Interview with Marc Handels: Salto Systems to Introduce XS4 mini Product Family

Salto has in the recent years developed new access control concepts and a wide range of innovative products such as the XS4 access control platform based on the Salto Virtual Network. Late in 2013 Salto Systems launched Clay by Salto, a new IP door controller working wireless via 3G. This year the company will launch the XS4 mini, the latest member of the XS4 product family. Prior to the market introduction in the EMEA region at IFSEC in London and Security Essen in Germany, GIT SECURITY had the opportunity to talk to Marc Handels, Vice President Global Marketing & Sales at Salto Systems, about the product launch.

GIT SECURITY: Not all of our readers are familiar with Salto Virtual Network SNV and the XS4 access control platform. Can you give us a brief introduction?

Marc Handels: The market for access control system has changed radically in the past years. While initially our XS4 system started as an offline system to be a substitute for mechanical locks, we now handle many large projects, where our locking systems are used from A to Z. End user customers like flexibility and want to have various elements integrated into a system for their projects. Salto Virtual Network SNV and the XS4 access control platform are in the heart of many access control projects we have integrated together with a wide range of major access control companies including brands such a CEM Systems, Gallagher, Gunnebo, Honeywell, Nedap and Siemens to name but a few.

At IFSEC and Security Essen you will present the XS4 mini. Can you explain if it is a completely new system or if it is just an expansion of your product line?

Marc Handels: At the trade fairs we will show the EMEA audience the XS4 mini, our latest product breakthrough and member of the XS4 product family. The XS4 mini is part of a broad initiative of new products that follow our concept of developing innovative access control products with state-of-the art technology and an attractive design, a design that follows the function. XS4 mini includes all the good Salto features like Salto Virtual Network SVN and Salto has in the recent years developed new access control concepts and a wide range of innovative products such as the XS4 access control platform based on the Salto Virtual Network. Late in 2013 Salto Systems launched Clay by Salto, a new IP door controller working wireless via 3G.

This year the company will launch the XS4 mini, the latest member of the XS4 product family. Prior to the market introduction in the EMEA region at IFSEC in London and Security Essen in Germany, GIT SECURITY had the opportunity to talk to Marc Handels, Vice President Global Marketing & Sales at Salto Systems, about the product launch. wireless but in a mini size, with mini installation needs and on an updated technology basis. The XS4 mini‘s compact size combined with a modern LED aesthetic marks also a new design language from Salto that the market will see in the coming months as the XS4 family will continue to grow. For us it is an important step into the future as we had incredible and ongoing success with the classic version of the XS4 with more than 1.5 million units sold yet.

When you started to develop the new series, what were the basic considerations?

Marc Handels: The product was redesigned from scratch. We wanted to introduce a new generation of products that keeps us on the highest technological level and at the same time introduces a new design language. A clear design was developed that offers a good interface for the user and will become an ambassador for the whole Salto brand. If somebody sees a product of the new series in the future, we want him or her to recognize: "Oh, that's a Salto".

Aesthetic and design are sometimes underestimated when security products are developed. Our talks to planers, architects and end-users in verticals like the hotel business have shown us how important the design is. I think we can claim that great design is also a Salto trademark, not only the technical features. We think that with the XS4 mini we again raise the bar on this already high standard thanks to the XS4 mini's small discreet size combined with a modern, clean LED aesthetic. The LED indicate when access is granted with green light or is refused (red light) to a presented carrier.

On the technical side, what has changed at the heart of the product?

Marc Handels: Embedded in the heart of the product is the latest microprocessor technology, ready for the connected world, open and futureproof for online connection, wireless technology and NFC. It is a powerful upgrade that will help with the integration third-party systems, like DESFire cards systems and needs little effort to adopt to new challenges and integration tasks.

Will the classic XS4 version be replaced by the XS4 mini?

Marc Handels: As mentioned, the XS4 mini is the first product of a new range of products. Other components of the new range will follow soon. This whole range will be the successor of the classic XS4 product series. A long-plate version, new readers, cylinders and a control unit will follow. The expectations on the new range are high, but we will keep the classic XS4 version available for a long time.

You mentioned the minimized installation time for the XS4 mini. How do you achieve this?

Marc Handels: The special focus for the product development was really on a very compact design and as little installation effort as necessary. With the XS4 mini, there are only two holes needed for DIN locks. For Scandinavia the system just fits to the holes that are already at the door. No drilling is necessary. Such a product design marks an important advantage for fire doors and for saving on installation time. Plus since it is a Salto product, of course there is no hard-wiring needed. This saves extra time.

What advantages does the user get from the new system besides the size and ease of installation?

Marc Handels: The user in general gets all the advantages of the Salto Virtual Network. He can store for example identification credentials on the identification medium, gets information on the battery status and has access to information about disabled keys. From a fire protection point of view it is important that fire doors do not lose their certification when a XS4 mini is installed. And frankly I think the user gains in the aesthetic aspect as well - the XS4 mini's very modern look transforms the fundamental need for outstanding security into something much more - a technologically state of the art lock with a design edge that becomes a cool accessory for your door and sets a user's installation apart.