In today’s fast-paced property management landscape, security and efficiency go hand in hand. Traditional mechanical locks and keys are increasingly being replaced by digital solutions that offer greater control, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

At the forefront of this transformation is iLOQ, a pioneer in smart-locking technology that empowers property managers and system administrators to manage access rights with unprecedented ease.

Seamless programming of access rights

Gone are the days of cutting keys and manually distributing them to tenants or staff. With iLOQ’s smart-locking systems, programming access rights is a streamlined digital process. Whether you’re managing a residential complex, commercial facility, or public infrastructure, you can assign access permissions remotely via a secure cloud-based platform:

• Centralized control: Manage all locks and users from a single interface.
• Customizable access: Grant access based on time, date, or location-specific parameters.
• Instant deployment: New access rights are updated in real-time, eliminating delays.

Effortless updates and modifications

As tenants move in and out or staff roles change, access needs evolve. iLOQ makes it simple to update access rights without the need for physical presence or hardware changes:

• Dynamic updates: Modify access rights instantly and remotely.
• Audit trails: Track changes and access events for enhanced security and accountability.
• Scalable solutions: Whether managing a single building or a multi-site portfolio, iLOQ adapts to your needs.

Secure and immediate revocation

Lost keys and unauthorized access are major risks with traditional mechanical locks. iLOQ eliminates these risks with digital revocation capabilities:

• Immediate deactivation: Revoke access rights instantly if a key or smartphone is lost or a user no longer requires access.
• No rekeying required: Save time and money by avoiding costly lock replacements.
• Enhanced security: Ensure, at all times, that only authorized individuals have access.

Why property managers trust iLOQ

iLOQ’s smart-locking solutions are designed with the user in mind. They combine robust security features with intuitive management tools, making them ideal for property managers and system administrators who demand reliability and simplicity:

• Energy-efficient: iLOQ’s battery-free locks are powered by the energy generated during key insertion or by the induction of an NFC-enabled smartphone.
• Environmentally friendly: Reduce waste and carbon footprint by eliminating the use of batteries and mechanical keys.
• Future-ready: Stay ahead with a system that evolves with your property’s needs.

Managing access rights doesn’t have to be a logistical headache. With iLOQ, property managers and locking system administrators gain a powerful tool that simplifies access management, enhances security, and reduces operational costs. Whether you’re overseeing a single property or an entire portfolio, iLOQ delivers smart, sustainable, and scalable solutions that make access management effortless.

Want to know more? Read more about the features and functionality in our innovative and easy-to-use smart-locking solution.

In a world where attention spans are short and clarity is key, sometimes the best way to tell a story is not through paragraphs of text but through a single, powerful image.

At iLOQ, we believe that innovation should speak for itself. That’s why our material bank is filled with visuals that do more than just look good – they communicate. They show, in the simplest terms, how our smart-locking solutions make life easier, safer, and more sustainable.

Take, for example, the image of Technical Directors, for example, from the Municipality of Rusko, who used to have to carry around key rings with hundreds of keys. Now they can get access to all the places they need to with just one iLOQ digital key.

Or how the installation of iLOQ’s smart-locking solution was instrumental in securing, monitoring and managing access for contractors and related operators during the renovation process of a cathedral, built in the 13th century. Which key would you rather have in your pocket?!

Then there are students in Oslo and Amsterdam accessing their dormitories using just their smartphones knowing their access is secure and up-to-date. No keys, no hassle, just a moment that captures convenience, security and modern living in one frame.

The same goes for videos. Remember this technician who had to dig through mounds of snow to get to the covers of the clean and wastewater pumping stations. His hands may have been frozen, but the battery-free padlocks securing the covers opened reliably using his smartphone.

And who could forget the epic video where we sent iLOQ’s smart padlock on a 2-hour journey to an altitude of 26,765 m where it was exposed to a brutal temperature of -64°C. The final shot with the padlock successfully opening on its return to Earth shows that iLOQ’s solutions really are out of this world!

Each of these visuals or videos tells a story. A story of how iLOQ is redefining access management. A story of how smart-locking technology is not just about locks – it’s about unlocking potential.

So next time you browse our Material Bank, take a moment to look beyond the pixels. What you’ll see is innovation in action. And that, truly, is worth a thousand words.

As a property owner, every renovation is an opportunity not just to refresh aesthetics or improve energy efficiency, but to enhance security, streamline operations, and reduce long-term costs.

One often-overlooked upgrade during these projects is the locking system. If your property still relies on outdated mechanical locks, now is the ideal time to consider a smarter, more sustainable solution: iLOQ’s battery-free smart-locking system.

Why upgrade your locks during renovation?

Renovations already involve structural access and logistical planning, making it the most cost-effective and least disruptive time to modernize your locking infrastructure. Retrofitting iLOQ smart locks is quick, clean, and simple, requiring no wiring or batteries. This means no need for extensive cabling or power supply modifications – just a straightforward swap that integrates seamlessly into your renovation timeline.

The iLOQ advantage: Battery-free, hassle-free

iLOQ’s innovative technology harnesses the energy generated by inserting the key or from the induction of an NFC-enabled smartphone to recognize digital access rights and open locks. This eliminates the need for batteries entirely to reduce maintenance and also support your sustainability goals by cutting down on electronic waste and energy consumption. Key benefits include:

• Fast and easy installation with minimal disruption – no need for special tools, drilling or changes to the existing doors or infrastructure
• No battery replacements, ever
• Remote access management and audit trails
• Scalable and flexible for residential, commercial, or critical infrastructure properties
• Tamper-proof and secure, with encrypted digital keys

A smart investment with long-term returns

While the initial cost of smart-locking systems may seem higher than traditional locks, the lifecycle cost savings are substantial. With iLOQ, you eliminate recurring expenses such as:

• Battery replacements and disposal
• Mechanical key duplication and rekeying
• On-site visits for access changes

Moreover, the ability to manage access rights remotely reduces administrative overhead and enhances tenant satisfaction – especially in multifamily or commercial properties.

Fast payback

The combination of lower maintenance costs, enhanced security, and operational efficiency makes the installation of iLOQ’s smart-locking solutions a financially sound decision that adds long-term value to your property.

Benefits for future renovations

Once you have iLOQ smart locks installed, future renovations are smoother and more secure:

• Access rights can be programmed even before the start of renovation work which allows easy travel on site

• Each worker can be provided with a key – no need to leave doors open or unlocked
• Access rights to lost keys are easy to remove – no mechanical re-keying
• No fear of unauthorized key duplication
• Site keys can be programmed with time-limited access rights to grant access, for example, during weekdays only
• Each lock has access log events saved in its memory, making it easier to detect possible misuse on site
• When the renovation work has been completed, the access rights to the returned keys can be removed and the keys can be reused for other purposes
• If, for some reason, the keys are not returned the access rights are removed from all locks including exterior doors and common areas ensuring security levels remain high in all premises

Future-proof your property

If you’re planning a renovation, don’t miss the chance to upgrade your property’s security infrastructure. Retrofitting with iLOQ’s battery-free smart locks is a smart, sustainable, and future-ready choice that aligns with modern property management needs.

Want to know more? Check out the References section of our website to see how plenty of satisfied customers have made the smart decision to upgrade their properties with our smart-locking solutions.

All properties and all access challenges are not the same. Luckily, iLOQ has a range of smart-access solutions that are designed to maximize security, minimize administration and lifecycle costs and optimize the user experience in all properties.

In the fifth part of our series of blog posts, let’s take a look at how iLOQ’s digital-key-based and keyless smartphone-based access solutions bring significant advantages to municipal properties.

Municipal properties form the backbone of our communities. From city halls and libraries to sports facilities and maintenance depots, these buildings serve a wide range of functions and users. Managing access to such a diverse portfolio is no small task. And as we’ve seen throughout this series, all properties are not the same – and municipal properties are no exception.

The unique challenges of municipal access

Municipalities face a complex set of access management challenges:

• Diverse user groups: Employees, contractors, volunteers, and citizens all require different levels of access at different times.
• Wide geographical spread: Municipal buildings are often scattered across large areas, making centralized management difficult.
• High turnover and temporary access needs: Seasonal workers, event staff, and service providers frequently come and go, requiring flexible and secure access solutions.
• Budget constraints: Municipalities must balance security and efficiency with tight public budgets and long-term sustainability goals.

Traditional mechanical locking systems are ill-equipped to handle this complexity. Lost keys, unauthorized duplication, and the high cost of rekeying can quickly become unmanageable.

Smart access for smarter cities

iLOQ’s smart-access solutions are designed to meet the evolving needs of municipal properties by enhancing security, reducing administrative burden, and delivering long-term cost savings.

1. Centralized digital management

With iLOQ’s digital-locking system, municipalities can manage access rights for all properties from a single platform. Whether it’s a library in the city center or a maintenance shed on the outskirts, access can be granted, updated, or revoked remotely and instantly.

2. Mobile access for maximum flexibility

iLOQ’s mobile solution turns smartphones into secure digital keys. This is ideal for temporary workers, contractors, and mobile teams who need access to multiple sites without the hassle of having to collect and return physical keys.

3. Audit trails and accountability

Access events can be logged, providing full transparency and traceability. This helps municipalities meet compliance requirements and ensures accountability across departments and facilities.

4. Battery-free sustainability

iLOQ’s solutions are battery- and cable-free. With the digital-key-based solution, the power needed to recognize access rights programmed to the key and open locks comes from the energy generated by inserting the key into the lock. With the keyless, smartphone-based solution, the power needed to recognize access rights sent to iLOQ’s app running on the smartphone and open locks comes from the NFC induction of the smartphone when it is held against the lock. Eliminating the need for batteries not only reduces maintenance time and costs but also supports municipalities’ sustainability goals.

5. Cost-effective lifecycle management

By eliminating the need for maintenance and mechanical key management and reducing the risk of lock replacements, iLOQ helps municipalities lower total lifecycle costs freeing up resources for other public services.

6. The more locks installed, the more you save

Municipalities traditionally have a massive number of access points and users. The more iLOQ smart locks they install, the more opportunities they have to save money, resources, time and environmental impact.

iLOQ’s wide portfolio of hardware includes smart-lock cylinders, camlocks, key tube locks and padlocks. They are robust and operate reliably in the harshest environments and weather conditions – both hot and cold.

Take a look at how the Municipality of Utrecht in the Netherlands uses iLOQ’s digital-key-based solution to provide efficient access for staff to the city offices and the smartphone-based solution to ensure only the right partners have access at the right times to the control cabinets for the sewage pumping stations.

Or how iLOQ reduced the huge number of keys the duty manager from the Municipality of Rusko had to carry around to just one.

Building trust through secure access

Municipal properties are more than just buildings – they are places where communities connect, services are delivered, and public trust is built. iLOQ’s smart-access solutions help municipalities protect these spaces while improving efficiency and the user experience.

In the age of smart cities and connected lifestyles, the humble lock has undergone a radical transformation. No longer just a mechanical barrier, today’s locks are intelligent, connected, and central to the concept of smart living.

At the forefront of this evolution is iLOQ, a Finnish pioneer in digital-locking systems that is redefining how we think about access, security, and sustainability.

Security reimagined for the digital age

Traditional mechanical locks are vulnerable to lost or stolen keys, unauthorized duplication, and physical tampering. iLOQ eliminates these risks and provides world-class security with its digital access management solutions. Whether using a smartphone or a programmable digital key, access rights can be granted, modified, or revoked in real time – and no locksmith is required.

Moreover, iLOQ’s systems are self-powered, harvesting kinetic energy from the insertion of the key or the NFC induction of a smartphone when it is held against the lock. This not only removes the need for batteries (a common failure point in many smart locks) but also the need for cables, Wi-Fi, BLE or an internet connection ensuring uninterrupted security even in power outages or network disruptions.

Seamless user experience

Smart living is about convenience without compromise, and iLOQ delivers just that. Residents, property managers, and service providers benefit from a frictionless access experience:

• Fast and convenient access: All your access points open with just one digital key or with a tap on a smartphone. Features like access sharing, remote opening, and space/service bookings are enabled through iLOQ’s app maximizing the user experience in, for example, multifamily residential properties.
• Remote management: Access rights are programmed to iLOQ’s digital key or sent to iLOQ’s app running on a smartphone. They can be updated or cancelled instantly from anywhere.
• Reduced misuse: iLOQ’s audit trail reporting feature allows administrators to track access events within the locking system, providing a chronological record of who accessed which locks and when. This enhances transparency and accountability and reduces misuse. The audit trail reports can be accessed and browsed through iLOQ’s software, and the system also offers an API for integrating audit trail data with other systems.

This ease of use is especially valuable in multifamily properties, commercial buildings and critical infrastructure sites where access needs are dynamic and complex.

Driving cost efficiency

While the upfront investment in smart locks may seem higher than traditional systems, iLOQ offers significant long-term savings:

• No battery replacements: Thanks to energy-harvesting technology.
• No rekeying costs: Lost or stolen keys are simply deactivated.
• Minimized maintenance: Digital systems are more durable and easier to manage and, with no need to change batteries, maintenance activities are minimized.
• Quick and easy retrofit: Cylinders can be installed in a matter of minutes with no special tools, no drilling and no need to make changes to the existing doors or infrastructure. The security rating of the door remains.
• Reduced admin: iLOQ utilizes the leading cloud-computing platform Amazon Web Services (AWS) to ensure secure, scalable, and compliant access-management solutions. Day-to-day access management tasks can be handled on a simple web browser – no need to download or learn additional software.
• Operational efficiency and flexibility: iLOQ’s open API/SDK allows developers to create their own software solutions and integrations to virtually any external system (such as existing property management software). This ensures streamlined business operations (by eliminating bottlenecks) and provides better customer experiences while, at the same time, reducing costs.
• Seamless integration: iLOQ’s ecosystem includes modern integrations with various partners, allowing for seamless management of access across different systems. These integrations enable features like assigning phone keys through other security management systems, granting access based on existing access rules, and optimizing people flow within buildings. 

Reduced maintenance costs, enhanced security, and increased property value translates into lower total cost of ownership and higher operational efficiency for property owners and facility managers.

Sustainability at the core

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a mandate. iLOQ’s battery-free design and long product lifecycle contribute to reduced electronic waste and lower carbon footprints. Additionally, the ability to manage access digitally reduces the need for physical travel and manual interventions, further supporting environmental goals.

In fact, iLOQ’s commitment to sustainability aligns with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, making it an ideal partner for organizations aiming to meet their green building certifications and climate targets.

The future is smart and secure

As urban environments become more connected, the demand for intelligent, secure, and sustainable access solutions will only grow. iLOQ is not just keeping pace with this trend, it’s leading the charge. By combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric design, iLOQ is helping to build the smart living environments of tomorrow, already today. Learn more about iLOQ’s smart-locking solutions here.

All properties and all access challenges are not the same. Luckily, iLOQ has a range of smart-access solutions that are designed to maximize security, minimize administration and lifecycle costs and optimize the user experience in all properties.

In the fourth part of our series of blog posts, let’s take a look at how iLOQ’s digital-key-based and keyless smartphone-based access solutions bring significant advantages to commercial properties.

The challenges of access management in commercial properties

Managing access in commercial environments can be complex due to:

• A high volume of staff, contractors and visitors.
• Multiple access points in the property both individual and shared.
• Frequent staff turnover and temporary access needs.
• The need for tailormade and often time-limited access rights.
• Constantly changing access requirements.
• Lost, stolen, or unreturned keys or keys shared with unauthorized people creating security vulnerabilities.
• The need for integration with smart building systems and broader ecosystem preferences.

These challenges lead to several pain points:

• Increased security risks for properties, the assets contained in them and personnel.
• High maintenance costs, especially with mechanical or battery-powered systems.
• A large number of physical keys in circulation.
• Time-consuming and complex key logistics and administration.
• Difficulty tracking who has access to what, where and when.
• Frustration for staff and visitors navigating the premises.

iLOQ’s smart-access solutions

iLOQ’s innovative smart-access solutions address these challenges head on. You have the option of using digital keys (where all the access rights a person needs to move around the premises are programmed to just one key), or a keyless smartphone-based solution (where the access rights are programmed and sent to iLOQ’s app running on an NFC (Near Field Communication)-enabled smartphone). With iLOQ’s versatile platform, you can even use a combination of the two. And the solution is fully scalable and can be adapted as the premises change or grow.

Why iLOQ is ideal for commercial properties

There are a huge number of benefits of this smart-access solution for all relevant parties – the building owners, the locking system administrators and property managers and the staff and visitors themselves.

• No more key chaos: Eliminate bulky keyrings and reduce the number of physical keys in circulation.
• Quick and easy access management: Grant, modify, or cancel access remotely and in real time (24/7) with iLOQ’s easy-to-use cloud-based platform.
• Enhanced security: No risks related to mechanical keys that can easily be lost, stolen, copied or shared with unknown people. If a member of staff leaves their job, their access rights are quickly and easily cancelled avoiding the hassle of getting keys back to keep security levels high.
• Battery-free, cable-free and no maintenance: With iLOQ’s digital-key-based solutions, the power needed to recognize access rights and open the lock comes from the kinetic energy harvested by pushing the key into the lock. With iLOQ’s smartphone-based solution, the NFC induction of the smartphone when it is held against the lock provides the power to recognize the access rights and open the lock. In addition, no cabling, Wi-Fi or internet access is needed eliminating the need for a complex electrical infrastructure and worries about not being able to get access in a power outage or if batteries in the lock have run out.
• Audit trails: Know exactly who accessed which area and when, improving security and operational transparency.
• Seamless access: Staff can conveniently move around all the places they need to access using just one key or their smartphone. Temporary access rights can be issued to visitors or contractors, ensuring smooth and secure entry.
• Cost and time savings: No need to replace locks or rekey systems when access needs change or if a key is lost or stolen and no need to purchase batteries or pay for the maintenance to continually change them.
• Fast installation or retrofit: iLOQ’s smart locks are extremely quick, easy and cost effective to retrofit in existing properties and equally as easy to install in new facilities. There’s no need for special tools, drilling or to make changes to the existing infrastructure.
• API and SDK integrations for smart ecosystems: iLOQ’s open API/SDK allows developers to create their own software solutions and integrations to external systems such as existing property management software.

iLOQ’s wide portfolio of hardware includes smart-lock cylinders, camlocks, key tube locks and padlocks. They are robust and operate reliably in the harshest environments and weather conditions – both hot and cold.

Take a look at how iLOQ revolutionized ‘Tripla’ a major shopping, entertainment, business and residential complex known as the new heart of Helsinki in Finland.

Or watch this short video to see how a commercial premises in Manhattan was quickly and easily retrofitted with iLOQ’s smart-access solution to provide secure and keyless access.

Whether you’re managing a single office building or a large commercial complex, choosing iLOQ’s smart-access solutions is a strategic move. You’ll reduce lifecycle costs, enhance security, and deliver a seamless, modern access experience for both staff and visitors. Be proactive, be efficient, but, most of all, be smart with iLOQ.

Watch this space for:

All properties are not the same part 5: Municipalities

In a world where environmental responsibility is no longer optional, iLOQ stands out as a pioneer in sustainable innovation.

Our smart locks are not just about advanced security, they’re about securing a better future for our planet. From the raw materials we choose to the way we design, produce, package, and recycle our products, sustainability is embedded in every step of our value chain.

Battery-free by design

At the heart of iLOQ’s sustainability promise is our revolutionary battery-free technology. Traditional electronic locks rely on batteries that require frequent replacement and disposal, contributing to environmental waste and increasing maintenance costs. iLOQ smart locks, on the other hand, generate the energy they need from the motion of inserting a key or from a smartphone’s NFC (near-field communication) induction.

This innovation eliminates the need for millions of batteries over the lifetime of our products dramatically reducing electronic waste and carbon emissions. For property owners and locking system administrators, this means lower maintenance costs, fewer service calls, and a greener footprint.

Responsible from start to finish

Sustainability at iLOQ goes far beyond battery-free technology. We take a holistic approach to environmental responsibility:

• Raw materials: We carefully select durable, recyclable materials that minimize environmental impact while maximizing product lifespan.
• Production: Our manufacturing processes are optimized for energy efficiency and minimal waste. We continuously invest in cleaner technologies and smarter logistics.
• Packaging: We use eco-friendly, recyclable packaging materials that reduce plastic use and shipping weight.
• Like-minded partners: Our partners are chosen based on their commitment to sustainable practices, helping us reduce emissions throughout the supply chain.
• End-of-life recycling: iLOQ products are designed with disassembly and recycling in mind. We offer clear guidance and support for responsible disposal and recycling at the end of a product’s life.

Why it matters to you

Whether you’re a property owner managing a large portfolio, a locking system administrator overseeing security infrastructure, or an end user accessing a building daily, iLOQ’s sustainability benefits are tangible:

• Lower total cost of ownership: No batteries mean fewer replacements, less maintenance, and reduced operational costs.
• Improved reliability: Battery-free systems are more dependable, especially in extreme temperatures or remote locations.
• Enhanced ESG credentials: Choosing iLOQ supports your organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals – an increasingly important factor for investors, tenants, and customers.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your security solution is also a sustainable one adds an extra layer of confidence and pride.

A smarter, greener future

At iLOQ, we believe that smart locks should do more than protect buildings – they should also protect the planet. Our commitment to sustainability is not marketing fluff; it’s a guiding principle that shapes every decision we make.

Join us in building a smarter, greener future – one lock at a time. Learn more about iLOQ’s solutions here.

Picture source: Pär Olsson

All properties and all access challenges are not the same. Luckily, iLOQ has a range of smart-access solutions that are designed to maximize security, minimize administration and lifecycle costs and optimize the user experience in all properties. In the third part of our series of blog posts, let’s take a look at the benefits of iLOQ’s smart-access solution in multifamily properties.

There are several challenges for the people who are responsible for access management in multifamily properties:

• The large number of apartments in the building.
• Many different access points in the building both individual and shared.
• Tenants moving in and out throughout the year.
• Tailormade and often time-limited access rights needed.
• Access needs frequently changing.
• Keys getting lost, shared with unknown people, stolen or simply not returned when they move out.

The pain points are also clear:

• Security risks for the properties, the assets contained in them and the tenants themselves.
• High maintenance costs, particularly with mechanical or battery-powered systems.
• A high number of keys are in circulation.
• Complicated key logistics and administration to keep access rights up to date.
• Challenges keeping track of who has access to where and when.
• Difficulties for tenants to move smoothly around all the places they need to access.

With iLOQ’s innovative, keyless, smart-access solution, a smartphone is the only key tenants need. They can use it to securely and conveniently move around their property from the main entrance door to the door to their apartment and all the shared spaces such as the garbage rooms, warehouses and garages. All the access rights they need are shared to iLOQ’s app running on their smartphone. They can be updated remotely and in real time (24/7) as needs change.

iLOQ’s solution is also unique in that it is battery-free. The power needed to recognize the tenant’s access rights and open the locks comes from electricity generated by the NFC (near field communications) induction of the smartphone when it is held against the lock. In addition, no cabling, Wi-Fi or internet access is needed eliminating the need for a complex electrical infrastructure and worries about not being able to get access in a power outage or if batteries in the lock have run out.

There are a huge number of benefits of this smart-access solution for all relevant parties – the building owners, the locking system administrators and property managers and the tenants themselves.

• There is no need to carry around large bunches of keys.
• Access rights are quickly and easily programmed using iLOQ’s cloud-based software platform. They are sent remotely and in real time to iLOQ’s app running on the tenant’s smartphone.
• If the places they need to access change, their access rights can be quickly, easily and remotely updated in real time.
• There are no security risks related to physical keys that can easily be lost, stolen or shared with unknown people.
• If a phone is lost or stolen, the tenant’s access rights can be reloaded to the app on their new device. And, in the meantime, temporary access rights for their locks can be given to one of their neighbors to ensure they are never locked out.
• Audit trails make it easy to track and manage who has accessed where and when.
• There are no costs related to purchasing batteries and no maintenance fees to change them.
• iLOQ’s solution is also cable-free and needs no Wi-Fi or internet connection which reduces costs related to the locking infrastructure.
• There is no need to renew the entire locking system or rekey locks if a key is lost or stolen saving a huge amount of time and costs.
• Tenants have a fast, easy and convenient way to move around all the places they need to access.
• When a tenant moves out, their access rights are quickly and easily cancelled avoiding the hassle of getting keys back to keep security levels high.

iLOQ’s smart locks are extremely quick, easy and cost effective to retrofit in existing properties and equally as easy to install in new buildings. There’s no need for special tools, drilling or to make changes to the infrastructure.

iLOQ’s wide portfolio of hardware includes cylinders, camlocks, key tube locks and padlocks. They are robust and operate reliably in the harshest environments and weather conditions – both hot and cold.

Take a look at how Wold & Waard – a housing association in the province of Groningen in the Netherlands – uses iLOQ’s smartphone-based access sharing solution to maximize security while minimizing administration time.

Watch this video to see Robert Mancuso (CBO, iLOQ North America), Diana Ordonez (Property Manager, Allure at Vosseller) and Mike Singer (President, Protection Technologies) discuss the benefits of the iLOQ 5 Series+ solution for multifamily residential properties.

So, if you want to be savvy, reduce lifecycle costs, make life safer and improve the user experience for your tenants, then be smart and choose iLOQ’s smart-access solution.

Watch this space for:

All properties are not the same part 4: Commercial properties

Smart locks without batteries do exist. Battery-free technology is based on innovative energy-harvesting mechanisms, such as those found in iLOQ’s digital-key-based and smartphone-based smart-access solutions.

These cutting-edge systems eliminate the need for batteries or external power sources, offering a secure, sustainable, maintenance-free and cost-effective alternative to traditional mechanical or battery-powered electronic locks.

Read on to understand how battery-free technology works and the many benefits it brings to modern access management.

Smart locks powered by inserting the key

With iLOQ’s digital-key-based smart-locking solution, the power to recognize access rights and open the locks comes from the kinetic energy generated by pushing the key into the lock. It’s as simple as that. No need for batteries, cables, Wi-Fi or an internet connection. iLOQ’s cylinders can be installed in new properties or retrofitted in existing properties in a matter of seconds using just a normal screwdriver. No need for drilling and no need to make any changes to the doors or existing infrastructure.

As well as the cost savings achieved by eliminating the need to purchase batteries or pay maintenance to continually change them, you also have the added convenience that all the access rights needed to move around your building can be programmed to just one digital key. No need to carry around huge bunches of keys and no need to worry if your key is lost or stolen; it is simply blocked rendering it useless if someone finds it. Your access rights can be quickly and easily programmed to a new key. This makes it ideal for residential, commercial, and institutional properties where sustainability and security go hand in hand.

One of the main advantages of this solution is that using a digital key feels just like using a traditional mechanical one – there’s nothing new to learn. This makes it well-suited for a wide range of people including younger users, older individuals, and those less comfortable with technology.

Smart locks powered by your smartphone

One of the most groundbreaking advancements in the smart-lock industry is the use of passive NFC (Near Field Communication)-powered smart locks. iLOQ is a pioneer in this field, having developed and launched the world’s first and most advanced battery-free and keyless smart-lock systems already in 2016.

With iLOQ’s keyless, smartphone-based smart locks, the energy required to recognize access rights and open the locks is harvested directly from the NFC induction of the smartphone when it is held against the lock – no batteries, no wiring and no physical key. This adds convenience to the list of benefits of iLOQ’s solutions which are already known for their reliability, low maintenance and cost-efficiency. And, as mentioned above, the cylinders can be installed or retrofitted in a matter of seconds with no special tools.

Traditionally, smartphone-based smart locks have been preferred by customers in the critical infrastructure sector. Nowadays, they are also becoming popular in multifamily residential and student housing properties, and commercial and municipal buildings.

Other requirements and solutions for battery-free locking systems

Creating a smart lock without a battery involves more than just removing the power source. It requires:

• Energy-efficient electronics that can operate on minimal power.
• Secure digital key management to ensure access rights are always up to date.
• Robust mechanical design to withstand harsh environments.
• Cloud-based or mobile-based access management platforms for real-time updates and monitoring.

Benefits of battery-free smart locking

Switching to a battery-free smart-lock system offers numerous advantages:

• Zero battery waste – having no batteries means no environmental impact from disposal or replacement – an eco-friendly choice for green buildings and sustainability-focused organizations.
• Minimal maintenance – without batteries to replace, maintenance costs and site visits are drastically reduced, saving time and money over the lock’s lifecycle.
• Enhanced security – access rights can be updated remotely and instantly, and lost keys can be deactivated immediately – no need to change locks.
• Seamless user experience – Users can unlock all their doors with just one digital key or their smartphones making access fast, intuitive, and secure.
• Scalable and versatile – From student housing to utility cabinets, iLOQ’s battery-free solutions adapt to a wide range of applications and environments.

If you’re looking for a smart lock without a battery, iLOQ offers the most advanced and reliable battery-free smart-lock solutions on the market. Whether you’re managing a single building or a nationwide infrastructure, iLOQ’s digital-key-based and smartphone-based solutions deliver unmatched sustainability, security, and simplicity.

Learn more about iLOQ’s smart-access solutions for:

Critical infrastructure, Residential properties, Public and commercial properties or get in touch with one of our experts here.

All properties and all access challenges are not the same. Luckily, iLOQ has a range of smart-access solutions that are designed to maximize security, minimize administration and lifecycle costs and optimize the user experience in all properties. In the second part of our series of blog posts, let’s take a look at the benefits of iLOQ’s smart-access solution for the critical infrastructure sector.

There are several challenges for the people who are responsible for access management in critical infrastructure sites:

• The large number of sites, often in remote areas.
• Hundreds of staff – both in-house and sub-contractors.
• Tailormade and often time-limited access rights needed.
• Access needs frequently changing.
• Fast access needed in emergency situations to ensure uninterrupted supply.
• Keys getting lost, shared with unknown people, stolen or simply not returned when the work has been completed.

The pain points are also clear:

• Security risks for the sites and the assets contained in them.
• High maintenance costs, particularly with mechanical or battery-powered systems.
• Complicated key logistics and administration to keep access rights up to date.
• Keys need to be collected from administration offices or admin staff need to visit sites to grant access wasting time and creating unnecessary costs and travel-related environmental impact.
• Challenges keeping track of who has access to where and when.
• Difficulties for staff to optimize workflows.

With iLOQ’s innovative, keyless, smart-access solution, a smartphone is the only key staff need. They can use it to securely and conveniently move around all the sites they need to have access to. All the access rights they need are shared to iLOQ’s app running on their smartphone. They can be updated remotely and in real time (24/7) as needs change giving staff more flexibility to plan efficient work routes and optimize their working day.

iLOQ’s solution is also unique in that it is battery-free. The power needed to recognize the access rights and open the locks comes from electricity generated by the NFC (near field communications) induction of the smartphone when it is held against the lock. In addition, no cabling, WiFi or internet access is needed eliminating the need for a complex electrical infrastructure in remote sites and worries about not being able to get access in a power outage or if batteries in the lock have run out.

There are a huge number of benefits of this smart-access solution for all relevant parties – the site owners, the locking system administrators and site managers and the members of staff themselves.

• Access rights are quickly and easily programmed using iLOQ’s cloud-based software platform. They are sent remotely and in real time to iLOQ’s app running on the member of staff’s smartphone.
• If the places they need to access change, their access rights can be quickly, easily and remotely updated in real time saving time and optimizing workflows.
• There are no security risks related to physical keys that can easily be lost, stolen or shared with unknown people.
• If a phone is lost or stolen, the access rights can be reloaded to the app on a new device.
• Audit trails use GPS coordinates to make it easy to track and manage who has accessed where and when.
• There are no costs related to purchasing batteries and no maintenance fees to change them.
• iLOQ’s solution is cable-free and needs no WiFi or internet connection which reduces costs related to the locking infrastructure.
• There is no need to renew the entire locking system or rekey locks if a key is lost or stolen saving a huge amount of time and costs.
• Members of staff have a fast, easy and convenient way to move around all the places they need to access. There’s no need to travel between administration offices and sites to pick up and return keys or wait for someone to come and give them access.
• When a member of staff or sub-contractor leaves, their access rights are immediately cancelled avoiding the hassle of getting keys back to keep security levels high.

iLOQ’s smart locks are extremely quick and easy to install in new sites and equally as easy to retrofit in existing sites. There’s no need for special tools, drilling or to make changes to the infrastructure.

iLOQ’s wide portfolio of hardware includes cylinders, camlocks, key tube locks and padlocks. They are robust and operate reliably in the harshest environments and weather conditions – both hot and cold.

Take a look at how Cellnex in Sweden found a secure and innovative way of handling access management for the telecom masts and data centers used by Cellnex personnel and many different sub-contractors. 

Or watch this video to see how Keuruun Energia became more secure and efficient by replacing the locks and padlocks in the offices and at the sites in the field with iLOQ’s smart-access solution.

So, if you want to be savvy, improve the security of your sites, reduce locking system administration and provide a more convenient user experience for your staff, then be smart and choose iLOQ’s smart-access solution.

Watch this space for:

All properties are not the same part 3: Multifamily properties

And, if you missed it, read the first blog post in this series:

All properties are not the same part 1: Student housing

All properties and all access challenges are not the same. Luckily, iLOQ has a range of smart-access solutions that are designed to maximize security, minimize administration and lifecycle costs and optimize the user experience in all properties. In the first part of our series of blog posts, let’s take a look at the benefits of iLOQ’s smart-access solution for the student-housing sector.

There are several challenges for the people who are responsible for access management in student housing:

• The big rush at the beginning of the school year to ensure new students get quick and efficient access to their properties.
• Students moving in and out constantly throughout the year.
• The buildings, classrooms and facilities they need to get access to frequently changing.
• Keys getting lost, shared with unknown people, stolen or simply not returned when they move out.

The pain points are also clear:

• Security risks for the properties, the assets contained in them and the students themselves.
• High maintenance costs, particularly with mechanical or battery-powered systems.
• Complicated key logistics and administration to keep access rights up to date.
• Challenges keeping track of who has access to where and when.
• Difficulties for students to move around the places where they live and study.

With iLOQ’s digital-key-based solution, all the access rights a student needs to securely and conveniently move around their accommodation, the classrooms and facilities in which they are studying, and shared spaces such as gyms, and cafes, are programmed to just one key. With iLOQ’s innovative, keyless, smart-access solution, all the access rights they need are shared to iLOQ’s app running on their smartphone.

iLOQ’s solutions are unique in that they are battery-free. With the digital-key-based solution, the power needed to recognize the student’s access rights and open the locks comes from the kinetic energy generated by pushing the key into the lock. With the smartphone-based solution, the power needed to recognize the student’s access rights and open the locks comes from the NFC (near field communication) induction of the smartphone when it is held against the lock.

There are a huge number of benefits of iLOQ’s smart-access solutions for all relevant parties – the building owners, the locking system administrators and property managers and the students themselves.

• Access rights are programmed to the digital keys (which can be sent out in good time before the start of the school year) using iLOQ’s cloud-based software platform. Or they can be sent remotely and in real time to iLOQ’s app running on the student’s smartphone when they are ready to move in.
• If the places they need to access change, their access rights can be quickly, easily and remotely updated in real time.
• There are no security risks related to mechanical keys, keycards or fobs that can easily be lost, stolen, copied or shared with unknown people.
• If a digital key is lost or stolen, the student’s access rights can be blocked rendering the key useless if an unauthorized person tries to use it. A new key can be quickly and easily programmed. If a phone is lost or stolen, the student’s access rights can be reloaded to the app on their new device. And, in the meantime, temporary access rights for their locks can be given to one of their housemates to ensure they are never locked out.
• Audit trails make it easy to track and manage who has accessed where and when.
• There are no maintenance costs related to changing batteries.
• iLOQ’s solution is also cable-free and needs no WiFi or internet connection which reduces costs related to the locking infrastructure.
• There is no need to renew the entire locking system or rekey locks if a key is lost or stolen saving a huge amount of time and costs.
• Students have a fast, easy and convenient way to move around the student campus and their accommodation.
• When students move out, their access rights are quickly and easily cancelled avoiding the hassle to get the keys back to keep security levels high.

iLOQ’s smart locks are extremely quick and easy to install in new properties and equally as easy to retrofit in existing properties. There’s no need for special tools, drilling or to make changes to the infrastructure.

Take a look at how housing association Lieven de Key installed iLOQ’s smart-access solution on the doors to 2000 apartments for international students. This helped them move from 12,000 key transfers a year and the physical management of 14,000 keys to a digital and keyless solution with a fully automated check in.

Or how SSH Student Housing used iLOQ’s smart-access solution to simplify how they deal with a high turnover of residents (about 8,000 moves during the year) and provide a secure, flexible and easy-to-use access-management solution for international students who often don’t speak the local language.

So, if you want to be savvy, make life safer and more convenient for your residents, then be smart and choose iLOQ’s smart-access solution.

Watch this space for:

All properties are not the same part 2: Critical infrastructure