Salto Homelok

Modern-day access control systems utilise electronic components to deliver a seamless keyless experience. Users and guests can enjoy an efficient, secure, and flexible solution that regulates who has access to different areas within your building or facility. The ability to monitor who enters and leaves the premises, and when, helps keep your business and property safe; it also lends a streamlined and professional feel to your operations.

The best door access control systems offer building operators greater functionality, flexibility, and oversight. They allow you to:

• Boost security by allowing only authorised users and visitors into certain parts of your building or facility. This reduces the chance of people accessing areas they do not hold credentials for – whether maliciously or by mistake.

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• Prevent unauthorised users, residents, visitors or guests from entering restricted areas where sensitive information, like customer data, might be stored.

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• Eliminate the need for mechanical keys, lock replacements, and complicated system configurations.

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• Choose from two primary access control solutions – cloud-based access control or on-premise access control – and different access methods.

Which are the most popular access control systems?

There is a wide range of access control systems available on the market today. One option is the use of contactless proximity smart cards or RFID cards, which are issued to authorised personnel to grant access to spaces fitted with a card reader. Card-based access control systems are a popular choice because they are easy to use; the cards can also be easily deactivated if lost or stolen. In addition, the best card access systems can provide a detailed audit trail of who has accessed specific areas and when. 

Mobile-based access control is another widely-used possibility. These systems utilise smartphones and digital technology like Bluetooth LE and NFC. They are becoming increasingly popular due to the high level of security, flexibility, and user experience they offer.

Other common access control methods include PIN code keypad access, biometric access – such as facial recognition – and access via Apple Wallet using an iPhone and Apple Watch. Each of these methods boasts its own strengths and can be applied to different use cases but, ultimately, the choice of which method to implement will depend on the specific needs of the facility and organisation.

Choosing the best access control systems for businesses

Selecting the access control system best suited for your business depends on many factors, including use case, security needs, technology, integrations, installation size, and cost. The key is finding the right balance between your needs, project specifications, operational requirements, and functionality. Ultimately, the goal is to allow users to enter buildings when necessary while keeping unauthorised guests out of off-limits floors, zones, and spaces altogether – all while streamlining management to digitise your building operations.

Access control systems are an essential part of any business or building operations and security. They allow you to keep track of who is coming into your building, where they're going, and how long they have been inside. This can help ensure that unauthorised people cannot gain access to sensitive areas of your facility.

Take a look at the 10 features to consider when selecting an access control solution:

1. Access methods and ID management. How do I manage access rights, methods, and permissions in a select access control system?
2. Security requirements. What level of security do you need?
3. Facility needs. What is the size and layout of your facility, the number of people who need access, and the type of assets you want to protect?
4. User needs. What are the needs and preferences of the users and visitors who will be accessing the facility? Consider factors such as ease of use, access method, and operator needs.
5. Integration. Does the access control system need to integrate with other security systems, such as video surveillance or alarms, or to extend access control to elevators?
6. Scalability. Will the system need to accommodate future growth or changes in your facility?
7. Compatibility. Does the system work with your existing doors and IT infrastructure? Retrofit installation requirement that prioritizes existing doors.
8. Cost. What is your budget, including installation and ongoing maintenance costs?
9. Maintenance and support. What level of maintenance and support does the brand provide? Do they offer a warranty or service agreement? 
10. Compliance. Does the access control system comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) criteria, cybersecurity and environmental regulations, and all other relevant certifications and standards for your industry or location?

At SALTO Systems, our certified security partners can give you all the information you need to determine the ideal access control system for your needs. But, before making your decision, here are a few other tips to help you pick the best access control system:

• Don't rely on the cheapest option – it may cause more problems in the long run. 
• Don't underestimate the importance of user training and support. 
• Avoid access control systems that are not scalable or flexible enough to meet your future needs.
• Avoid access control systems that don’t adapt to your needs, existing infrastructure, and existing doors.
• Avoid access control solutions that don't comply with GDPR or cybersecurity requirements and environmental policies.
• Don’t choose an access control system that cannot adapt to different access points or doors, or those which require wiring and entail high hidden costs.

The top access control system solution

This is not an easy question to answer, but SALTO Systems’ product and service offerings certainly stand out. We offer a broad range of solutions, including stand-alone card-based access control systems, mobile access solutions, and wireless locking systems including cloud-based or on-premise access control solutions. 

One of our unique features is our use of wireless smart access technology and HW customization capabilities – allowing our wire-free systems to be easily installed and configured without the need for extensive wiring or infrastructure additions.

SALTO’s best-in-class access control systems also offer a range of advanced features such as real-time monitoring, remote access control, audit trails, and different keyless access methods.

We are well known for our innovative approach to access control, and our solutions have been implemented successfully across a variety of industries and applications. Our robust systems are designed to be seamless, user-friendly, and flexible, allowing for easy integration with other security systems and technologies. Indeed, this is one of the reasons why so many businesses continue to trust us with all of their keyless access control needs.

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

In March, we visited Rebuild Expo 2023 in the Spanish capital of Madrid. The sixth annual edition of the event brought together over 22,000 visitors for a discussion on the future of construction.

Madrid’s IFEMA Conference Centre played host to Rebuild 2023 between March 28 and 30. The event’s sixth edition exceeded all expectations, welcoming a total of 22,854 attendees, including architects and engineers, residential developers and operators, who came together to share their thoughts on the future of the construction industry.

The emergence of smart buildings, which have been designed to integrate the latest technologies such as smart access and cloud-based property management solutions, has opened the door to new ways of operating multi-family assets. All signs now point to the smart access revolution making its arrival on the multi-family residential stage.

Technology and automation must bring added value to property operations 

Redefining properties as connected spaces equipped with dynamic technological services has seen new opportunities arise for property management companies in the multi-family sector. With buildings increasingly seen as innovative environments, we are now more often able to harness smart solutions to deliver an improved experience for both residents and property owners. 

The SALTO Homelok smart access platform provides a safe and convenient environment for all kinds of users, as well as virtually recording all the latest resident access information for every door on the property. 

• Improved building security thanks to extensive visibility and monitoring.
• Central key allocation management.
• Streamlined digital experience for residents.
• Seamless keyless solutions across every access point.
• Increased efficiency and reduced property management costs.
• Integrated smart living ecosystem 
• Cybersecurity and IoT convergence to reach its potential as a fully multi-family all-in-one smart access interconnected ecosystem
• Quick and easy wireless installation with minimal disruption.

Sustainability and digital transformation in multi-family real estate 

The current trend in real estate is undoubtedly evolving towards a more sustainable model based on technology and digitisation. An increasing number of new tools are enhancing the residential experience, optimising operations and saving costs, not to mention aiding sustainability. Following the latest eco-design criteria, our Environmental Product Declaration - EPD looks to incorporate renewable materials and ensure products last as long as possible in an attempt to achieve building decarbonisation. Indeed, one of the most engaging forums at the event addressed how properties are embracing digital transformation, promoting decarbonisation and looking towards circular economies.

The building and construction industries combined are currently responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions around the world, with operational emissions such as climate control and lighting accounting for some 28%. Rebuild 2023 underlined the increasing demand from architects, developers, property managers and operators, who are all now looking to harness new technology and materials to minimise emissions. The event boasts huge potential in the fact it brings together all the agents throughout the building process value chain. This setting of transformational exploration is the perfect chance for networking among a wide variety of attendees.

Learn how SALTO Homelok technology is transforming the management of Multi-family, Coliving and BTR properties

The multi-family residential market is changing rapidly as products and services are increasingly going digital. Modern residents demand connected homes and units fitted with all the latest technology. Of course, smart living is about far more than simple access control–it extends to the creation of a fully connected building ecosystem that functions according to each property’s needs, whether that be a multi-family block, a single-family home, vacation rental, coliving or assisted living establishment. As a widely recognised global market leader in smart electronic access control solutions, SALTO is well-positioned to help drive innovation in multifamily dwellings and provide the experience demanded by both residents and building owners.

Benefits of SALTO Homelok

The SALTO Homelok is the perfect example, with a wealth of smart building expertise and ground-breaking innovation. It delivers a unique combination of flexibility and control built around the following five value propositions:

1. Streamlines operations to boost operational efficiency.
2. Enhances residents’ digital access experience.
3. Future-proof cloud-based SVN smart standalone access-driven hybrid technology without the need for infrastructure.
4. Enables a complete smart building ecosystem.
5. Guarantees end-to-end security, safety and privacy.

Designed specifically for the residential market, SALTO Homelok is an all-in-one solution that integrates smart access control technology, hardware, cloud software, digital keys and more to implement a comprehensive smart living ecosystem.

To find out more about SALTO Homelok and what it can do for you and your property, get in touch with our team today.

Follow SALTO Systems on LinkedIn or Instagram to keep up with the latest news in the world of access control.

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.

As mentioned in previous blogs, the residents of today want increased security (for themselves and their assets), smarter access control to their properties, and are generally looking for the smart home and connected lifestyle.

With the rise of smart living in recent times, the residential market has had to evolve to satisfy the demands. Likewise, property managers are looking for a convenient and simple solution for managing their properties, which provides seamless resident onboarding and easy access control for various third parties, from residents to maintenance personnel.

Both come with their respective challenges. The good news is that Homelok, SALTO’s new solution designed especially for the residential market, meets all these obstacles and more. Let's delve a little deeper into the respective challenges of residents and Property Managers to discuss how Homelok can provide the solution. 

The challenges facing Property Managers

Property Managers face unique operational and logistical challenges daily. These range from increasing revenue to attracting new tenants to lowering operating costs. 

Property Managers are expected to:

• Increase the net operating income (NOI) and return on investment (ROI) of the property while minimizing operating costs. 
• Maximize new sales opportunities and reduce the cost of sale. 
• Drive up sales and occupancy levels. 
• Maintain the security and safety of the properties under their management. 
• Provide an excellent experience for new and current residents. 
• Control access areas to common areas and shared facilities. 
• Manage the frequent changes of access required for holiday rentals.
• Ensure buildings are compliant with all regulations.
• Manage their time effectively and efficiently between each property. 

How SALTO Homelok helps  

Homelok provides an all-in-one solution for the challenges facing Property Managers.

Homelok will:

• Provide the total flexibility of an agile SVN access-driven stand-alone cloud-based platform that resolves any building access need regardless of property size and type.
• Drive sales opportunities through good lead management and efficient scheduling of viewings/access to properties to reduce ‘days on market’ (DOM) and increase the Return on Assets (ROA).
• Increase productivity and efficiencies in other business areas by offering a central management of physical key allocation/replacements.
• Help facilitate efficiency and system management by providing a single intuitive and user-friendly interface from which Property Managers can manage access for Unit Doors, Common Areas, and Building and Perimeter entrances.
• Improve the safety and security of the buildings by increasing visibility/monitoring. 
• Reduce the cost of property management by increasing the efficiency of operational activities.
• Appeal to residents/ tenants by making use of cutting-edge technologies and integrating with the Smart Living Ecosystem. 
• Utilize solutions that are quicker and easier to install with minimal disruption. (Homelok’s hardware is wire-free and unobtrusive) 
• Help to attract and retain residents by providing an enhanced digital access experience, thereby increasing property appeal.

The challenges facing homeowners and tenants

 Residents living in multi-family or single-family homes have their own set of challenges, such as:   

• Finding the time to search for and secure a property in between busy work and family commitments. 
• Having to rush home to let friends, family, or third-party suppliers into their home. 
• Moving freely and seamlessly through their environment without worrying about access to common areas.
• Dealing with cumbersome physical keys which come with a risk of being easily lost and are costly to replace. 
• The physical installation of a secure access control system which can be very daunting.

How SALTO Homelok helps

Once again, Homelok has the solution to the challenges above:

• With an intuitive and user-friendly interface, access management is made quicker, smarter and more efficient.
• The mobile and web app provides convenient and easy digital access to unit doors and permitted common areas.
•  Keys can be distributed directly to residents’ Apple devices, allowing any compatible iPhone and Apple Watch to unlock SALTO smart locks
• The cumbersome issue of physical keys is removed and replaced with remote locking and unlocking access from a phone, smart credential or Apple Wallet.
• Residents have the ability to grant access remotely to visitors that might need access to their home while they’re not there. 
• The issues of time-consuming key replacement and the associated charges are removed.
• 24/7 real-time access provides both monitoring and security assurance.
• Homelok is smart, secure, innovative, and easy to install.
• The appeal of purchasing a home with smart access control will make the property stand out from the rest, making the decision-making process quicker and easier for the buyer or prospective tenant.

In summary, Homelok delivers the smart living experience by providing a convenient digital experience for residents to enhance their day-to-day living.

Why SALTO?

With 20 years of experience in leading the way with innovative access control solutions, and many more years in combined staff expertise, we are proud of what SALTO brings to the Homelok residential solution.

• Smart building know-how and expertise
  SALTO is highly experienced in delivering seamless, smart access solutions for residential properties, and connecting access control hardware to security infrastructure for any door in any type of building.
   
• Ground-breaking innovation
  SALTO was the early leader in cloud-based access control technology and is behind innovations such as the first stand-alone, battery-powered smart electronic lock; the SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) data-on-card technology; and the first wireless access control system to combine a stand-alone locking device with online, real-time capabilities.
   
• A unique combination of flexibility and control
  The SALTO solution provides total flexibility of an agile cloud-based platform that resolves any building access need regardless of property size and type. The user also has complete control, offered through accurate visibility and traceability, giving robust backup solutions in the event of internet or power failure. 
   
• Market leading portfolio
  The SALTO portfolio includes world-class software management, cloud solutions, and mobile applications for businesses of all types and sizes.
   
• Full support 
  Our worldwide network of offices, technicians and developers ensures that you have the support you need, whenever or wherever it is required.
   
• Trusted by experts 
  SALTO offers future-proof, secure and robust access control solutions which are trusted by industry leading companies.

To find out more about SALTO Homelok and what it can do for you and your property, get in touch with our team today.

Follow SALTO Systems on LinkedIn or Instagram to keep up with the latest news in the world of access control.

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.