Ever heard the phrase “intelligence at the handle” and wonder how is it possible for a handle to be intelligent? Well, we would like to welcome you to the 21 century where handles are intelligent, and smart.
The phrase “intelligence at the handle” encapsulates a crucial aspect of digital locking technology. Unlike traditional hardwired systems, where the intelligence resides in a centralised control panel, electronic door handles carry the processing power and decision-making capabilities within the handle itself. This innovative approach revolutionises access control, offering unparalleled convenience, flexibility, and security.
Understanding Intelligence at the Handle
At its core, intelligence at the handle refers to the integration of advanced electronics and microprocessors directly into the door handle mechanism. Unlike conventional locks that rely on physical keys or centralised control panels, SimonsVoss electronic door handles leverage cutting-edge technology to authenticate users and control access autonomously. By embedding intelligence at the handle, these systems eliminate the need for complex wiring and centralised infrastructure, offering a streamlined and versatile solution for modern security needs.
How Electronic Door Handles Work
So now we know that intelligence lives in the handle, but how do we tell it what to do?
Electronic door handles employ a range of authentication methods, including RFID cards, key fobs and PIN keypads to grant or deny access to authorised individuals. When a user presents their credential to the handle, sophisticated sensors detect the input and initiate a series of encrypted communications between the handle and the internal microprocessor. This process verifies the user’s identity and access rights in real-time, allowing the handle to either unlock the door or deny entry based on predefined criteria.
Key Features and Benefits of Electronic Handles
-
- Autonomous Operation: With intelligence at the handle, electronic door locks operate independently of external control panels or power sources. These handles are battery-powered and have operational reliability thanks to exceptional battery life (up to 300,000 cycles or 10 years on standby). This ensures uninterrupted access control even during power outages or network failures.
- Enhanced Security: Advanced encryption algorithms and tamper-resistant components protect against unauthorised access and hacking attempts, safeguarding sensitive areas and assets.
- Flexibility and Scalability: The smart handles offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing users to easily add or remove access permissions, update credentials, and customise security settings on the fly.
- Remote Management: When an online solution is used, our electronic locking systems feature remote management capabilities, enabling administrators to monitor access activity, , and adjust settings from anywhere via a secure online portal or mobile app.
- Ease of Installation: Our door handles can easily be installed with no need for complex wiring or infrastructure. No drilling means that our electronic door handles can be installed quickly and easily, making them an ideal retrofit solution for existing buildings or facilities.
- Modular Design: Door thickness, distance dimension and square spindle can be adapted. The handle can also be mounted on the left or right side of the door
.
Where can these locking systems be used?
- Office Buildings: Intelligent handles provide secure access to office spaces, conference rooms, and other restricted areas within corporate environments.
- Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: These handles help control access to patient rooms, laboratories, pharmacies, and other sensitive areas in healthcare settings, ensuring patient privacy and safety.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities use intelligent handles to regulate access to classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and administrative offices, enhancing campus security.
- Local Authorities: Government buildings, military bases, and law enforcement agencies utilise intelligent handles to protect classified information and secure critical infrastructure.
- Hotels and Hospitality: Intelligent handles are employed in hotels, resorts, and hospitality venues to manage guest room access, ensuring privacy and safety for guests and staff.
- Industrial Facilities: Factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants utilise intelligent handles to regulate access to production areas, equipment rooms, and storage facilities, improving safety and security protocols.
- Transportation Hubs: Airports, train stations, and bus terminals employ intelligent handles to control access to restricted areas, such as baggage handling areas, control rooms, and maintenance facilities.
- Data Centres and IT Facilities: Data centres and IT facilities use intelligent handles to safeguard server rooms, network closets, and sensitive equipment, protecting valuable data and infrastructure from unauthorised access.
- In fact, they can be used anywhere where users want to move a way from using outdated key security and start implementing up to date digital locking security.
What type of doors can these handles be fitted on?
Smart handles can be fitted on various types of doors, offering versatility and security. Depending on the chosen model, they can be installed on:
- – UPVC Doors
- – Timber and Wood Door
- – Aluminium and Glass Doors
- – External Doors
Suppliers typically offer ranges tailored to different security levels, ranging from low-priority internal door installations to heavy-duty options. The most robust digital door locks are designed to withstand most attacks and provide reliable service for many years, even when installed on external doors or subjected to heavy traffic or extreme use.
Pros and Cons of Door Digital Handles
Pros:
- Flexibility: Digital handles offer greater flexibility in terms of access control, allowing administrators to easily grant or revoke access rights remotely.
- Convenience: Users can gain access using various authentication methods such keycards, or smartphone apps, eliminating the need for physical keys.
- Enhanced Security: Digital handles often feature advanced security features such as encryption, tamper detection, and audit trails, reducing the risk of unauthorised access and enhancing overall security.
- Scalability: These handles are easily scalable, allowing organisations to add or remove access points as needed without significant infrastructure changes.
- Remote Management: With digital handles, administrators can remotely monitor and manage access control systems, saving time and resources compared to manual key management.
- Integration: Many digital handle systems integrate seamlessly with other security systems such as CCTV cameras and alarm systems, providing a comprehensive security solution.
- Customisation: Digital handles offer customisable access control settings, allowing organisations to tailor access permissions based on user roles and schedules.
Cons:
- Initial Cost: Digital handle systems typically require a higher initial investment compared to traditional lock and key systems, including the cost of hardware, installation, and software.
- Learning Curve: Users may require training to familiarise themselves with the operation of digital handles and access control systems, which can increase implementation time and costs.
- Compatibility Issues: Integrating digital handle systems with existing infrastructure or legacy systems may present compatibility challenges, requiring additional time and resources for implementation.
What are the projected savings of using SimonsVoss Smart Door Handles?
We’ve worked out a simple example for you to understand the long terms savings.
Electronic mag locks not only consume electricity constantly but also rack up a hefty bill, with a yearly cost of £339.45 per lock.
Electric Mag Locks:
- – Uses 0.25A on a 24VDC power supply. This equates to 0.0006 kilowatts or 0.144kWh over 24 hours. Typical unit rate for 1 kWh in England was £0.27, so the cost for 1 day is £6.84.
- – £6.84 x 0.144kWh = £0.98 per day
- – £ 0.98 x 365 = £357.70 per year for each electronic mag lock.
In contrast, SimonsVoss SmartHandle AX operates on four cost-effective CR2450 lithium batteries, ensuring your peace of mind for up to 7 years at a mere £1.28 per year.
- – 4 CR2450 lithium batteries at £8.90
- – Standby battery life is 10years – our research shows our products are in standby mode for 96.6% of the time.
- – So let’s say you have a high usage door and only get 7 years battery life, it means it’s going to cost £ 1.28 per year! £ 8.99/7 = £ 1.28
- – You’ll save a substantial £338.17 per year, per door, all while maintaining top-tier security.
Why Trust SimonsVoss?
- German-made quality – Founded in 1995
- Installed over 2,500,000 locking devices and 7,000,000 transponders
- ISO 9001/14001 Certified
- More than 25 years ago, we paved the way with a revolutionary idea of digital locking technology.
- Thanks to our unwavering demand for high quality, technology and reliability, we always find a sustainable answer to individual security requirements.
Intelligence at the handle represents a paradigm shift in access control technology, empowering organisations and individuals to enhance security, streamline operations, and adapt to evolving security needs. By embracing electronic door handles, you can unlock a world of possibilities and take control of your security with confidence. Trust SimonsVoss to make to make a smooth transition to better security and access control.