Salto Systems Inc. is well-known for their innovative, keyless access control systems. For most applications the familiar Salto lock cylinder can replace lock cylinders in existing hardware.
A projection at the front of Salto cylinders contains the operating electronics and serves as a turn knob. When the proper credential is presented, the turn knob becomes active and can be used to operate the lock. Salto access control systems have been successfully installed in commercial applications such as government buildings, schools, airports, corporate buildings and healthcare facilities.
Salto has recently introduced a wireless access control system called Clay. The Clay security system uses a sensor which replaces the existing mechanical lock cylinder. A fob, called a Clay-Tag, is used to unlock the lock when the Clay-Tag is held near the sensor. Clay system information is stored in the Cloud and controlled from a central location in Holland. According to Salto, Cloud technology allows storage of large amounts of information while providing the highest security available and also provides instant control of Clay locking systems worldwide. Redundant storing of data on the Cloud assures dependable accessing of information at any given time regardless of whether one of the Cloud sites has a power or server failure.
When a Clay user presents a Clay-Tag near the sensor, information is sent by Cloud to the Holland Salto facility where the specific Clay-Tag is verified as having the correct information to operate the door lock. A signal is then sent back via Cloud to unlock the required door. A recent Salto demonstration of the Clay System at ISC West in Las Vegas showed how quickly data was transferred across the globe to Holland and back allowing subsequent door unlocking in seconds.
CLAYIQ is described as the "heart" of CLAY. Once this unit is plugged into a building power outlet it becomes the controller for the Clay access control system. The CLAYUQ unit connects Clay lock cylinders to the My-Clay cloud. CLAYIQ automatically connects itself to the Clay cloud once it is plugged into a power outlet.
Clay App is available at the My-Clay.com website. A dashboard on the App provides full control for operating Clay locks. The App can be used on a laptop or a smart phone and by IOS or Android users. A Clay door lock can be remotely unlocked, notifications are sent when a door is not fully closed, times for Clay-Tag usage can be set and new Clay-Tag users can be enrolled or removed. These features and more are controlled through the Clay App.
The Clay systems provide a fast, economical way to install access control. Clay wireless sensors are battery-operated. According to Salto, batteries will last for approximately 40,000 openings. As example, the batteries can operate a Clay cylinder apprimately 55 times a day over a two year period.
“SALTO was established in 2001 and its products are designed to be smart and utilize data card technology and to be a direct hard key replacement in access control with a full line of escutcheons and lock types to meet every application and provide extensive access control features such as operation restriction of use and full audit trail,” says Miles Ethridge, the U.S. National Accounts Manager for Clay by SALTO. “From its humble beginnings, SALTO is now one of the world's top 10 documented manufacturers in access control.”
Clay by SALTO was introduced in the U.S. in April at the ISC West Show and has quickly become a requested product for multifamily housing, rental properties and medical facilities as well as anywhere access control is required, all without the need for hard wiring. Clay by SALTO can be installed in as little as 15 minutes.
“Clay by SALTO was a vision of ours many years ago for providing a cloud based operated access control system which requires no internet connection but allows users to use an application to control their doors/locks whether it be unlocking them remotely, giving permission to people to gain access to the locks via remote operation or local with a key fob all with the use of smart devices and no need for hard wiring a door,” Ethridge adds.
According to Ethridge, Clay door locks fit every door/locking application, install in 15 minutes and are fully wireless. The locks come in different finishes and with several handle sets to best match you building design. Clay by SALTO is also available as cabinet locks as well as padlocks.
“We provide such a wide variety of applications that it is difficult to provide exact pricing for a system. That being said, pricing can range from as little as $450 to $1000 based on the installation. Locksmiths can purchase the product through distribution or from authorized Clay by SALTO dealers,” says Etheridge. “Special training is not needed but is recommended for the first initial installs. We also provide many on-line videos for self-instructions.”
The performance of the product is not internet accessed. It uses cellular GSM technology to connect with the cloud, so loss of internet connection is not a factor. It connection to the cloud by some chance is completely lost, yes the persons credential will continue to operate as there is redundancy built into the lock.
“Our wireless locking system is cloud based. Our product controlled by a smart phone or web based smart device- no software required. The product allows remote locking and unlocking of doors as well as cancellation of a person's access right all in real time and allows for an audit trail of all doors and all users,” Etheridge says. “It is cost competitive as compared to a hard wired access control system and just slightly higher in cost when compared to a commercial grade brass key-operated lock. Plus, there is no need to ever re-key again.”
For more information on Salto and this cloud-based product, contact Miles Ethridge at [email protected].
About the Author:
Gale Johnson is the editor-in-chief of Locksmith Ledger International magazine and has been a locksmith for more than six decades. He can be contacted at [email protected].
