A central concept behind Architect II is that the readers should be able to evolve in line with customers’ needs and new technology standards. New features can be activated and upgraded through software without having to replace the reader itself. This allows an installed reader estate to be progressively adapted to new identification and authentication requirements.

“Whenever an organisation invests in an access control system, it needs to be able to rely on the technology remaining functional and relevant for many years. With Architect II, we can add new features and technologies through software upgrades instead of requiring customers to replace installed hardware. This makes the platform both flexible and future-proof,” says Robert Jansson, Sales Director for STID in the Nordic region.

Multiple versions

Architect II is available in several versions, including a narrow-profile reader, models with a keypad or touchscreen, and a desktop reader. The platform supports RFID, NFC, BLE and wallet-based credentials and is also prepared for emerging technologies and standards such as Aliro, UWB, Digital ID and mDL.

Modular platform

Architect II has a modular design that allows the readers to be enhanced with internal and external expansion modules. These can, for example, add biometric authentication, QR code reading or support for 125 kHz technology.

The idea is that the same core platform can be used for different types of installations and security levels. Organisations can therefore start with the functionality required at the time of installation and subsequently expand the system as their needs change.

High level of cybersecurity

Considerable emphasis has also been placed on cybersecurity. Architect II is built on a security platform with Common Criteria EAL6+ and FIPS 140-3 certifications, as well as support for advanced encryption, secure management of cryptographic keys and trusted firmware. The platform has been developed with cybersecurity requirements and frameworks such as NIS2, NIST and ISO 27001 in mind.

“Access control can no longer be regarded as an isolated part of physical security. Readers are connected devices and therefore also form part of an organisation’s cybersecurity. Security must therefore be built into the architecture from the outset rather than added afterwards,” says Robert Jansson.

Dual tamper protection

At the same time, security extends beyond protection against digital attacks. Since a reader is normally installed on the unsecured side of a door, it must also be capable of detecting attempts at physical tampering.

Architect II therefore features dual tamper protection based on both a smart opening switch and an accelerometer. They can operate independently or together to detect attempts to open, remove or move the reader. If tampering is detected, the reader can automatically delete its cryptographic keys and/or send an alert to the access control system. This means the protection responds both to physical opening and to attempts to remove or manipulate the reader, rather than relying solely on a conventional tamper switch.

“An access control reader is often installed on the side of the door that anyone can access. It is therefore not enough simply to protect communications and digital keys. You also need to be able to detect if someone attempts to tamper with the device itself. By combining electronic detection with mechanical tamper protection, we provide two independent layers of protection,” says Robert Jansson.

Designed for demanding environments

Architect II is also designed for demanding environments. The readers have IK10 and IPX5 ratings and are specified for operation at temperatures ranging from –40°C to +70°C. The combination of robust construction and a wide operating temperature range makes the platform suitable for both indoor installations and exposed outdoor environments.

Long product life

The common platform and the ability to upgrade functionality through software are also part of STID’s sustainability strategy. Together with low energy consumption, this is intended to contribute to a longer product life and reduce the need to replace existing hardware when new features or technologies are introduced, according to Robert Jansson.

“This becomes particularly important in larger access control systems with hundreds or thousands of installed readers, where a technology transition could otherwise involve extensive hardware replacement,” he says.

Future-proof solution

With Architect II, STID aims to provide a reader platform that can continue to evolve to meet future requirements for digital identities, authentication methods and cybersecurity.

“For us, future-proofing is about technology, sustainability and economics. Customers should not have to replace their readers simply because a new type of credential, digital identity or authentication method becomes relevant. Architect II is built to evolve alongside these developments,” concludes Robert Jansson.

The security industry magazine Detektor established the Detektor International Award in 2000 and has since annually recognised the year’s most innovative products in four different categories.

Architect II was one of three products in the ID & Access Control category to receive an award at this year’s ceremony.

Commenting on why Architect II received the Innovative Achievement Award, Detektor’s Editor-in-Chief quoted part of the jury’s motivation:

“It combines certified cybersecurity with modular hardware and software-enabled upgrades, allowing functionality to evolve without replacing the installed reader. That is a great achievement by STID,” he said.

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A flying start for Architect II

– wins award for innovative achievement

This autumn, STID has launched its major product release of the year – Architect II. And it is off to a flying start. The reader has already received an Innovative Achievement Award at the Detektor International Award 2026 ceremony, held during the Skydd security exhibition in Stockholm on 20 October.

The security industry magazine Detektor established the Detektor International Award in 2000 and has since annually recognised the year’s most innovative products in four different categories.

Architect II was one of three products in the ID & Access Control category to receive an award at this year’s ceremony.

Commenting on why Architect II received the Innovative Achievement Award, Detektor’s Editor-in-Chief quoted part of the jury’s motivation:

“It combines certified cybersecurity with modular hardware and software-enabled upgrades, allowing functionality to evolve without replacing the installed reader. That is a great achievement by STID,” he said.