“Aperio is a popular choice for universities searching for 21st-century access control,” explains Damian Marsh, Managing Director Access Control at Assa Abloy UK. “It offers the capability to secure, monitor and record activity using just one system, as it instantly integrates with third-party access control systems. And it can be easily specified to work with budgets and phased work programmes.”

Two blocks composed of multiple 6-bedroom apartments were equipped with Aperio wireless online cylinders and security locks. A total of 740 Aperio battery-powered units have been fitted at the site, integrated online with the access control system. Students and staff at the Student Village open apartment entrance doors and plant rooms with standard Mifare RFID smartcards. There’s no more need for keys.

Because Aperio cylinders and locks are battery-powered and wireless, they are inexpensive to install and cost-effective to run. No cabling is required. Unlike standard wired access control locks which need an always-on mains connection, Aperio locks only “wake up” when presented with a credential. As a result, they consume much less energy—which saves money and cuts emissions.

And they offer a modern solution to a common student problem: lost room keys. Unlike with mechanical keys, security managers can block and reissue lost smartcards instantly using the system software. With one click of a mouse, a lost card no longer opens Aperio online doors. It’s more cost efficient—and much quicker—than changing a mechanical cylinder when a key gets lost.