Student accommodation is a fast-growing sector. Student numbers across France have grown around 10 percent in a decade, and around $1 billion was invested in France’s purpose-built student accommodation just between 2016 and 2018, according to property consultants, Knight Frank.

Easy Student sought an efficient, reliable key-free locking solution to help manage security for new premises in Rennes, France. They wanted their new residence to run efficiently — “like a hotel” — and without the unnecessary workload that comes with managing and keeping track of physical keys.

Smartair’s TS1000 software was one major reason for Easy Student’s choice. The intuitive interface and time-saving functionality make it easy for administrators to manage their access system. “Smartair does not require any technical knowledge. I trained quickly and found the software very easy,” says Cyril Verger, Managing Director at Easy Student Rennes. “The solution corresponds perfectly to our needs… Installation was simple.”

If someone loses a credential, the TS1000 interface makes cancelling it fast and easy — a major change from the old days of physical keys, mechanical locks and key organisation charts. “A lost key can still be used,” M. Verger adds. “A lost credential can be cancelled easily.”

Smartair provides secure, flexible access control for every student, service provider and facilities manager who uses the residence. Around 100 access credentials are active at any one time. It gives Easy Student managers the ability to change a user’s access permissions anytime, without visiting the doors. If an incident occurs, they act quickly and decisively.

Security managers programme every student credential to open multiple doors: the student’s own room, the main door and bike park around the clock; a common relaxation area and the laundry room between 6.30am and 11.30pm only. “Managing this way avoids comings and goings by people who don’t live here,” M. Verger says.

“Our students are very happy with the solution,” he adds. “They got used to it quickly, because this type of access control is found in lots of hotels and private homes. I highly recommend installing Smartair at other student residences.”