 
 

The SALTO smart access technology: Sustainable and smart keyless access student experience

Y Suites chose SALTO’s smart access technology to achieve the right balance between free-flowing access and safety

“In order to fulfill our duty of care, we have to be able to monitor and control the way that the buildings, individual rooms, and shared facilities are being accessed. We need a system that gives our students easy access, whilst at the same time enables us to ensure their safety and security,” said Y Suites Development Manager Wing Fai.

“The system has to allow us to automate processes and manage facilities” remotely in order to control costs without compromising on quality of service. Fai said. “We’re very environmentally conscious and so also need to manage energy consumption and reduce the environmental footprint of our buildings.

“All of which means that we need an EAC partner with innovative technology, the ability to integrate with our PMS (property management system) and a national and international presence. That’s what led us to choose SALTO.”

"SALTO’s Technology Partner program empowers best-in-class technology companies to link into their access control technology That’s what led us to choose SALTO".

Wing Fai

Y Suites Development Manager

SALTO’s Living Spaces Manager for Oceania Cedric Duigou described the solution that SALTO designed for Y Suites as perfect for the student and staff-focused properties.

“We used a range of SALTO technology elements incorporated into a single, easy-to-manage system that controls access to the base building and all the shared and individual spaces via a combination of wire-free, wireless, and wired online access points by balancing security with accessibility and advanced technology,” said Duigou. “The system is fully integrated with RMS, which is the PMS. This integration streamlines the student registration with student details captured once and shared between RMS and SALTO.”
 

What goes on behind closed doors? Smarter security and student safety with innovative smart student room comfort and control technology.

SALTO’s all-in-one platform gives student accommodation managers operational efficiency. 

• Easily manage access of student residences on-the-go 
• Open doors remotely 
• Restrict access 
• Live event access to audit trail data in real-time is easy and more intuitive with web-based software to view entry and exit activity - this also enables better duty of care as there is the possibility to be alerted when a student has not been active
• Manage access across multiple sites and locations in real-time and from one location
• Deliver access via the technology staff and students use daily: smartphones and student ID card
• Modern sustainable student living reducing energy consumption

To help achieve the right balance between free-flowing access and safety, operators can take advantage of SALTO’s wire-free, seamless, and smart keyless security to improve the safety of student living. 

Contact SALTO with any questions on the SALTO product range or visit the SALTO education website for information on all things SALTO. Follow SALTO on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, updates, and news from the industry.

Part of our continuous effort to support growth while maintaining performance, reliability, and predictability is defining SLO’s (Service Level Objectives). Those are meant to define the expected service between the provider and the customer. They are specific measurable characteristics such as uptime, operations, and speed. For the cloud-based access control solution SALTO KS we will explain which SLO’s we measure and why.

Uptime

Up to now, our major focal point for measuring our overall Service Level Objective has been to look at the uptime of each individual service in our ecosystem and make sure those are at least adhering to our percentage of 99.9700%. The fact that we are meeting and exceeding that percentage for quite some time now is a great achievement of which we are very proud!

So?

Well, the high uptime percentage doesn't say that much about the customer experience. With a high percentage of platform availability, SALTO KS customers will be able to reach the platform and services, and the platform will do what it is supposed to do, but it does not say anything about the performance of individual functions a typical customer uses. We decided it was time we started looking at other things to measure.

What is important to the customers?

The operations of access control are of utmost importance for our customers. Fluctuations in individual response times of endpoints (i.e. the communication points that external software programs must send a request to in order to communicate with our API) that are used to control access rules like assigning a tag (physical credential), adding or removing a user from an access group, blocking a user, and configuring offline access for a lock have a big impact on the day-to-day experience of a client may have while performing their daily tasks. 

Another important factor is the overall performance of operations that require a direct response from an IQ (Edge device), like activating an IQ in a mobile app, performing a remote opening, or generating a Digital Key. If it takes too long, users might consider it not working or at least bothersome. When changes have been made to access rules, we want to make sure that they are applied to the IQs involved as fast as possible, because only then they will have an actual effect.

Reporting

Last but not least, we want customers to be able to retrieve event information in a performant way. We have two different types of events: entries (basically openings and  rejections from locks, so large volume) and incidents (alerts like doors being left open and lock tampering, so low volume).

We know that other things happen that could make or break customer satisfaction, like installing or restoring IQs, attaching locks, and receiving notifications and we do measure them, but the four categories mentioned above are what we consider most important for the largest number of users.

What do we want to achieve and measure?

For these four types of interactions with our platform, we needed to come up with response times or maximum duration times that would be considered “good” and “natural” from a user perspective, and we should then compare those to what we are actually delivering.

As a general point, we decided that we should be able to achieve our “good” performance goals at least 75% of the time. This would obviously mean we could score less during some peak hours, but overall the customer experience would be good. We decided to measure against that over a period of 7 days to be able to clearly see fluctuations during the week.

We set the following SLO’s for each of the four types:

• Access Control operations: response time should be less than or equal to 0,5 seconds.
• Synchronous IQ operations: response time should be less than or equal to 2,5 seconds.
• Sync performance: the duration should be less than or equal to 30 seconds for Local Access Management sync, PIN sync, and Accessor/Key sync combined, and less than or equal to 5 seconds for Offline Access Key sync.

Reporting: response time should be less than or equal to 3 seconds for entry reporting and less than or equal to 1 second for incident reporting.

These SLO’s aren’t just there to give a nice overview, they’re used in day-to-day monitoring of system performance. The team is on-call 24/7 to ensure the right user experience. The SLO’s, metrics and goals are reviewed by the teams recurrently to guarantee we live up to all expectations. The dashboards are shown in the Clay office where SALTO KS is built and can be viewed “live” from any location, to guarantee each of the team members are well aware of the performance of the platform and show the direct impact of their work.

Environmental awareness among hotels, workspaces, residential living, and most smart buildings is driving significant change in the industry. Sustainability practices are now widely viewed as critical factors in the successful facility management of smart corporate and hospitality buildings.

Smart building strategies include energy efficient access control solutions. Electronic locking systems can help solve challenges in operational efficiency, security, maintenance costs, occupancy, and sustainability. 
 

What energy consumption solutions are in place to reduce the impact on the environment?

Energy usage is one of the highest operating expenses for work spaces, shared living spaces, residential and the hospitality industry. In recent weeks, the prices of gas, coal, and electricity have risen to their highest levels in decades. The energy crisis is due to an ongoing shortage of energy across the world, which is affecting many countries. 

• On average, 90% of wasted electricity usage comes from the guest room, which can be a property’s most unmanaged resource.
• A room heating, ventilation, and air conditioning  (HVAC) system can represent 70-90% of that wasted electricity!

Smart access control and in-room sensors can bring a completely new level of intelligence to a building, and, in the process, provide information that can improve efficiency and operations. Sensors are able to detect a wide range of events and can seamlessly integrate with incumbent access control and energy-saving devices.

The SALTO Universal ESD system, plus existing integrations with SALTO technology partners, allows any type of building to optimize energy consumption by turning off lighting and adjusting climate control systems when guests or users are not in the room for extended periods.

The hotel industry has historically had a significant impact on the environment through its consumption of both energy and water. As the industry is bouncing back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting sustainable initiatives is of growing importance to the hospitality industry. An energy management system can reduce a property's energy costs by 15-40% with an estimated three-year return on investment. Without such a system in place, a hotel may be at risk of unnecessarily consuming exorbitant amounts of energy.

Using smart technologies and energy efficiency programs to save energy in buildings.

A key element in a comprehensive energy efficiency program involves specifying equipment, data-driven methodology to analyze building energy consumption, and energy efficiency savings estimates and products that meet certain energy efficiency standards and sustainability policies. SALTO solutions, technology, and products meet all of these requirements. 

In innovating to meet social and environmental challenges, SALTO’s Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), recently achievement of a silver rating in the EcoVadis evaluation ranking and 100% carbon neutrality for our factory headquarters and global office networks are some examples of sustainable innovation examples. These achievements are a major step forward in making keyless smart access technology sustainable.

Salto’s smart door locks allow users and system administrators to send and receive Digital Keys that can open any door or gate equipped with a Salto smart lock, cylinder, wall reader, padlock, or locker lock using their iOS or Android Bluetooth LE or NFC-enabled smartphone.  

Mobile access control solutions offer users a keyless experience, providing instant and mobile access without compromising security or convenience. By combining various technologies, Salto's smart locking solutions evolve from traditional access control to ACaaS (Access Control as a Service), enabling users to manage access rights quickly, wirelessly, and without keys. This offers greater security than mechanical keys by introducing digital keys and replacing traditional physical keys or smart credentials.  

Implementing mobile credentials and digital keys. 

Digital Keys are available across smart access technology platforms from Salto. 

Salto Space - Data-on-Card 

Designed to secure any door in a building and make access control more effortless and secure than ever, Salto Space offers a flexible access control platform with a unified software and hardware platform. 

Experience unified, scalable security, integration support, and limitless features to manage your buildings’ operations with a virtually networked, data-on-card based locking system. 

Salto KS - Keys as a Service 

Salto KS (KaaS: Keys as a Service) is a scalable cloud-based Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) solution that’s built to fit your business needs, today and tomorrow. 

Salto KS smart access offers multiple ways of opening doors, including digital keys. It supports a wide range of keyless access methods to improve user experience and the security of any type of building. It also delivers advanced security features on a fully remote and wireless cloud-based smart access management platform. 

Salto Homelok - All-in-one smart access solution for residential living 

Salto Homelok enables modern keyless living for residents, streamlines operations for managers and owners, and improves security across all types of residential properties.   

A cloud-based smart access platform with intelligent, wire-free and virtually networked electronic locking SVN technology optimises hybrid deployments and enables the smart building ecosystem without needing infrastructure.

 Q&A with Ron Shaffer, Technology Business Development for Education, SALTO Systems

There are a lot of choices when it comes to access control systems campuses could use. What should drive the decisions of higher education leaders in this area?

Many decision-makers don’t take the most important factor into account: the end-user experience and student journey. It is the experience of your campus users—students, faculty, and staff—that matters most when deciding what type of smart access control systems to implement. Other important factors to consider when deciding on access control systems include: 

• Whether a system is easy to use, has an intuitive design, and provides clear user feedback 
• The regulatory compliance, quality, and compatibility  of the hardware to fit any door and any access point with a complete, electronic locking platform
• The long-term reliability of the system, full support and any ongoing administration requirements

What are the most overlooked aspects of implementing access control systems on campuses?

Think about it in terms of “Day 1” versus “Day 2.” During the Day 1 phase, higher education leaders are focused on the features of the system, the initial installation costs and whether the new system meets their current needs.

During the Day 2 phase, new questions arise concerning the complexity of the interface, network dependency, monthly or yearly user or access point fees, credential compatibility and other ongoing costs. As time goes on, institution leaders may ask more questions, such as:

• How are my users, staff, visitors or students affected during a network outage? 
• Is access still permitted in a power outage?
• Is the system scalable to meet future growth within our current network environment?
• How do we maintain IP addresses, network switching and routing design?

These questions are often overlooked at an earlier stage, but it’s important to consider these Day 2 issues in the decision-making process. Look to the future and Day 2 with a school access control system that will support growth both in physical locations and staff/student services.

Program your Salto ProaAccess Space access control management software to send broadcast notifications in the event of a lockdown emergency.

No one wants to think of the unthinkable happening – an intruder in a school, inclement weather, and the like – but it’s best to be prepared, of course, in the event something does happen. Salto electronic smart access platform has the capability to enable AMOK lockdown mode, where authorized users can quickly and safely lock all locks in a building. Salto ProAccess Space software includes broadcast notifications, making it quick and easy to send immediate communication in the event of an emergency lockdown or pre-configured event.

Streamlined Communication for Safety and Efficiency

In an emergency situation that calls for a building lockdown, ProAccess Space can be pre-configured for security personnel to quickly send broadcast notifications to multiple recipients with just a click of the mouse. For non-emergency scenarios, broadcast notifications can be sent out on an as-needed basis to share updates on temporary issues that might affect only certain areas of a building or user groups.

The ability to send broadcast notifications is an excellent tool as it provides the power to quickly and easily contact as many recipients as needed. This is an important feature for any electronic smart access control deployment but is particularly helpful for universities, schools, healthcare, corporate smart offices and the like.