Cover Story - Extend your reach

Extend your reach

Access control at more doors, easily and at low cost

As building security becomes smarter, the need for electronic access control grows. Wired access points and security doors have long been the backbone of these systems. Yet at the same time, even buildings with extensive electronic systems leave mechanically locked doors unmonitored and unguarded — and far from “smart”. The latest generation of wireless locks can replace them easily and integrate them seamlessly within almost any system.

A recent industry survey — for IFSEC Global’s “Wireless Access Control Report 2021” — finds integration is a growing concern in security procurement*. Over 90% of survey respondents identify its importance across building management functions. Half or more would prioritize access control integration with CCTV, alarm and visitor management systems, according to the Report.

In practice, deeper integration of building systems remains on the “to-do list” for many, the Report finds. What holds them back? For most it is cost (59%) or a lack of solutions developed to open standards (27%). For over a quarter of respondents (26%), however, one roadblock is a lack of expertise — highlighting a need for better market knowledge. So, why such a focus on integration? What are its advantages?

Why integrate?

Integration across systems makes security management more efficient. When staff use fewer interfaces, less training is required. The job gets done quicker. Integration can also enhance the experience for building users. One credential will open the car park, then the building, and access their laptop and buy lunch in the café.

Integration across the business also means security systems — and security teams — contribute to wider business goals, not just the protection of people and assets. Integrate HR systems with an access control system, for instance, and smart access cards can be automatically revoked when people

leave the organization, reducing overheads or headcount.

The challenge, then, is how to extend access control in a way that contributes to, rather than detracts from, the way building systems work together.

A solution designed to extend access control

Expanding the coverage of traditional wired locks can be expensive and disruptive. Installing wireless locks is more cost-effective than hard-wiring more doors, because no cabling or invasive building work around the door is needed.

Wireless technologies like Aperio® — battery-powered locks with integrated RFID-readers — are built on open architecture for rapid, hassle-free integration. Businesses which already have wired access control and want to add more doors to their system can do so easily: Aperio wireless locks integrate with security systems from over 100 different OEMs worldwide, for new installations or to upgrade an existing system. Security administrators manage new Aperioequipped doors from the same interface as the installed system. Site users carry a single smart access card for all doors; functions like canteen payments are easy to attach to the same credential.

Battery-powered Aperio cylinders, escutcheons, handles and locks can be fitted as a new access control system, or extend an existing installation by linking new doors, servers or cupboards to the same system — without wiring. For example, it’s fast and easy to switch a mechanical handle for an Aperio wireless handle with integrated RFID reader, to bring more doors into an access system. Installation takes just a few minutes**.

Aperio® integrates access control — quickly and painlessly

Aperio locks work within almost every access control system. They are more energy efficient than wired locks: Batteries last an average of 40,000 cycles (typically 2 years) before they need replacing. “It’s easy to start the upgrade process,” says Piet Van Den Bossche, Access Control Business Development Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEA. “A security or facilities manager only needs to contact their regular access control provider to check they offer Aperio. We can upgrade nearly any system.”

Aperio devices can already be opened with all major RFID credentials and NFC. “Our E100 Electronic Escutcheon is also compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy — and this technology will come to more Aperio devices very soon,” adds Van Den Bossche. User experience at the door is always identical. Locks are compatible with all common door profiles: Euro, French, Finnish, Scandinavian and Swiss. Integration can be Online or Offline, or both.

“Aperio’s flexibility helps businesses and public organizations of every size and type to extend the reach of their access control — wirelessly and cost-effectively,” says Van Den Bossche. “Across Europe, many have also discovered its benefits exceed just upgrading security.”

Integrating multiple campus locations with wireless locks

At the InHolland University of Applied Sciences, a rolling project to upgrade access control has been ongoing for several years. More than 500 Aperio wireless door devices are now deployed at 7 separate InHolland campuses. They provide tested and trusted protection for the university’s most important areas, including offices and exam storage spaces.

All InHolland’s new Aperio devices are integrated with the university’s Nedap AEOS access system. With a single credential, users unlock all authorized openings managed by the AEOS system — whether wired or Aperio-protected doors.

Because Aperio locking devices are wireless, they were installed and initiated quickly — without disruption to InHolland buildings or their students’ working day. And choosing Aperio saved more than just time. A recent ASSA ABLOY benchmarking study finds installer labour costs are over 80% lower for wireless versus wired locks***. The ongoing cost of running battery-operated wireless locks is much lower than for equivalent wired locks.

In addition, choosing Aperio enables InHolland to roll out enhancements over time, as their budget and priorities evolve. Aperio devices can be added and integrated gradually, with no need to

replace existing systems. “I am very satisfied with the implementation and operation of the Aperio solution and I have every confidence in ASSA ABLOY as a manufacturer,” says Frans Bruggeman, Facility Services Consultant at InHolland.

Online integration and contemporary aesthetics for new London offices

Modern office design needs access control which is powerful, flexible and aesthetically in tune with occupants. At London’s Plexal, a new £15 million flexible workspace, Aperio achieves all three — wire-free. Up to 800 entrepreneurs use the offices to devise, create and launch products and services.

Plexal offices are fitted with Aperio locks integrated with DoorFlow, NetNodes’ online platform for managing and auditing building access. Aperio locks provide Plexal with the highest levels of physical protection and transmit door status to DoorFlow in real time.

“Plexal required an adaptable locking solution for a range of different doors and, with no wiring required, it was quick and easy to install Aperio with minimal disruption,” says Stewart Johnson, Director at NetNodes. Because they are battery rather than mains powered, Aperio locks also keep maintenance costs and energy consumption low.

Aperio aesthetics are a good fit. “We have a futuristic-style, open-plan design here at Plexal — our offices are predominantly glass-fronted, so we needed an effective design which was not only robust but adaptable, too,” says John Herbert, Facilities Manager at Plexal. “What really appealed to me about ASSA ABLOY access control’s products was the aesthetic.”

And because Aperio technology is built on an open platform for integration with almost any security or building management system, Plexal’s access control technology is fully future-proofed. They can easily expand to new offices, floors or even buildings.

“Should any additional doors need to be added to the system in the future, this can be done easily, without modifying or changing the aesthetics of the environment,” confirms Stewart Johnson. “This also minimises future installation costs, offering a cost-effective and straightforward access control upgrade.”

Hospital security enhanced by integrating Aperio with ARD

The challenge at Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie (CHMS) in Chambéry, France, was slightly different. Access control there requires multiple checkpoints and access rights tailored to individual staff and contractors. Real-time control, enabling managers to respond proactively including by opening and closing doors remotely, was essential.

To meet these security challenges, managers selected Aperio technology integrated online with an ARD system. Because Aperio locks are wireless, the hospital introduced many more layers of security and secure doors without incurring excessive installation or operating costs, including for sensitive offices and drug stores. Now staff no longer carry key bunches or waste valuable time hunting down relevant keys. Their individual permissions are stored on a single, programmable credential.

Alongside standard wired locking, the hospital chose Aperio wireless escutcheons, wireless handles and wall readers. A network of over 225 Aperio communications hubs connects every Aperio lock wirelessly to their central system. All the hospital’s Aperio devices integrate natively with the access system, so wired and wireless access points at CHMS are managed together, with real-time management logs, remote door opening and free time-slot management. Secure 128-bit AES encryption safeguards communications between Aperio lock, hub and system.

“Having just a single badge — and not having to carry around heavy keys — has been a major advantage for us,” says Béatrice Dequidt, Health Executive at CHMS. “We have implemented internal HR management procedures, creating badges that are automatically integrated into ARD’s operating software,” adds Alain Gestin, CHMS’s IT Systems Architect.

To learn more about extending an access control system with Aperio® wireless locks, please visit https://campaigns. assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/aperio