SALTO Introduces RFID Synchronized Access Control System
- By L.K. Williams
- Oct 19, 2010
SALTO Systems introduced its RFID synchronized access control system, SALTO Virtual Network, and SALTOGEO electronic cylinder lock at a press briefing during ASIS 2010 in the Dallas Convention Center on Thursday, Oct. 14.
The system allows users to present their card key to any lock on any door to which they are permitted access and enter while the card and the lock seamlessly communicate maintenance and update other pertinent scheduling information. The SALTO Virtual Network software, which was created and manufactured by the company, runs on Windows 7.
Access information is stored in an encrypted format on the ID carriers.
Manuel Albert, vice president of North America sales and a founding member of the company, said that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and U.S. naval intelligence use the Salto system for access control. The company boasts that its systems are in more than 1 million doors on more than 4,500 projects in more than 60 countries.
Among the wire- and Wi-Fi-free system advantages are:
- The virtual network allows maintenance operators to program the locks and check battery power, saving on sneaker wear.
- Because access control intelligence resides on the lock and the card through the Salto XS4 contactless RFID, the system provides redundancy.
- Lost keys can be deactivated at will, reinforcing site security.
- When connected to a computer, the system can provide an audit trail on card use.
"We can now do interior doors," said Mike Mahon, vice president of commercial sales in the United States. "You do not have to get rid of anything already in place. We can do a data exchange," he explained, adding that current access control systems can be integrated into the Salto system if the client chooses this option.
Mahon also said SALTOGEO was the first electronic cylinder that offers passive access control data. There are no locks to replace, just the cylinder, Mahon said. Noting that a grand master key can cost $50,000, he added that with the SALTOGEO cylinder, a system can be rekeyed in a matter of seconds.
Customers can purchase the company's new SALTOGEO cylinder for $325 MSRP, which compares well against the costs for traditional and Wi-Fi locks, according to Mahon.
The company, based in northern Spain, chose the name "Salto" because it means leap in Spanish. The U.S. headquarters is in Atlanta.
About the Author
L.K. Williams is the editor of Environmental Protection online.