The original plans for Tower 185, a recent 200-metre addition to the Frankfurt skyline, specified that the entire building should be equipped with a mechanical locking system. However, with repeated key loss, the management company decided to install a more flexible, user-friendly solution suited to securing a landmark new skyscraper and selected the Smartair wireless access control from Keso.

To date, over 90 electronic cylinders have been fitted in conjunction with a local partner, Marx Intronic. For Tower 185’s Smartair installation, access permissions are amended via the “Update on Card management”. Smartair access control management software is simple, visual and easy for security managers to operate. Building users open doors with smart cards equipped with Mifare technology.

"Smartair is extremely flexible and enables quick processing of access rights,” says Eileen Kuhn, Smartair Sales Manager at Assa Abloy Germany. “The system is also easy to install without wiring: An ideal solution for Tower 185."

Smartair is also cost efficient in daily operation. Instead of a permanent connection to mains electricity that wired access doors need, Smartair components are powered by standard lithium-ion batteries. This reduces lock operating and maintenance costs. Intelligent technology notifies system administrators when it’s time for a new battery.

Tower 185 was one of the first high-rises in Europe to be issued Gold LEED Certification from the US Green Building Council. It also received a Gold Certificate from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB).

Smartair makes its own contribution to Tower 185’s sustainability credentials. Because wireless locks are battery-operated, they only “wake up” when users presenting their smart card.