Exclusive: Smart access with next-generation technology

Cutting-edge access control technology from 2N has been installed at a luxury apartment complex in Manchester, UK.

Burlington House is an exclusive project located in the heart of Manchester, consisting of 91 luxury apartments. It is the residential benchmark in digital connectivity, confirmed by a prestigious WiredScore Silver rating – so when the property investor, Town Centre Securities PLC, began planning construction, they focused on high-end design and the latest smart technology features.

The integrator selected the 2N IP Verso audio-visual intercom for the front door and 2N Access Units with Bluetooth were installed at the doors to each apartment, as well as the package room, bike room and car park. These units allow tenants to use their smartphone as a means of identification to gain entry. As well as the obvious convenience of mobile credentials, this limits skin contact with shared surfaces and so helps provide a safe and secure home access experience.

The project is now using WaveKey, 2N’s next generation Bluetooth-based mobile access technology, which is capable of unlocking a door in just 0.3 seconds, twice as fast as a RFID card. WaveKey’s algorithm also resolves limitations sometimes associated with earlier versions of Bluetooth access control technology by analysing the changes in signal strength from the reader and checking the phone’s motion sensors, thus completely eliminating the risk of unwanted door opening as a user walks by.

A ready-made solution

The access control system also gives Burlington House a ready-made solution to the huge recent growth in e-commerce which has been accelerated by the pandemic. When a courier arrives at the door, a digital message on the intercom directs them to Burlington House’s concierge service. The concierge can verify the individual through the intercom camera and unlock both the front door and the door to the package room. At the same time, a message is sent to the tenant letting them know that there is a package waiting.

2N Indoor Touch units were then placed inside all of the apartments. With the ability to integrate with home automation systems, tenants can use the unit for far more than simply controlling access and communicating with visitors at the door. They can also operate all of the functions of their smart apartment from the same interface, including controlling the air-conditioning, lighting, CCTV cameras and blinds.

The configuration and management of the complete access system is ensured by 2N Access Commander and it can be done remotely.

“We are delighted that Burlington House is the first residential development in Manchester to achieve a WiredScore Home rating. Our tenants enjoy the fact that their homes have the best possible level of digital connectivity – including the unique mobile access solution,” said Edward Ziff, Chairman and Chief Executive of Town Centre Securities PLC.

Edite Muceniece, the Property Manager, added: “The 2N access system ensures quality protection for our residential complex. As a system administrator, simplicity of use was my main focus. 2N Access Commander is a well-designed system that allows the status of devices in the access control system to be monitored in real time. We appreciate the wide range of options offered by the application interface, which allows us to link and update the access components with other technologies in the building.”

For more information, visit: www.2n.com

This article was originally published in the January 2022 edition of International Security Journal. Pick up your FREE digital edition here.