In the world of security and access control, wireless lock technology has transformed the way systems are installed and managed, especially in applications where traditional wired locking solutions might be impractical or even impossible. Among the various wireless options available, Aperio wireless locksets from Assa Abbloy stand out for their real-time connectivity, simplified installation, and seamless integration with cloud access control systems like ProdataKey (PDK).
What Sets Aperio Wireless Locks Apart?
When discussing wireless locks, it's important to understand the difference between locks like Aperio and standard standalone locks. As Benji Bolick, PDK Regional Sales Manager, explains, "When people in the industry talk about wireless locks, a lot of the times they're talking about a standalone pin pad or keypad where you have to go to the actual lock and plug in to make any kind of adjustments or programming... but then there's Aperio locks, which have a real-time wireless connection. So, it's essentially like you have a fully integrated, hardwired door just without the wires." Aperio locks communicate with the PDK system in real-time, ensuring seamless, secure access and instant updates.
Aperio locks offer the best of both worlds: the reliability and convenience of a hardwired connection without the complication of physical wiring. This is especially beneficial in installations where running wires isn’t possible or impractical because of existing infrastructure or aesthetics. As Bolick notes,
"If you have an opening that you can't get wires to or would destroy the whole door and frame to try to get wires to it, then Aperio is the perfect application for that."
Benji Bolick, Regional Sales Manager at PDK
Ideal Applications for Wireless Locks
Historic Buildings:
Aperio wireless locks are an ideal solution for historic buildings, where you need to avoid disturbing the infrastructure as much as possible. Many historic buildings have strict rules about preservation, making it difficult or impossible to install traditional hardwired locks. In some buildings, you may also have to be mindful of asbestos and other toxic materials. Aperio wireless locksets allow for secure access control without altering too much of the physical structure or aesthetics. “Aperio is a good way to minimize the damage dealt to a door when you’re adding access control,” says Bolick.
Retrofit Applications:
Wireless locks are also an effective solution for retrofit applications. In older buildings where access control was not part of the original design, running new wiring can be a daunting and costly task. Wireless locks are ideal for retrofits because they eliminate the need for extensive changes to the infrastructure.
“Aperio locksets can be a very effective way of getting that infrastructure in there without having to think about whether all the frames are filled with mortar or if it’s a mason frame where you can’t really get wires down to the door,”
Benji Bolick
Remote or Isolated Doors:
Wireless locks give you the flexibility to add controlled access to remote areas of the property. Doors located far from the main building or central hub, such as a storage room or parking area, can be difficult and expensive to wire. Aperio locksets reduce long cable runs, making installations much more efficient and cost-effective. The locks communicate wirelessly with the ProdataKey system for simplified setup.
Apartment Complexes:
Integrated wireless locks are perfect for multi-dwelling residential complexes. Most multifamily properties typically have lots of doors in a small amount of space, so the ability to manage multiple locks from a single hub is a game-changer. Bolick explains, "One hub with PDK can potentially talk to 64 different locks within that 100-foot radius... that’s where you really see the advantage of using something like Aperio.”
School Campuses:
Similar to residential properties, schools and universities often require access control across multiple doors in a close proximity, such as classrooms and dormitories. Wireless locksets are an efficient solution that cuts down the need for extensive wiring and controllers.
“We saw a lot of school districts using them because you’d get a long read range down a hallway where you could manage lots of different doors wirelessly,”
Benji Bolick
Seamless Integration with ProdataKey
One of the standout features of Aperio locks is their seamless integration with PDK’s cloud-based access control platform. The integration ensures that managing Aperio locks is as straightforward as managing any other door or device within the PDK system. User permissions, schedules, and all other rules are applied seamlessly across every door and activity is tracked in real time. This ease of management, combined with the security and convenience of Aperio locks, makes them a perfect fit for a range of applications and gives integrators more flexibility to accommodate more challenging projects.
Wireless locks like Aperio are revolutionizing the access control industry by offering solutions that are not only easier to install but also highly versatile. Whether you're dealing with a historic building, a retrofit project, or a modern multi-tenant space, Aperio locks simplify installation, reduce costs, and enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your access control system. For those looking to expand their access control capabilities without the limitations of traditional wiring, Aperio wireless locksets, integrated with PDK, provide a powerful and flexible solution.
