Tackling Total Cost of Ownership with Digital Access

Managing access digitally is often considered more secure, more flexible and more convenient than traditional methods. However, as with any investment decision, businesses must weigh up both costs and benefits before upgrading. The costs attached to the access solution they choose can be affected by many different factors – the building size, shape, type, location, and national regulations, amongst others. Going wireless reduces the total cost of solution ownership during installation, operation, and when it comes to expanding or reconfiguring access, should a business’ needs change. Wiring buildings is often expensive. Therefore, the potential cost savings from choosing wireless digital access begin at the very start of the process. In calculations for one report, digital access experts at Assa Abloy projected costs for a fictional 100-door installation. Labour savings for those who chose wireless over wired locks were over 80%. Wireless locks only need a change of their standard battery – which may be rechargeable – typically once every two years. No complex maintenance is required, saving on specialists as well as their travel to and from site(s). By choosing wireless digital access, businesses help protect themselves against the rising costs and price volatility of energy. And if they choose to extend an existing system wirelessly with Assa Abloy’s Aperio device range, for example, they do not add administrative complexity. Security managers still control their entire site from a single interface. Typical savings on office relocation or expansion are estimated at around 30% with wireless over wired locking, according to the Assa Abloy benchmarking report. The financial benefits of reducing total cost of ownership, alongside improved security and control, greater user convenience and product reliability, bolsters an already compelling case for the digitalization of access without wires — whether for new-builds or on retrofit projects.