Aperio delivers assured access control

ASSA ABLOY Access Control, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, has partnered with NetNodes to deliver assured and secure access to a huge new innovation centre in London.

Based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Plexal is a new £15 million project, acting as a base for an ‘innovation community’ that brings together startups, enterprises and academics all under one roof.

Plexal sits within the larger Here East complex, which is transforming the former press and broadcast centres for the London 2012 Olympics Games into new spaces for technology companies, universities, startups and creatives.

The innovation hub has been fitted with Aperio wireless, access card-based locking technology, which is fully integrated with DoorFlow, an online platform for managing and auditing building access created by NetNodes.

In total, 59 Aperio L100 wireless high-security door locks were installed across the site. These lock solutions provide Plexal with the highest levels of physical protection, and transmit comprehensive information on door status to DoorFlow in real time. A further 31 HiD R10 mobile access locks were also provided where wired solutions were necessary, such as for the main office entrances, and for elevators.

For organisations looking to invest in a new access control system, Aperio is an effective, straightforward alternative to a wired, high-end solution. It was installed quickly and easily at the Plexal site without cabling, and will drastically reduce the innovation hub’s maintenance costs and energy consumption going forward.

Aperio can also upgrade existing mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connects them – online or offline – to new or existing access control systems. This can be achieved with minimal modification to doors and premises, offering a cost-effective and simple security upgrade.

John Herbert, Facilities Manager at Plexal, said: “What really appealed to me about ASSA ABLOY Access Control’s products was the aesthetics. We have a futuristic-style open plan design here at Plexal – our offices are predominantly glass-fronted, so we needed an effective stylistic design which was not only robust but adaptable too. We foresee change in the not-too-distant future and are delighted at our options to modify.”

Stewart Johnson, Director at NetNodes, explains: “Aperio offers a hardware solution that is well-suited to our online platform, DoorFlow. Plexal required a an adaptable locking solution for a range of different doors and, with no wiring required, it was quick and easy to install Aperio with minimal disruption.

“The open-plan layout of the space and the high glass doors installed throughout the site meant Plexal needed an access control solution that was discreet and adaptable, with Aperio perfectly meeting these demands. Should any additional doors need to be added to the system in the future, this can be done easily, without modifying or changing the aesthetics of the environment. This also minimises future installation costs, offering a cost-effective and straight-forward access control upgrade.”

David Hodgkiss, National Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY Access Control, adds: “We are delighted to partner with NetNodes to deliver an easily integrated access control system for this exciting new innovation centre in central London. With up to 800 entrepreneurs using the space to devise, create and launch new products and services, Plexal required a solution that was tried and tested. Aperio enables easy access around the site while providing assured security.

“Aperio is a fantastic hardware partner to door security software, such as NetNodes’ DoorFlow. It has been great to work with NetNodes on this project, and we expect to work together on many more successful installations in the future too.”