How Can Facility Managers Lock Down Buildings Remotely?

Situations can arise when a facility manager needs to lock down their premises remotely.
With mechanical security, this is, of course, impossible. Likewise, many existing wireless electronic access control systems do not have the ability to lock down efficiently – or even at all.

Block Mode: Doors Open Only with Specific Credential

Three Options:

• Global command: Block Mode
• Emergency Close: Authorized Credential
• Emergency Open: Unlock all

The Smartair wireless online access control system from Assa Abloy allows facility managers not only to lock down from anywhere, but they can also do so intelligently by opening, closing, or maintaining access to individual doors or zones as appropriate to deal with the emergency. With a single, global command, doors equipped with Smartair devices may be set to Block Mode. They only unlock with a specific credential so that, aside from designated staff, no one on-site can move around freely.
Alternatively, Emergency Close can lock all openings remotely and simultaneously while an authorized credential may still unlock them. As a third option, every device can be set to Emergency Open, which unlocks them all. This could provide fire services with instant access to a whole building or site, for example.

Fine-Grained Lockdown Controls

Smartair gives facility managers different ways to lock down. Global Lockdown may be initiated from the system’s software interface or Web Manager, but can also be activated via an emergency push-button connected to a system hub. In addition, lockdown does not need to be an all-or-nothing choice because the system enables fine-grained control down to the level of an individual door, if required. A facility manager can pre-define over 250 different lockdown zones. In an emergency, they choose whether to lock down a whole zone or just specific doors. This level of control could protect people and valuable assets – or in extreme situations, even save lives. With the control provided by this feature, managers can be confident that building users have the highest level of protection against the unexpected.

Multiple Credentials

With intuitive management software and battery-powered locks for almost any application, a Smartair system is easy to install and convenient to use. It can handle a large number of users and offers a choice of credentials, including standard RFID cards, tags, and fobs along with mobile keys via the manufacturer’s Openow app. The system is more cost-efficient to run than wired access control, which needs mains electricity, or traditional mechanical security where locks must be managed manually and individually. Doors only require minimal alterations when Smartair devices are fitted because no cabling is required.
With the broad range of system devices – escutcheons, cylinders, locks and a wall reader – plus flexible control from the corresponding software, facility managers can run their site efficiently and safely, even in an emergency. Assa Abloy offer a free Solution Guide, downloadable from their website.