Assa Abloy SMARTair Digital Access for Gen-Z Student Accommodation Management

Access management at student premises has long faced a distinct set of circumstances. University accommodation blocks are often large – and have expanded in recent years as student numbers increase. Daily traffic at these purpose-built accommodation blocks is usually high, with hundreds or even thousands of people moving between bedrooms or apartments and communal areas like canteens, libraries and the laundry. Digital access such as that provided by the SMARTair system from Assa Abloy provides flexible management of gen-z student accommodation.

Almost everyone attending university for the first time is now a digital native. They expect the convenience – and trust the security – that digital solutions provide. Among other things, they prioritize the mobile experience across almost every platform. Access should be no different. The client group also presents security challenges: a typical student will not always stick to protocols. Lost mechanical keys are a common occurrence that take time and expense to replace. In addition, residents are in constant flux, arriving and departing all the time. With mechanical security, a room is not fully secure for its next occupant until the keys have been handed in. How can managers know for sure if one has been copied?

Digitalizing access for new and existing student accommodation helps any university to provide fulfill its statutory duty of care. Instead of using mechanical keys, estates managers control who comes and goes more efficiently and effectively, boosting security and convenience for everyone. If someone loses their keycard or phone, a couple of clicks in the software restores security. It is fast and hassle-free. Digital management also helps universities to get more from their investment in premises. For example, it simplifies renting the accommodation as hotel-like units outside of term-time, generating an extra source of income. Existing student credentials may be blocked or suspended and new ones issued to arriving conference delegates or tourists, also on their mobile phone. When a temporary guest’s reservation ends, their digital access rights automatically expire – no more key handovers, no more reception desk. A simple integration between digital access and booking software puts this revenue stream within reach. Including mobile capability with the digital solution makes the processes even quicker and simpler.

The SMARTair system, a wireless and mobile solution from the digital access experts at Assa Abloy, helps universities to do all this and more – to digitalize with confidence and make their access ready for what is ahead. Their SMARTair out-of-the-box digital access solution has a range of battery-powered locks to secure almost any opening – bedrooms, entrances, lockers, gates, parking barriers and more – all managed together by simple web-based software, in real time and/or remotely if required. Staff and students appreciate the convenience of secure keyless access, also mobile with the intuitive Openow smartphone app.

SMARTair digital access brings operating efficiencies that are near impossible to provide using mechanical security. The SMARTair system logs every door interaction, simplifying incident investigation, so authorized staff can consult the software interface at any time for an overview of building access. It is possible to integrate SMARTair with payment systems in the laundry or cafeteria so that students only carry one mobile or digital ID. This solution also meets several important safety standards: a remote lockdown function helps staff to respond quickly by remotely locking some or all doors in an emergency. Alternatively, every SMARTair device can be instantly set to ‘Emergency Open’, which unlocks them all. This can provide fire services with instant access to an entire building, for example. Sensors permit facilities staff to remotely check that fire doors are all properly closed. Easy panic bar integration creates a compliant, access-controlled emergency exit for fast, safe evacuation. Fire and smoke-certified door sets equipped with the SMARTair i-max Escutcheon are also available.

Switching to mobile or digital access is easy with SMARTair. Doors require minimal alterations when SMARTair devices are fitted because there is no wiring needed around the door. Devices are powered by standard batteries and so consume less power than standard access solutions based on wired magnetic locks. Everything is managed from simple SMARTair TS1000 software or the Web Manager. It is equally easy to control more than one site from a single interface – for example, if an estates manager runs multiple premises together. The product range has multiple robust, reliable devices that have already been proven at universities Europe-wide, from escutcheons for student bedrooms and cylinders for offices, to padlocks on gates and fences, even outdoors. It integrates all access around the premises into one efficient digital system with a single control panel, including high-traffic exterior doors, alarmed doors, or an automated parking barrier.

A free Solution Guide for Student Accommodation is available at: https://www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/campaigns/digital-access-for-student-accommodations