Salto KS

Even a company that’s already thriving needs some guidance. Core values are the essence of a company’s identity: They educate clients and potential customers about the essence of the company, are a compass for the teams in the decision-making processes and are fundamental for recruiting in terms of culture and team fit.

When the going gets tough, the tough need their core values. It’s proven to be very helpful to have the pillars of the company in the back of your mind while having to deal with hard decisions. When confronted with difficult situations you don’t want to waste time and only focus on the problem instead of having to invent the wheel all over again. This is why Clay defined its core values in 2018.

From all the information we gathered from our team we distilled eight core values we, as a company and as a team, stand by and live for.

Read on to find out how we started this process and in which core values it resulted.

In our recap of 2018 we already gave a little sneak peak of our core values, these values were subtracted from the heart of Clay: The Bricks. We’ve adopted these core values to eventually win the battle against mechanical keys. Together.

As a first step, we decided on an anonymous survey we carefully put together, asking questions about the company, the way we work, the product and the culture. We wanted the whole team to give their input, but feel at ease knowing the survey was anonymous and they have the platform to give their honest and unsalted opinion. With this survey, we were able to measure Clay's Employee Value Proposition as well as establish Clay's core values.

We’ve collected 57 values from all the bricks that resonated with Clay and its team. We then grouped these values submitted by the bricks over 6 main pillars (luckily we were all quite in line with what they became in essence) that define Clay and came to the surface fairly soon after going through the survey’s answers:

Strong core values tend to build strong brands. The main benefits for us in defining Clay’s values are:

Now that we’ve explained the way we came up with our core values, we’d like to present you the eight core values we distilled from all the (anonymous) input we received from our team.

Read what Clay stands for and lives by:

All fine and dandy, but values are developed to live by them right? Our values became our guidelines when developing our product, expanding our team and the way we communicate. We will take responsibility to hold each other accountable for them. And now that as we grow, they can grow and change with us as well.

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter to determine whether we are doing a good job living by our values!!

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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 KS is a very ambitious company: With a team of 30 Bricks, we aim to help 1,000,000 customers. This means every Brick has to have a unique skill set. Combined, these specific skill sets enable us to push SALTO KS to a higher level. This article explains the three stages of SALTO KS's hiring process.

We are a tight team that is not afraid to step up their game and work hard on what we believe in: A key-free world.

To ensure we stay solid as bricks, we’ve created a hiring process that consists of three stages: Team fit, technical knowledge and a ‘take-home test case’. These stages were initiated to ensure that at the end of the hiring process both parties involved are convinced they are making the right choice.

To ensure we stay solid as bricks, we’ve created a hiring process that consists of three stages: Team fit, technical knowledge and a ‘take-home test case’. These stages were initiated to ensure that at the end of the hiring process both parties involved are convinced they are making the right choice.

To ensure we stay solid as bricks, we’ve created a hiring process that consists of three stages: Team fit, technical knowledge and a ‘take-home test case’. These stages were initiated to ensure that at the end of the hiring process both parties involved are convinced they are making the right choice.

One of the most important requirements for working at SALTO KS is to fit with the team. In order to maintain a thriving organization that is SALTO KS, we need to find potential Bricks that fit our profile of friendly, honest, slightly crazy technology lovers and game changers. People who have a voice, who can take a joke and be willing to grow and evolve.

One of the most important requirements for working at SALTO KS is to fit with the team. In order to maintain a thriving organization that is SALTO KS, we need to find potential Bricks that fit our profile of friendly, honest, slightly crazy technology lovers and game changers. People who have a voice, who can take a joke and be willing to grow and evolve.

“Do you have what it takes to #becomeabrick” is one of the most frequently used questions on our social media channels and refers to stage two of Clay’s hiring process: Do you have the ability to combine technical knowledge and team spirit on a daily basis? We expect only the best from you!

“Do you have what it takes to #becomeabrick” is one of the most frequently used questions on our social media channels and refers to stage two of Clay’s hiring process: Do you have the ability to combine technical knowledge and team spirit on a daily basis? We expect only the best from you!

We are a team of just over 20 people. That means the Bricks are aware of everything that’s happening within the office walls and are responsible for the way Clay grows. Therefore we need to know how you work! The assignment: Develop a working application made from scratch!

SALTO KS adopted the ‘Take home test case’ as a tool to measure:

SALTO KS adopted the ‘Take home test case’ as a tool to measure:

In order to make a test case you are proud of, we want you to have fun! Don’t be scared to make mistakes. Mistakes are the cause of creative solutions, and that is where magic might happen! The best way to get those creative juices flowing is to feel at ease so you have room to show us your full potential!

Clay loves to learn! That’s why using new technologies in your test case is a good way to show us you’ve got some tricks up your sleeve.

What do we keep in mind while reviewing your ‘Take home test case’?

What do we keep in mind while reviewing your ‘Take home test case’?

We are aware making a test case can be tricky while juggling your current job and/or family life. This is why you get one week to work on the test case.

This hiring process might be a little intimidating at first. But we want to make sure everybody is in here for the same reason: To make great products and have fun!

So, now we ask you: Do you have what it takes to #becomeabrick ? Take a look at our career page and apply!

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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, amongst a lot of other companies in Amsterdam, is always eager to know more about the golden bullets for attracting top talent into the company, so it’s no surprise that we attended the second edition of The Art of Work: A collaboration between recruitment platform Homerun and coworking giant Spaces.

This second edition was all about knowing your brand and recognizing the personalities that blend in seamlessly. Read what advice we brought back to the office.

In the stunning coworking location Spaces on the Herengracht, we were welcomed in a carefully designed, cosy room where we got to pick the brains of four of the greats in recruitment.

The discussion on how to attract talent started out with two recruitment legends: Alice van der Vliet, Global Head of Employer Branding & Recruitment Marketing at Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) and James Lesner, Senior Tech Recruiter at Catawiki:

The smartest thing to do when looking for talent is determining the profile you are aiming for. Don’t make the hiring process too hard. When you have a clear vision of that one person who’s going to fill in the role and make sure he or she is adaptable, you are solid.

Offering internships are a great way to spot talent from an early stage. But make sure you have the backbone to accommodate this learning environment. Be clear if you rather hire someone that is able to hit the ground running.

People are shouting from the rooftops their company is a great place to work. But try to identify why your company is exactly that great place. Is it another ball pit? A personalized beer tap? These things are really cool, obviously. But being consistent and offering benefits like a learning platform with the content people want to accelerate in e-mailed to them, will keep employees mesmerized and engaged with the company.

Have brand ambassadors from all levels explain why your company is great so people will actually believe it and don’t think it’s another sales pitch to lure them in. Have employees show their week at the office on Instagram stories for example and ignite that important company pride.

Focus on being authentic and consistent and the right people will follow, and above all have your company values in check.

Having a fast interview process gets you ahead of the game. With this battle for talent going on you don’t have the luxury to waste time. Be as transparent as can be in the interview process and learn from it by sending out surveys after every interview. Work together with your team to get more knowledge about a certain role so you can explain clearly what the job entails. Making people feel comfortable and having a curious outlook welcomes people to be as transparent as your company. You will be rewarded with a clear vision of the candidate’s capacities. Don’t focus too much on previous experience. If the candidate is right the experience will follow.

After the break Laurent Scholten, CEO at Wonderkind and Walter Hueber, CEO at Cammio and Co-founder of the Dutch Recruitment Club were the cherry on the recruitment cake, with their tech-take on the interview process which, I must admit, frightened us a little bit.

Read what is happening at the forefront of the HR tech scene:

Video has become dominant in engaging with potential talent and has a way higher conversion then job openings that haven’t got any visual presence online. Make sure every job post has a corresponding video that tells an open and transparent story and creates a presence on social media. If you are open and transparent in telling your company’s story online, you will target the right audience automatically. Have influencers in your industry that speak about your product or service mention the company is on the lookout for that special top talent.

Especially millennials tend to burn out if their work doesn't have the promise of purpose. If you have the right people in the right job, we can all live in abundance. Don’t look at what people have done in the past. What people show as a potential is far more important, let passion lead the way. Look objectively and don’t make assumptions, use coaching to let the candidate reach their full potential. Making people happy is still the aim. At the end of the road, you spend more time at work then with your loved ones.

The recruitment process consists of a lot of repetitive tasks that can be automated easily like a more structured way to plan the interview process. The hiring manager creates questions for a specific role and sends them to candidates that show interest. The candidates get to answer them through a video recording. With the video you can create personality data and match an algorithm of the company based on verbal reasoning. How does the candidate build sentences for example? It’s not ethical to use emotional data at the moment but this is certainly part of the future. We’ve always been recruiting with help of historical data but that’s not relevant anymore. We should focus on potential and the willingness to learn. Kill the cv.

With all this data analyzing going on we should keep in mind personal attention remains one of the most important things when attracting talent.

The golden bullet in recruitment doesn't exist, but an interesting place to work outshines all other benefits. Focus on what’s real and the right people will follow.

And like all companies, we now will use this last paragraph to say Clay is a great place to work (no really!) and we are happy to accomodate your talent! Come work for us! We promise we will make it worth your while! (No ball pit included)

Missed the first Art of work event about employer branding? Check out our previous blog post here!

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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!

Besides privacy, security is one of the most crucial factors in a locker room, as lockers are primarily designed to keep personal belongings and valuables safe while people work, study, exercise, and use other facility amenities. When considering a locker lock solution, it is important to consider security, convenience, effective management, and ultimately what is best for your guest experience and property operations. With the SALTO XS4 Locker Lock, smart access technology is expanded to locker rooms adding both ease and efficiency to the entire guest digital experience, from checking in to checking out.

“With the world becoming more digital every day, the need to introduce the latest technology into the workplace, retail market, healthcare, and education sectors has never been greater,” says Aznar Sethna, CSMO SALTO Systems.

Most recently, the SALTO XS4 Locker Lock was awarded ‘ 2020 Product of the Year’ by Security Today magazine in their annual competition. Read ahead to find out more about how you can add smart access technology to your locker rooms.

Where BLE technology meets locker locks

The capability of effectively extending real-time, online, and mobile-enabled smart electronic access control to lockers and cabinets has long eluded the hospitality market, until now. By incorporating BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) technology into electronic locker locks, SALTO KS now delivers a product that extends up-to-date comprehensive electronic access control to lockers, cabinets, and essentially anywhere on the peripheral.

The ability to deliver real-time smart access to locker rooms and cabinets wirelessly and to link it to guest services has been long anticipated, to elevate the guest experience and to provide personalized service and extensive amenities. Adding BLE capabilities to the XS4 Locker Lock solution not only offers the most up-to-date protection for lockers and cabinets, but it also enables guests and staff members to control these devices with their smartphones. The SALTO BLUEnet Wireless engine allows the operator to monitor live access control events and provides the ability to unlock the locker lock, change the opening mode, monitor live door status, or change physical access rules in the access plan—all wirelessly and in real-time. This technology can, therefore, be optimized by hotels and building management, to ensure guest satisfaction.

Automate and optimize your guest experience

One of the primary benefits of a smart electronic access control solution is the ability to easily incorporate mobile access use. This makes it possible to take advantage of all the features smartphones can offer. Being able to check-in and out, unlock a guest room, order room service, and make amenity bookings will all be possible for guests to perform via the guest mobile phone application.

“The new SALTO XS4 Locker Lock with embedded BLE technology makes this product an excellent solution for all of those projects that require a locking solution for a controlled, easy-to-operate, and fully-integrated mobile access technology system.” - Aznar Sethna, CSMO at SALTO Systems

Create a more seamless and secure stay

SALTO XS4 Locker Locks are highly durable and have been constructed to withstand the unique environments often found in locker rooms. Security, hygiene, and cleanliness are a crucial element in the maintenance of locker room spaces. Locker locks allow access to space underneath lockers, ensuring your whole floor space can be cleaned thoroughly and to an immaculate standard.

The SALTO XS4 Locker BLE is an ergonomic design based on the same housing and mechanisms of the original version. A locking thumb turn makes for easy use—even with wet hands. The outer thumb turn, with a red and green indicator for the availability of the locker, has an electronically-managed release. Ready-to-install into pre-existing doors, the XS4 Locker Lock BLE is designed to be the ideal product for the replacement locker lock and can be used to quickly secure any pre-existing cabinet.

And in times where contagious viruses and bacteria dominate the headlines, it is valuable that the XS4 Locker BLE comes standard with BioCote® Antimicrobial Technology that can reduce bacteria and viruses by up to 99.99%. This is especially crucial as Locker-room environments are often more susceptible to contamination.

 

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The impact of SALTO BLUEnet technology

The advanced SALTO BLUEnet generation smart lock technology that SALTO has integrated into every SALTO XS4 Locker Lock BLE model also permits battery status management and audit trail recovery in real-time. With the same features as an online SALTO BLUEnet wireless door, users of the SALTO XS4 Locker Lock BLE can:

• Monitor online the status of the locker.
• Know if the locker was opened (i.e. card presented).
• Monitor online the battery status.
• Open the locker remotely.
• Perform an emergency opening.

The SALTO MyLock online configuration tool—which allows users to select and preview potential door configurations for access control projects prior to purchase—has added the new XS4 Locker Lock BLE to the platform. MyLock users can now visualize their next access control project that requires real-time wireless protection for areas like locker rooms, dressing areas, and cabinets.

To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.

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 systems are 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!

We are honoured to announce that Salto Systems has joined forces with Co-Liv in a new technology partnership. Co-Liv is a global non-profit organization, ecosystem and “do-tank” whose mission is to empower the coliving phenomenon. With their values and mission aligning with ours, it is no surprise that the next step was for both parties to come together in the form of official sponsorship and a partnership starting as of June 2020.

Community is key

Co-Liv has a vision which echoes ours: Coliving is the movement that enables people with common interests to share communal spaces and live together. When coliving operations are simplified and adapted to innovation, the supporting communities and businesses will in turn grow. There is strength in numbers and that is precisely what Co-Liv enables. With a team that is built upon several backgrounds, skills, and expertise, the sky is the limit.

Christian Schmitz, Global Account Manager of coliving at Salto Systems, has joined the Co-Liv team as Tech Lead. Salto has always strived to focus on solutions and in coliving, this has resulted in generating more knowledge on new living concepts. These concepts collectively form the Coliving User Experience, which Christian actively studies and uses in his efforts to take spaces to the next level.

“Mutual partnership and supplementary expertise are of great importance. This is why Christian will join the executive team of Co-Liv, to drive the Tech part of Co-liv, the way he knows best.” - Gui Perdrix, Director of Co-Liv

The Benefits of a Technology Partnership

According to Christian Schmitz, this partnership is one that stemmed from a friendship. Director of Co-Liv, Gui Perdrix, has long collaborated with Christian on several projects, ranging from coliving meetups in the Salto KS office in Amsterdam to virtual meetups connecting the coliving community around the world. Gui has successfully led the organization to a global scale and turned the platform into a meet and greet opportunity for coliving professionals and enthusiasts.

It is for this reason that the Salto Systems and Co-Liv partnership has culminated in Christian’s new role as Tech Lead of the Co-Liv team, with Salto as their official tech sponsor. The core value of this partnership is to drive smart solutions that are based on the actual experience within coliving and shared housing.

Another factor that both parties prioritize is community. Christian was inspired by this quote of American writer Margaret J. Wheatley which he says perfectly encapsulates this partnership:

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” - Margaret J. Wheatley

Co-Liv’s Global Ambassadors and Meetups

Co-Liv is responsible for creating a network of user-centric thinkers, creatives and innovators. These individuals drive the movement across continents and deliver their own expertise in various industries and professions. Now there is a place where they can unite to drive their shared interest: as Co-Liv Ambassadors.

Coordinated by Cate Maiolini, the Co-Liv representatives of various operational and professional backgrounds are each responsible for local initiatives within coliving, including meetups, conferences, and collaborations.

“Entering a partnership with Co-Liv helps the organization to build itself out as a global platform - with its own online networks, local communities, and representatives,” says Gui.

The partnership is built on community and network. Salto Systems plays a role in expanding Co-Liv’s network with its global presence.

To this date, Co-Liv counts 18 ambassadors, including:

Williams Johnson Mota, CEO of B-Hive Living, representing Portugal.

Ricardo Neves, CEO of Oka Coliving, representing Brazil.

Kelsea Crawford, CEO of Cutwork Studio, representing France.

Hana Ahriz and Franziska Heuschkel, Co-Founders of Space & Pepper, representing Germany.

Lucas Crobach, Development Manager at Zoku, representing the Netherlands.

Carles Ribes, Founder of LIVO, representing Spain.

Cate Maiolini, House Mayor at Startuphome, representing the United Kingdom.

Amir Baruch, Impact and Public Policy Manager at Venn, representing the United States (East Coast).

Bart Sasim, Founder of SPX Agency, and Alicia Snarska, Founder of Raźniej, representing Poland.

Virginia Scapinelli, Coliving Lead at Stonup, representing Italy.

Elena Rantsevich, Founder of Stockholm Studios, representing Ukraine.

Bryan Leong, Manager at Salto Systems Asia, and Aminath Zaady, Co-founder of Rouf, representing Singapore.

Jorn Wisselink, Former consultant at Hmlet, representing Australia.

Laura Sundin, Head of Architecture and Design at Colonies, representing the Nordic countries.

Laura Matta, Business Development Consultant at Casa Campus, representing Latin America.

Contact your local ambassador to get to know more about the ambassador program and opportunities within your region.

We look forward to this partnership and delivering more content than ever before to build the growing coliving community and platform to where it deserves to be.

To read more about Salto KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.

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 systems are 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!

With the population in China nearing 1.44 billion people, and just over 60% of the Chinese people living in cities, the state of the Coliving industry seems more relevant than ever. Some even say that the future of urban living resides in coliving spaces. This is perhaps not surprising, as Coliving offers countless benefits to today’s urbanite. Besides the benefits of lower costs for larger living spaces, Coliving provides young Chinese professionals with opportunities to connect with other like-minded people.

When choosing a suitable coliving space to reside in, there are many factors that possible tenants consider. Among these are location, privacy, the price of rent, and community activities. However, there is a vital factor that potential tenants often do not, or cannot, judge beforehand.

This factor is security.

To investigate this subject further, we offer our platform to Sylvia Lee, Marketing Manager at SALTO Systems Asia. Read on to gain insights into her considerations concerning access control systems at coliving spaces in China.

When a tenant is looking for a coliving property, one of the first things they need to consider is security. With benefits such as convenience, lower rents, sustainability, and being a part of a community, Coliving has become an attractive option for many. However, with tenants sharing a lot of the same spaces, it’s imperative to make sure that security is a priority.

A recently released newspaper article highlighted the security levels of electronic locks being used in a coliving property in China. In the article, the reporter conducted a very simple test to verify the security level of a lock, using just a thin plastic card to attempt opening the lock. Surprisingly, the door could be opened within just one minute, without the aid of any professional tool!

The lock mentioned above is a very commonly used model in coliving properties in China: a single latch bolt. The problem with the latch bolt is that it is easier to pick than other locks, such as dead latches. Another issue with the single latch bolt is that it cannot be locked from the outside.

The concierge at the aforementioned coliving property later checked the lock, deemed it faulty, and replaced it. Thus, to investigate this matter further, the newspaper reporter visited a few other coliving apartments and noticed that this single latch lock, and its vulnerability, was indeed not an isolated case. The reporter found that in buildings managed by the same operator, there were various locks being used, which means the security level varied as well.

According to the Annual Report on the Development of Share Economy by the State Information Center, there will be over six million Coliving properties in China in 2020, which will accommodate more than 100 million people. Clearly, there is a need to establish a secure access control system in order to protect the safety of this high number of coliving inhabitants.

As one of the market leaders in electronic access control solutions with installations at numerous coliving facilities across the world, SALTO Systems has a number of advantages when deploying a coliving security solution.

● Proven security: The SALTO hardware and SALTO KS software have proven to be stable and capable of supporting large amounts of traffic every day.

● Flexibility: Site administrators should be able to grant access to a user at any time and from anywhere. They also need the capability to block the user’s access when their lease contract ends. Finally, the operator needs to be able to alter the tenant’s accessibility to different areas of the property according to the services included in their lease. With SALTO KS, you can unlock doors for your tenants via remote opening functionality, or send them their very own Digital Key, from anywhere in the world.

● Auditable: As there is a lot of traffic in coliving properties throughout the day, both by tenants and their guests, administrators have a need for an overview of door openings. The manager must have access to the log in real-time, so he or she can grant or remove the access authorization with a simple click.

● Integration: It is always highly preferable to choose access control that can be integrated with other systems, such as video surveillance, intercom, and alarm systems, to name a few. With a cloud-based access control system, it is possible to create a digital ecosystem that proposes a great variety of services for users. This possibility ensures seamless communication between the tenant and the Coliving provider, and SALTO KS provides a smart solution to meet this need.

In conclusion, SALTO KS delivers a seamless and secure cloud-based access control solution to coliving spaces. SALTO KS sites are equipped with wireless SALTO locks, making smart access control possible for any door. Wireless locks also mean easy installation with a minimal impact on the existing architecture. With SALTO KS, you can send a Digital Key to anyone with a registered smartphone, resulting in secure, easy, convenient, and flexible access. Every access event is logged, enabling site administrators to see who goes where and when, and allows them to block users from anywhere.

Want to learn more about how SALTO KS can enhance your Coliving security? Click here to leave us a message.

To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.

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!

For some building operators, choosing the right access control provider for their buildings can seem a daunting task. It is indeed a big decision, as access control is a fundamental part of the security of a building. With or without surveillance integrations, access control systems protect the people and their valuables within a building, as well as the building itself. Additionally, they provide an overview of who enters a building while keeping it safe from unwanted visitors.

Step-by-Step Salto KS Installation

When making this decision, there are various factors to take into consideration, such as the cost of installation, maintenance requirements, available support, and the time needed to implement the system. To illustrate the process involved in installing Salto KS, and hopefully facilitate the decision-making process, we’ve written this comprehensive guide to Salto KS locks and installation. In this guide, we will walk you through the necessary steps to bring smart lock solutions to your building.

Step 1: Getting started

The first and most important step that an interested party has to take is to fill in the contact form. This form requires general information, such as name, email address, and location. If the person is inquiring about Salto KS for their business site, they also need to fill in the name of their company, the number of locations, company website, and business type. Finally, the form requires an estimated number of access points (doors or locks) and an estimated number of users in the building. This information enables Salto KS to estimate the prospective client’s needs better but does not need to be perfect as it is verified at a later stage.

An example of general info required in the Contact Form. However, it might vary from time to time.

Step 2: Designing the perfect lock and completing the form

Clients can customize the lock themselves using the intuitive new tool, MyLock by Salto. Using the MyLock configurator, clients can create a virtual likeness of their own doors, allowing them to design a suitable lock for their site, in terms of both aesthetic and function. The client can design the handle, colour, and finish of their potential lock to their liking. After completing the design process, the client receives a printout containing a code. This code can be used to specify the desired design in the contact form, by placing the code in the optional “Business needs” box in the contact form. However, there may be a need to adjust the design if there are custom doors at the site.

The process of designing a custom lock in the MyLock configurator

Depending on which country the prospective client is from, the form gets routed to a business unit in the respective country where it gets picked up by a salesperson. Together with a Salto certified business partner, the salesperson gathers more information from the prospective client to gain further understanding of the needs of the client, and book a time for a site survey. This process should take no more than two working days.

Step 3: The site survey

During the site survey, a Salto representative comes and looks at the site in question. He or she inspects the doors and takes measurements for the Salto electronic locks. The representative also advises the client which types of locks are the best fits for their doors. Salto Systems has locks for every door, but the types available depend on the type of door. Glass doors, for example, need a specific type of lock.

Once the Salto representative has gathered all the necessary information, they’re able to give the client a quote from Salto. The price given is representative of the types and the number of locks needed, the cost of installation, and all other related factors. Should the client want to proceed, a contract is signed and the locks are ordered from Salto Systems’ 100% carbon neutral manufacturing plant.

Salto Systems can produce and ship the customized locks within 2-3 weeks. This time frame may also be subject to change depending on circumstances. The locks are sent to a certified third-party dealer, who will install the product at the site.

Step 4: Installing the hardware

The Salto locks are completely wireless, which means that the installation has minimal disturbance to the existing architecture. If the doors in question are custom-made or very different, there might be a need to slightly modify the door to accommodate the Salto lock.

Installing the customized Salto lock

“Each lock from Salto Systems comes with a template for the fit of the lock, which makes any modification to the door very easy to do.” - Alexander Rosdorff, KS Connect Partner Manager, who recently had Salto KS installed at his home.

The amount of time needed for the installation depends on the number of locks being installed and the work needed for the door. As an example, installing the locks for a residential apartment would take 30 minutes, while it could take up to 2 days at larger sites with 100 doors.

For setting up the hardware, nothing is required from the client except a power socket for the IQ. The IQ is the central hub of the site, allowing the locks to be updated to new settings within seconds from the Salto KS app. Larger sites need multiple IQs, as well as so-called repeaters, which extend the possible distance between IQs and locks.

Step 5: Installing the software

The time needed for installation also includes setting up the Salto KS software. This process depends greatly on which product the client has chosen. The Salto KS product is the out-of-the-box product, and therefore the easiest to set up. All the client needs is a verified smartphone to download the Salto KS app, from which they can develop their own unique access control solution. After connecting the locks to the respective IQs, site admins can immediately start distributing Digital Keys to residents/workers, creating access rules, assigning user roles, or determining specific opening hours for the locks, to name a few.

“You’re guided through the entire process, which makes it very easy. I just had to plug in the IQ, follow the instructions provided at the SALTO KS app, and make sure everything was connected.” - Alexander Rosdorff, KS Connect Partner Manager, who recently had SALTO KS installed at his home.

The Salto KS Digital Key

KS Core is the white-label solution, allowing customers to build their own custom access control solution through their own app. Salto KS has built their own independent commissioning tool, used by certified dealers to install hardware.

KS Connect is a solution that enables integration through services or integration partners. The Salto KS website includes an easy-to-navigate developer’s page, which helps clients get started with their integrations and contains necessary endpoints for available features.

‘’There are many electronic lock manufacturers out there, but the benefit of Salto KS is the 8-year experience of cloud-based solutions.’’ – Michael Van Anen, Technical Project Manager at Salto Systems Netherlands

Why should you choose Salto KS?

Founded in 2012, Salto KS is one of the very first cloud-based access control solution providers. Over the years, it has grown as a software scale-up and a service provider. With roughly 1.5 million lock openings per day, more than 100.000 access points, and over 70 integration partners, we strive to transform the experience in daily operations and security of our customers. The Salto KS community ranges from property managers to space owners, and we guarantee our customers more time and energy to focus on what is important to them.

Salto KS gives you all the tools and support you need to integrate cloud-based smart locks to your existing business and product portfolio, built on a foundation of user experience and ease-of-use.

Due to the Salto locks being wireless, it is also easy to replace the locks to mechanical locks again if required in the future. A business renting a space in an office building can install Salto KS for their office, and simply replace them when the rental contract expires, if the landlord wishes.

‘’Salto KS has proved itself throughout the years by developing solid design hardware together with functional and easy-to-use software’’ - Michael Van Anen, Technical Project Manager at Salto Systems Netherlands

We hope this guide has given you a comprehensive overview of the process of implementing the Salto KS solution to your building, and wish you an exciting journey on your way to going keyless! If you happen to have any additional questions concerning the process, please feel free to contact us.

To read more about Salto KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.

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!

Since the past few months have restricted us from seeing each other on a daily basis, catching up with our Bricks now seems more important than ever. This is why we're happy to release the second instalment of the ‘KS Catch-up’ blog series. We started this series in order to gain a glimpse into our Bricks’ professional lives, including exciting projects they’re working on or any transitions they’re experiencing in their work or creatively.

This time, we interview Junior Embedded Developer Marijn. A current student at Codam College, the first and only peer-to-peer coding school in the Netherlands, his background is a fascinating one. He recently finished his six-month internship with us, making him among the first students to ever finish an internship at this recently established school. After being mentored by our Embedded Software Lead Kalin, we are lucky to have him join our team part-time while he finishes his studies.

Read on to find out more about his experience on the SALTO KS team, how his alternative background prepared him for his internship, and what his future might entail.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself

Hi! My name is Marijn and I am a Junior Embedded Developer at SALTO KS. A couple of months ago, I finished my 6-month internship as part of my studies, and I got offered a position in the embedded team.

About 2 years ago I was actually a snowboard coach, so my life has changed quite a bit. The transition from being in the mountains all day to staying in the flatlands in the office was a big one, but I enjoyed the change. I look forward to continuing my software development career at SALTO KS.

How did you find SALTO KS and what drew you to the company?

SALTO KS was one of the first companies that popped up when I was looking for an internship. I liked the fact that it was a diverse and small team. When I first met my colleagues during my interview, everyone was very kind and I knew I would learn a lot from the people in the team.

How would you describe the company culture?

The people at SALTO KS are diverse and come from all over the world. This creates a very unique working environment. Everyone is very approachable and welcoming, it doesn’t matter whether you’re talking to the CEO or to an intern.

What was your best or worst day on the job?

The best day was definitely when I was asked to do some prototyping with Lego. I mean, who doesn’t like to play with Lego? I definitely got a few jealous looks from colleagues that day.

What is the best part of being at SALTO KS?

The whole team is very open which makes working together very easy. There are also a lot of talented people at SALTO KS so you can learn a lot from others around you. When you’re stuck on a problem, everyone is always willing to help.

What benefits did you gain from being an intern at SALTO KS?

Before working at SALTO KS, I’d never had a job in tech. My expectations were that I would be mostly learning and doing “intern” jobs. I was pleasantly surprised when I was immediately asked to write some code for production. I think this is really cool, because I was treated as a regular developer and not as an intern. This made my internship a lot more valuable and I learned a lot because of that.

 

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What do you believe the next step is in your profession, and how did SALTO KS help you get there?

I am continuing my studies while working part-time. Fortunately, both my studies and my work at SALTO KS are very flexible, so I can continue developing myself both at school and at work. I think it is great that I can immediately apply what I learn at school in my job.

We’re very happy to have you as a part of the team Marijn!

For more information about Marijn’s experience with SALTO KS, watch this Internship Testimonial prepared by Codam College below. Marijn and his supervisor, Kalin, dive into how Marijn’s experience from Codam College prepared him for this internship, how practical skills from an unconventional college experience compare to theoretical knowledge from more conventional institutions and Marijn’s tips for future interns.

To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates, and news from the industry.

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 systems are 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!

As a tech company, we are curious to understand the impact of remote work on demand, skill, and talent. In order to shed light on this matter, we have reached out to an expert, founder and CTO of Career Karma, Artur Meyster.

According to an article published by Forbes, Career Karma is a tech-driven platform which "helps people become software engineers by matching them to the right coding bootcamps and giving them support for the rest of their careers."

Read further to find out more about Artur’s views on the future of work.

Many professionals today are concerned about the future of work. As the tech industry continues to come up with new innovations, the global workforce will have to find a way to accommodate and incorporate the changes that come along. Aside from that, other circumstances such as the global COVID-19 pandemic have also pushed the world toward a certain direction.

The only way to successfully predict what’s to come is by monitoring current trends. Instead of panning in on a particular sector, we will focus on the new norm, which is remote work. It is safe to say that remote work will continue to have a place in the future as it has been one of the main elements that allowed economic continuity amidst the devastating pandemic.

Additionally, it makes financial sense for companies to hop on the remote-work bandwagon as it eliminates the need to have the physical infrastructure; no office equals less financial commitment. Companies are also slowly realizing that they no longer have to hire locally, which means they can outsource talent for cheaper costs or still pay the same amount for better talent from across the globe, for instance.

It doesn’t matter which field you’re currently working in or if you’re still looking for your first job, remote work seems to be the new “mainstream” and today’s companies truly value employees who can continuously adapt to new game plans. In this article, we’ll discuss the demand for remote work and how best to tackle it.

Demand for remote work

The LinkedIn 2020 Emerging Jobs Report found that remote work is no longer a perk and is becoming a priority for a lot of employees. It said: “More than 40% of millennials, who now make up the largest generation in the workforce, say flexibility to work from anywhere is a priority when evaluating job opportunities.” This is backed by the increasing number of remote jobs offered by large companies in the likes of Amazon, CVS Health and American Express.

A BBC article from last month also reported that Facebook founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has explicitly expressed the company’s support for remote work. It will "aggressively open up remote hiring" in July and half of the workforce is expected to work from out of the office for at least five more years.

This goes to show that it is only a matter of time before the whole world follows and adopts the new working norm. For a majority of people who are used to working in a physical office, the transition may be a little challenging. Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered.

Read on as we uncover some of the skills needed to become a stellar remote employee.

Skills you need to ace remote work

Here are some of the skills you need in order to ensure productivity is at an all-time high, even if you’re working from the comfort of your own home.

1. Time Management and Accountability

Working in a remote setting means performing your tasks under little to no supervision. Some companies may choose to use time tracking tools to ensure you meet the required hours. Therefore, you would need to have a high discipline level and good time management skills. Employers need to know that you are able to meet deadlines and perform the necessary tasks within the given timeframe, even if you are nowhere within sight.

At the same time, working from home can also blur the line between personal and professional space. It is easy to get sucked into work when you’re always at the office. You need to come up with a sense of structure when it comes to time to avoid both over or underworking.

2. Communication

As a remote worker, communication is key to ensure that you’re still connected to your company and fellow colleagues. Now, more than ever, you cannot afford to miss an important phone call or message from your employer. You have to be contactable during work hours and try to respond promptly when contacted by any of your teammates.

On top of that, having good communication skills means that you are able to communicate clearly with your clients or colleagues. When working from different locations, miscommunication can happen and it may affect ongoing projects or incur unnecessary costs to your company.

3. Willingness to learn new tools

At times it can be hard to carry on with a team project when the team members are not immediately present. Lucky for you, there are a lot of tools and software to support various kinds of remote projects.

For project management, for instance, your company might want to use Trello or Dropbox; for meetings, perhaps Zoom or Skype works best. As remote work picks up more traction as a trend, more and more of such software will pop up.

As a remote worker, you need to be open to learn and use all the relevant tools. Even if let’s say you’re not the most tech-savvy person, download and try them out on your own and learn about all the features you can utilize to make your tasks easier. After all, that’s why these tools are built. If you have questions about them, don’t shy away from asking your peers or you can always look them up on the Internet.

After reading the skills recommended by Artur, we reached out to our very own Pauline Beelen, Recruitment & HR Consultant at SALTO KS and asked her which skills she believes are essential for remote work.

“I think in order to be successful as a remote worker you need to be strong at organising your work, find efficient ways of communication with colleagues and stakeholders and make sure you take time off to recharge. When working remotely you have a sea of time: make use of this flexibility to both maximise your output and take good care of yourself.” - Pauline Beelen, Recruitment & HR Consultant at SALTO KS

This article is a contribution to the SALTO KS Blog made by Artur Meyster, CTO and founder of Career Karma.

To find out more information, visit their website here, get matched with coding bootcamps here, or check out their social media below.

Now that you have discovered what it takes for a professional in tech to keep their skills up to date, do you feel ready for the challenge? If yes, check out our Careers page in order to join the SALTO KS team and #becomeabrick.

To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.

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 systems are 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 team at SALTO KS values our users and continuously strives towards the improvement of user experience. Ranging from the app interface to improvements in user roles in a Site, our new app release presents both new features and fixes.

From today, the new versions of the SALTO KS Mobile App will be available in stores for both iOS and Android versions.

Below you can find an overview of improvements and fixes within the iOS and Android app:

What’s new in iOS version 4.6.0

Features & Improvements

• Improved user interface for Site admin & Site Super User roles: Upon opening the SALTO KS app for the first time, our users will be able to learn more about access management features of the SALTO KS Mobile App that will elevate your experience, according to your role as Site Admin or Super User. In addition to the Digital Key and remote opening, discover more about how you can navigate features such as Events, Pod, and Office Modes with the new introduction and walkthrough designed specifically according to your interest.
• Improved user interface for Pod members: Pod members will now find more information on ‘How a Pod member invites and manages guests’ and ‘How Site Admin can manage an existing Pod’ in the walkthrough screens, which will immerse you into the features with ease.
• Improved user interface for KS Services: Until now, we have introduced two KS services on the SALTO KS Mobile App: Comelit and Eagle Eye Networks. In this app release, we have made changes in the user interface of these intercom and video surveillance services respectively, added connection status to the services, and applied new designs.
• Improved process of renewing expired/expiring Digital Keys: Digital Keys are valid for 2 years. When a Digital Key expires, it needs to be reset from the app settings. Instead of requiring an action from the user, we have improved how the app responds to expired Digital Keys and now, it will automatically renew the Digital Key. Every time the app starts, it checks the validity of the Digital Key and after it expires within 7 days or has already expired, the app automatically renews the Digital Key.
• Update of Comelit mobile SDK to the latest version.

Bug-fixes

• Fix for issues with Eagle Eye logout button.

What’s new in Android version 5.6.1

Features & Improvements

• Improved user interface for Site admin & Site Super User roles: Upon opening the SALTO KS app for the first time, our users will be able to learn more about access management features of the SALTO KS Mobile App that will elevate your experience, according to your role as Site Admin or Super User. In addition to the Digital Key and remote opening, discover more about how you can navigate features such as Events, Pod, and Office Modes with the new introduction and walkthrough designed specifically according to your interest.
• Improved user interface for Pod members: Pod members will now find more information on ‘How a Pod member invites and manages guests’ and ‘How Site Admin can manage an existing Pod’ in the walkthrough screens, which will immerse you into the features with ease.
• Improved user interface for KS Services: Until now, we have introduced two KS services on the SALTO KS Mobile App: Comelit and Eagle Eye Networks. In this app release, we have made changes in the user interface of these intercom and video surveillance services respectively, added connection status to the services, and applied new designs.
• Improved process of updating expired/expiring Digital Keys: Digital Keys are valid for 2 years. When a Digital Key expires, it needs to be reset from the app settings. Instead of requiring an action from the user, we have improved how the app responds to expired Digital Keys and now, it will automatically renew the Digital Key. Every time the app starts, it checks the validity of the Digital Key and after it expires within 7 days or has already expired, the app automatically renews the Digital Key.

Bug-fixes

• Fix for the status of detached Wallreaders (shown as "IQ not activated" in locks screen).
• Fix for app-crashing when activating the IQ.
• Fix for issues where Digital Keys stopped working and required a manual reset.

We value your opinion. Contact us if you have any concerns or suggestions regarding the above updates. We are happy to help!

*Note: As of September 1st 2020, the latest Mobile App release is iOS version 4.6.1 and Android version 5.6.2, now available in the App Store and Google Play store respectively.

To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates, and news from the industry.

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 systems are 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!