SALTO Access Controllers

The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic has made us all more conscious of who is coming and going from our property. Whether it is a family home, business premises or public building, property owners want full control over access for protection and peace of mind. As a provider of access control technologies, we are seeing a growing demand for automated gates with a variety of access control systems. There are a number of considerations that buyers need to make when investing. And as an installer, there is advice that you can offer to help your clients make the right choice for their property. Here are some of the key considerations you’ll need to make and discuss with your client. Whomever you buy from, you should be offered more than a simple instruction manual. Electronic locks, magnetic locks and code security In the first instance, you’ll need to advise on the type of lock and access control available. Electronic locks release on the operation of the automation system to allow the gates to open. Locks are required for all non-locking (also known as reversible) operators and are recommended for any gate on a multi-user site or any gate over 2.5m. Apply the same logic to an automated gate as you would to a domestic door – for example, you wouldn’t fit your front door with a lock on the same side as the hinges or a drop bolt at the hinge end of a manual gate so why dispense with this logic when the gate is automated? Electronic locks release on the operation of the automation system to allow the gates to open There are a number of locks on the market including magnetic locks, drop locks that “shoot” a bolt into the ground and side latching locks. These are all designed for external use. While the gate itself will provide physical security, the customer will want to feel in control of who enters their property, when and for what purpose. Consider access for mail and deliveries, waste disposal and visitors arriving on foot etc. There is a range of options available. Intercom systems will allow the user to vet visitors, keypad entry can allow remote access for visitors with a specific code, remote controls allow an oncoming driver to open the gates without getting out of the vehicle, and a timer control can be used to open or close the gates at certain times of the day. Vehicle detection loops can be installed discreetly under the tarmac allowing the presence of vehicles to exit the gates and prevent closing while obstructed. Sliding gates versus swinging gates There are a number of locks on the market including magnetic locks, drop locks that “shoot” a bolt into the ground and side latching locks Gates can be automated to either swing or to slide open and in the case of swinging gates, the opener may be concealed underground or gate mounted. The most suitable opener for your installation will depend on the space available and the type of gate selected. Concealed underground automation is ideal for highly ornate gates. However, where gates are fully infilled (typical of many timber designs), gate mounted openers are concealed from the front of the gate by the gate leaf and present a cost-effective option. The choice between slide and swing is largely down to space - swing gates require a clear space for their opening arc while sliding gates require space to one or both sides of the gate. Sliding gates are perhaps the best choice where the drive slopes or when drive space is limited, as they use the least space when opening. Voltage Most swing gate and sliding systems are available in 24v or 230v. The 24v systems still need 230v mains power – there is a transformer built into the 24v control panels. Deciding which voltage to use can include a combination of factors such as the material of the gates, the location of the system and the safety features you want. Concealed underground automation is ideal for highly ornate gates With wrought iron gates, the wind can pass through them whereas with fully boarded wooden gates (popular because they give full privacy) the wind has nowhere to go, so they act like sails. For commercial or industrial applications with larger entrances and a heavy gate, you may need 3 Phase 400v power (sliding gates only). Installing gate motors in confined spaces The environment in which you are fitting may well influence which gate and motor you recommend. Will it be in an exposed area which is subject to the elements? Will it be positioned on a slope? Sliding gates are perhaps the best choice where the drive slopes or when drive space is limited Installers have always faced the challenge of installing gate motors in confined spaces. When fitting a pedestrian gate, there is often limited space in which to work – potentially making an installation time consuming and technically demanding. If this is the case for you, consider a gate operator which is designed specifically for installations with limited space for maneuver. An example of this is the E5 compact gate operator. The operator is not only small but has an optional slide lever attachment designed for installations where there is extremely limited space, meaning that just 8cm of the pillar is needed for installation. What’s more, improved fixing points and a simple ‘hook and fasten’ process means assembly is safe, quick and straight forward. Ultimately, you’ll be looking for a good quality, reliable product with good service. Work with a supplier that offers more than just a manual. If they are happy to offer training, their time and advice when you buy, the chances are you’ll get their support long term.

The unprecedented global impact of COVID-19 has taken its toll on all of us, but as cases of the virus thankfully recede, employers are now forced to confront how they can enable a safe return to work for employees. For many employers, this means they will have to carry out a COVID-19 risk assessment, redesign workspaces to maintain social distances, carry out more frequent cleaning, manage the transmission risk and find alternatives to touch-based security devices. Protecting workplace occupants in any emergency requires preparation and clear communication. This is especially critical in a health crisis involving an infectious disease. These are some of the essential best practices that could help organizations reduce the impact on their employees and operations during this pandemic. 1. Use a visitor management system With a visitor management system, organizations have a single source of real-time and historical insights into who is, or was recently, in the workplace. This is especially important because of the need to perform contact tracing should anyone in the organization show symptoms of COVID-19, meaning everyone they have been in contact with needs to be contacted and asked to isolate. Yet still, first impressions are made at the front desk or lobby, where the visitor experience needs to be a positive one. At the same time, though, any emergency event requires that there be strict control over who is entering the workplace. This policy also needs to be clearly communicated to visitors. Doing this minimizes risk to visitors as well as the workforce. In addition to delivering a high-quality visitor experience, the ideal visitor management system must: Enable organizations to meet regulatory compliance mandates and facilitate check-in at a self-service kiosk to minimize wait times. Customize the visitor experience to support specific security needs, such as accelerating and simplifying check-in or requiring additional security pre-checks. Automate compliance as it relates to visitor access rules with historical visit reports. 2. Pre-check questions at visitor registration kiosks Organizations can strengthen security at the registration kiosk using a flexible, enterprise-grade visitor management system to add visitor sign-in steps. This has proven successful in the past when used to control the spread of infectious disease during an outbreak. An example of this is a U.S. children's hospital which managed to reduce facility infection rates by 25 percent over a two-year period using a commercial, off-the-shelf physical identity and access management (PIAM) solution from HID Global. The solution provides two particularly important capabilities that can be used by organizations to protect their workplace from the uncontrolled spread of an infectious disease: Enhance visitor registration policy with additional mandatory questions to help identify any visitors who may need other screenings. Extend the visitor registration kiosk with a mandatory pop-up asking further questions during visitor check-in. 3. Understand who has visited your workplace Successful controlling the spread of infection throughout a facility requires the ability to automatically maintain an auditable trail of activity. This can be done using an enterprise-grade visitor management system that makes it easy to retrieve historical visit reports. This provides a timeline of who was in the workplace, and when they were there. Key features include: A single dashboard providing useful visitor insights at your fingertips. Historical reports that provide visitor details including location and contact information, all in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other privacy regulations. 4. Clearly communicate how infection risks can be reduced Global organizations must actively communicate with visitors and employees on the outbreak of infectious diseases and follow best practices outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO). Here are several things organizations can do in this area to help maintain a safe and healthy workplace: Re-enforce and communicate WHO best practices with guideline posters in the front lobby and throughout the workplace. Add posters that also encourage regular and thorough washing of hands. Encourage everyone to cough or sneese into their shirt sleeve in their flexed elbow or cover their mouth and nose with a tissue. Encourage everyone to keep a relatively safe distance from each other and use alternatives to handshakes when saying hello. Organizations must contend with a variety of workplace challenges during the outbreak of an infectious disease. These challenges can be solved with best practices that include a comprehensive visitor management system that automates critical check-in policies and maintains an auditable trail of visitor activity.  

Protecting against fire and security risks is an essential aspect of life for people and across all sectors. However, there is an increasing expectation and demand on fire and security providers, in areas such as education. The securitisation of our world paired with the rapid speed of communication and news updates means that young people especially have the potential to be more aware of potential dangers and threats to their own safety and the safety of those around them. Education institutions are large and sometimes sprawling sites that present considerable fire and security challenges. From Kindergartens to Colleges Each education site brings distinct challenges, with differing facilities and specialties, as well as the need to maintain the capacity of students, teachers and lecturers to study, learn and teach at the high level expected.Each education site brings distinct challenges, with differing facilities and specialties While some schools and universities are based in urban areas with a mix of heritage and high rise buildings, others are sprawled across green open spaces. Some of these sites have specialised sporting facilities, while others may be focused on engineering or scientific study, with costly technical equipment. Kindergartens and primary schools have their own unique requirements. Parents expect the highest safety standards, while schools require safety in addition to efficient facilities management. The demographic of these institutions is predominantly young children, who are often unaware of or only just learning about fire safety and personal safety. This creates a huge vulnerability and an added onus on teachers to keep their students safe. Facial recognition at West Academy of Beijing In response to this need, Chubb China upgraded the closed-circuit television (CCTV) system for Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) focusing on elevating video content analytic features, including maximised CCTV monitoring, automatic police calling, and a smart search solution. Complementing this, a facial recognition system capable of finding the exact location of a student on campus within 30 seconds was added, aided by real-time remote gate operation. This integrated and advanced system resulted won the "High Quality Educational Technology Suppliers for School" award for the WAB project at the 2019 BEED Asia Future Oriented Construction of Universities and Schools Seminar. This award recognizes outstanding solution design and project execution. Parents expect the highest safety standards, while schools require safety in addition to efficient facilities management Awareness remains important at university As students graduate from kindergarten, primary school, junior and senior school, they become more aware of fire safety, relevant dangers and how to protect themselves. Unfortunately, external dangers remain. There are particularly high stakes for university campus facilities managers The safety of students in a university environment is also critical. It is often the first time young people live away from their family home and have the independence of adulthood. For this reason, there are particularly high stakes for university campus facilities managers. In the eventuality of a fire, students could be at great risk and, beyond the immediacy of physical harm, this can have serious ramifications for the reputation of an educational institution. Integrated solutions Integrated solutions must be nimble and adapted to a range of site types including campus residences, recreational areas, open spaces and lecture theatres. Chubb Sicli recently identified and overcame these challenges through the installation of a full suite of fire safety and security equipment and services at Webster University Geneva. Established in Switzerland in 1978, Webster University Geneva is an accredited American university campus that offers programs in English to students interested in undergraduate or graduate-level education.  Located in the Commune of Bellevue, just a few kilometres from Geneva's central station, the campus of Webster University Geneva includes five buildings in a park-style atmosphere. Full fire and security audit Chubb Sicli provided Webster’s fire extinguisher maintenance for over 25 years. This business relationship led to a full fire and security audit that identified the need for updates to the university’s security installation. The initial audit showed several improvements to the university’s security profile were needed.The challenge was to create and provide an effective and interconnected fire and security solution The challenge was to create and provide an effective and interconnected fire and security solution, enhancing the security of the student population and its ever-evolving needs. This included complete fire detection and intruder alarms for all five buildings, upgrades to existing CCTV systems, new video surveillance equipment and an automated fire extinguishing system in the kitchen areas. In addition to this integrated system solution, Webster University required access control for all main entrances, with the requirement that all documentation to be made available in English, because Webster is an American company. Customized solution Chubb Sicli’s quality, capability, and security expertise provided a customized solution for the unique educational establishment. Not only was the solution both tailored and integrated, the approach and planning were based on audit, fire extinguisher and emergency light maintenance, fire detection, intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance and Fire Detection. Through dedicated and integrated fire safety support, Chubb provides students and families peace of mind and security. From the moment a young child enters the education system, Chubb’s diligent and effective surveillance and fire safety systems work to prevent and protect, offering a new kind of ‘end-to-end’ service for education systems around the world.

SALTO Systems, a renowned manufacturer of electronic access control solutions, has committed to helping achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as defined by the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly. “SALTO Systems has undertaken a profound transformation towards an increasingly sustainable model to respond to its environmental and social impacts, as well as to the main challenges which the world is facing today in the access control and security market. By proactively responding to social issues, SALTO contributes to the achievement of specific SDG objectives through its responsible corporate policies,” said Javier Roquero, SALTO Systems CEO. Keyless smart access technology There is an urgent need for the world to find a more sustainable development path" In September 2015, all 193 U.N. member states adopted the 17 SDGs. The SDGs set a global agenda for overcoming poverty, protecting the planet, and promoting peace and prosperity. SALTO is doing several things to help achieve these SDG goals. Many of the goals are specific to environmental sustainability, such as climate change, sustainable operations, responsible consumption, and product eco-design. SALTO takes this very seriously and has achieved ISO 14001 certification and becoming 100% carbon neutral in its factory headquarters - a significant step in making keyless smart access technology sustainable. Implement meaningful sustainability practices "We are proud to contribute to the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals. There is an urgent need for the world to find a more sustainable development path. As part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the U.N. 17 Sustainable Development Goals provide a framework for collective action to protect our future" said Roquero. SALTO’s commitment to sustainability arises from a corporate culture that includes integrity, respect for others, and a commitment to community service. To implement meaningful sustainability practices and optimize the management of sustainability aspects across the organization, SALTO involves all company group departments, functions, and levels of employees, from the top of the management chain to workers in the factory and workplaces around the world. Corporate social responsibility SALTO also actively promotes environmental and social responsibility among the company’s many suppliers. "SALTO’s commitment to corporate social responsibility requires us to be thoughtful about the impact of our business practices and policies. We believe the way we work, the technology we develop, and the solutions we provide help contribute to many of the U.N. SDGs - ranging from our company practices to our commitment to moving towards a circular economy," said Roquero. SALTO has joined companies worldwide in carrying out business actions and responsible corporate policies "At SALTO, we strive to be a pioneer in shaping the transformation to a better, safer, more digital, more climate-friendly, more sustainable world across our locations worldwide." In Spain, more than 1,590 organizations have joined the Global Compact Network, which makes it the local network with the highest number of member entities and, therefore, the most important in the world. Electronic access control solutions Joining the Global Compact implies that SALTO is committed to aligning its operations with Ten Principles universally accepted in the areas of human rights, labor safety standards, environment, and fight against corruption, and adopting measures in support of the objectives of the U.N.'s SDGs. SALTO has joined thousands of companies worldwide in carrying out business actions and responsible corporate policies and practices to create a better world. SALTO Systems revolutionised access control with the introduction of the SALTO Virtual Network SVN data-on-card technology and the battery-operated wire-free electronic lock range in 2001. For nearly 20 years SALTO has been synonymous with innovative solutions, including stand-alone, cloud-based and mobile applications, that set new standards in security, manageability, flexibility and design that bring real-world benefits to virtually any type of door. Across a broad range of industries and applications, SALTO is widely recognized as a globally renowned provider of electronic access control solutions.

SALTO Systems, a manufacturer of electronic access control solutions, has acquired Gantner Electronic Austria Holding GmbH. SALTO is a manufacturer in electronic access control solutions with trusted customers in Education (Princeton University, University of Oxford), Hospitality (Hilton, Meliá Hotels and Resorts), Healthcare (Cleveland Clinic), Commercial (Assemblée Nationale, T-Mobile), Working Spaces (IWG Group, The Executive Center), Retail (BBVA, Migros), Coliving & Purpose Based Student Accommodation (The Student Hotel, Sonder) and Residential (Greystar). Portfolios in access control Having one of the broadest product portfolios in access control worldwide, SALTO can fulfill virtually every technical and functional requirement. Thus, access control solutions by SALTO can encompass almost every access point in a building and its perimeter. SALTO’s access control management software provides an intuitive user-centered software interface that makes it simple and secure to incorporate access control for any type of building size or user need. In addition to Gantner, SALTO has added Clay (NL) and Danalock (DK) to its portfolio in recent years, thereby strengthening its position in cloud, mobile access, and customer-centric solutions such as ticketing systems and cashless payment. Access systems Gantner is an Austrian company specialized in access systems, electronic locking and locker systems Gantner is an Austrian company specialized in access systems, electronic locking and locker systems, cashless payment, cash register and billing systems, staff time recording systems as well as ticketing and management software for leisure facilities. A customer-centric and service-minded culture positions Gantner as a preferred partner to a variety of customers ranging from small and mid-cap enterprises to Fortune 500 companies. The transaction was financed by a combination of capital increase, bank financing and cash. The capital increase amounts to €125 million and has been subscribed by both existing shareholders such as ALANTRA (SP) and new investors such as SOFINA (BE), PENINSULA CAPITAL (LUX), and FLORAC (FR). Financial investors will hold a combined 30% stake in SALTO, with the remainder retained by SALTO’s founding members and managers (60%) and private investors (10%). Electronic access control solutions Part of what attracted SALTO to Gantner was their strong commitment to research and development. “The addition of Gantner to the SALTO portfolio offers a very bright future for our ability to continue to deliver the absolute best in electronic access control solutions,” said Javier Roquero, the Co-founder and CEO of SALTO. “The Gantner product suite offers a variety of innovative locking solutions as well as cashless payment and ticketing systems that enrich and diversify our product offering and will enhance the end-user experience. We are thrilled to welcome Gantner to the SALTO family.” “Thanks to the new partnership with SALTO, we can expand our product portfolio, take advantage of important synergies, better target our markets and address customer segments with precision. This puts us in an optimal position to continue our dynamic growth,” said Elmar Hartmann, CEO Gantner Group. Accomplish new growth projects together SALTO and Gantner are ready and willing to accomplish new growth projects together With a combined workforce of 1,200 employees in 40 countries, including more than 230 dedicated to R&D, a turnover of €260 million and over a million access points delivered each year, the combined group consolidates its position as a global provider in electronic access control. SALTO and Gantner are ready and willing to accomplish new growth projects together. The combined group will enable SALTO’s customers to offer their guests and employees a hassle-free end-to-end journey (e.g. access to parking lot, main entrance, elevators, ticketing, cashless payment, lockers, office doors, canteen and leisure facilities, all with the same credentials). Contactless solutions “If there is one thing the global COVID pandemic has taught us, it’s that the ability to deliver more contactless solutions managed by end-users is very much needed and is here to stay,” said SALTO Systems CEO Javier Roquero. “Gantner has developed a variety of solutions that allow end users more autonomy in gaining access, paying for merchandise, and purchasing tickets and gaining entry to special events. This adds incredible value to our existing efforts to offer our customers more contactless solutions.”

The compact SALTO Neo Cylinder is designed for doors where fitting an electronic escutcheon is not possible or required and can be installed on standard doors, server racks, gates, cabinets, electric switches, sliding doors and more. It’s available in an extensive range of models to suit almost any kind of door - from Europe to ASIA to the Americas. The SALTO Neo Cylinder provides the most efficient and convenient way of securing the user’s building and assets. The re-engineered clutch system design makes efficient use of energy, dropping consumption to impressively low levels resulting in 100,000 / 130,000 cycles with just one set of batteries. System standby power consumption is reduced, which extends the electronic cylinder’s battery life. The IP66-rated SALTO Neo Cylinder is weather-resistant, making it especially suitable for the outdoors in even the harshest of environments. Electronic access control Encapsulated safely inside the tough Neo Cylinder exterior is the absolute latest in electronic lock technology. Certified to the highest security standards, and pursuing ever-higher quality and reliability, the SALTO Neo Cylinder is designed to provide users the finest in safety and security. The SALTO Neo Cylinder offers value far beyond security, however. Using smart keys and cellphone technology with the SALTO Neo Cylinder allows users to manage access rights Of course, upgrading a mechanical door to electronic access control enhances security, but the SALTO Neo Cylinder provides greater control over the door by offering end-users access to audit trails, reports, alerts and so much more. Using smart keys and cellphone technology with the SALTO Neo Cylinder allows users to manage access rights - quickly and keyless - which is more secure than using mechanical keys. Connect keyless access There is also additional value in the flexibility, convenience and operational efficiency provided by the Neo Cylinder’s wireless technology. SALTO continues to release impressive technological innovations where connectivity between the door, user and system operations aids the growth of overall access control for any building application or access type. “SALTO’s new Neo Cylinder technology allows us to introduce customers, systems operators and installers to new experiences and to connect keyless access where we couldn’t have justified wiring a door before,” said Marc Handels, SALTO Systems. Access management platform “We’ve seen for years that electronic locking technology is an ecosystem that has continuous change and growth and we’ve had to consider how to best anticipate customers’ needs and recommend smart locking solutions that are easy to adopt and install." "The SALTO Neo Cylinder has more functionality and performance capability than any other cylinder on the market, allowing businesses to connect to their on-premises network via advanced SVN technology or the cloud with our SALTO KS cloud-based access management platform.” Cloud-based technology SALTO Neo Cylinder adds SALTO SVN-Flex technology, which increases reliability of the SALTO SVN Because the SALTO Neo Cylinder is compatible with SALTO SVN, SALTO BLUEnet Wireless and the SALTO KS - Keys as a Service - cloud-based technology, it can be switched to any of SALTO’s technology platforms at any time without changing the hardware. This allows businesses to decide which technology fits better with their security, operations and IT needs. The SALTO Neo Cylinder adds SALTO SVN-Flex technology, which increases the potential, efficiency and reliability of the SALTO SVN, yielding better security, control and convenience for users and sites. SALTO JustIN Mobile technology is onboard every cylinder. This gives users and system administrators the capability to send or receive a cellphone key to open any door or gate with an installed SALTO Neo Cylinder with their iOS or Android Bluetooth or NFC-enabled smartphone. Physical security needs This adds incredible convenience and efficiency for end-users in the field which is where a SALTO Neo Cylinder would most likely be used. JustIN cellphone app capability also complements usage of SALTO’s other management platforms: SALTO SPACE data-on-card on-premise management software or the SALTO KS cloud solution. For any building, function or model, SALTO offers the perfect electronic cylinder to fit any door. Available in the beginning of July of 2020, the SALTO Neo cylinder delivers an easy-to-use electronic locking platform that integrates all of the users physical security needs through smart, wireless and battery-operated smart cylinders, giving them all the latest user access information for virtually all of the doors in the user’s facility.