The introduction of Paxton’s Solo system is providing a streamlined and modernized approach for managing security in student accommodations, as demonstrated in a recent case study by JPR Fire, Security, and Data.
The cloud-hosted, phone-based access control system was implemented at the One London Road site in Newcastle-under-Lyme, benefiting approximately 500 students without requiring any network infrastructure upgrades.
Access Control Solution
Previously employing a traditional standalone access control system, the site was witnessing challenges in management and operational costs. Access for students, including those using the on-site gym, relied on access codes or physical fobs. Continuous replacement of lost fobs was becoming costly. The launch of Paxton's Solo system provided a solution, allowing smartphone management of access with a user-friendly interface while eliminating the need for fobs.
For students, it simplifies entry by using their phones instead of traditional access methods
Solo represents a cost-effective access management option, combining the simplicity of a standalone system with the connectivity of a networked solution. The implementation involved the use of the Paxton Solo app, enabling site managers to oversee premises access remotely via smartphones. For students, it simplifies entry by using their phones instead of traditional access methods.
Seamless Transition with Bluetooth Connectivity
Solo operates using Bluetooth Low Energy frequency to control door access, confirmed by mobile data even with limited Wi-Fi availability. The transition to Solo occurred gradually alongside the existing system. Once students were fully transitioned to the Solo app, existing access codes were updated to limit entry via the outdated system.
Mike Gater from JPR Fire, Security, and Data reported, “As soon as we saw the Solo introduction, we knew it would be a great fit for our clients at One London Road. The premises have no network infrastructure, so a standalone system was always going to be a requirement. But with approximately 500 students on site, our clients would really benefit from more features of a centralized system.”
Long-term Benefits and Cost Savings
Aside from eliminating network infrastructure needs, Solo was attractive due to its affordable pricing
Aside from eliminating network infrastructure needs, Solo was attractive due to its affordable pricing. The cost savings were significant compared to maintaining the previous system, especially in the context of ongoing fob replacements. This feature piqued client interest immediately.
The Solo system's deployment enhanced security for common areas by ensuring only authorized students can access these spaces, as opposed to the broader building access previously available. Tallulah-Mae Moran of Homes for Students highlighted the system's efficiency, noting, “Paxton’s Solo system has reduced the ongoing costs of replacing fobs and time spent doing this. The ability to see the date and time of who accessed which door is extremely useful for us and allows us to manage the site to a better standard.”
JPR Fire, Security, and Data plans to recommend Solo to all future clients seeking effective standalone systems, emphasizing its innovative benefits and practicality.
Paxton’s new Solo system is giving student housing providers a simpler way to manage access at scale. This case study looks at how JPR Fire, Security and Data used the phone-based, cloud-hosted security system to modernise access for around 500 students without the need for network infrastructure.
Homes for Students provide 235 student housing properties across the UK and Ireland. JPR Fire, Security and Data provide the security system for the One London Road site in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Access control solution
Until recently, the housing was secured using a classic standalone access control solution requiring no network infrastructure. The existing system was becoming difficult to manage, with approximately 500 residents across 5 blocks, including the onsite gym. Registered students gain access by entering a valid access code or presenting their fob. The site managers were continuously replacing lost fobs, creating additional running costs for the system.
Mike Gater, Department Manager at JPR Fire, Security and Data, approached the site after attending Paxton’s launch event for Solo; a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. Mike saw the opportunity to upgrade the site to a more modern solution.
Cost-effective option
Solo is a smart, convenient, connected access control system. With the simplicity of standalone and the power of a networked solution; Solo is designed to make access control a simple, cost-effective option where a smartphone is used to administer the system and gain access through the door.
With the free Paxton Solo app, the site management team can administer access to the premises from anywhere, via their smartphone. For the students, it means never having to remember an access code or to carry a fob, as they will simply use their phone to gain access to their building.
Appropriate access permission
When a smartphone with appropriate access permission is presented to a Solo controlled door, the phone communicates to the Solo controller using Bluetooth Low Energy frequency to instruct the door to open. With minimal Wi-Fi on site, the phone uses mobile data to confirm appropriate access permissions are available for that door. Where no network connectivity is available, the credential can be stored on the phone for 3-4 hours, to allow access even if the phone is offline.
By running Solo alongside the existing standalone system for a period, students were migrated over to Solo in a phased approach. The access code for the legacy system was changed to prevent access via this means, once all residents were up and running with the Paxton Solo app.
Existing standalone system
Mike said: “As soon as we saw the Solo introduction, we knew it would be a great fit for our clients at One London Road. The premises have no network infrastructure, so a standalone system was always going to be a requirement. But with approximately 500 students on site, our clients would really benefit from more features of a centralized system.”
“We know that Solo is very new, but since it’s a Paxton product, we had faith in it from day one. We know Paxton products are reliable, and if it’s needed, the Paxton team is there to support.” As a Paxton Platinum Partner, JPR Fire, Security and Data have extensive experience with Paxton products, so felt very confident in proposing an innovative solution to meet the requirements of their valued and longstanding client.
Network infrastructure requirements
Mike continued: “Aside from the benefit of Solo being cloud-based, with no network infrastructure requirements, the other real selling point for our customers was the price. The upfront cost of the Solo kit is very accessible. Even with the ongoing cost of the door subscription, our clients would see a cost saving compared to extending their previous standalone system, as they were constantly replacing lost fobs in significant numbers. They were immediately interested in the new system.”
With the introduction of the Solo system on site, One London Road was also able to secure access to the students’ common rooms. Where previously access was available to anyone who had gained entry to the building, Solo ensures that only students in residence with appropriate access permissions can use the space by presenting their phone to the Solo DoorTag.
Providing accurate information
Tallulah-Mae Moran, General Manager at Homes for Students said: “Paxton’s Solo system has reduced the ongoing costs of replacing fobs and time spent doing this. The ability to see the date and time of who accessed which door is extremely useful for us and allows us to manage the site to a better standard and provides accurate information when investigating issues on site. It also allows us to set users up and manage this remotely rather than provide and collect physical fobs. It has been a worthwhile investment and will continue to be effective in years to come.”
JPR Fire, Security and Data intends to continue proposing Solo as a solution for all clients who are in search of a standalone system in the future.
