As locksmiths continue to add electronic access control options to their suite of offerings, manufacturers stepped up in 2024 within the wireless lock category, providing a wide array of new looks, options and capabilities based on where and how the locks are being used, in addition to allowing auditing or integration with a platform that oversees multiple systems within a facility. And with the phone becoming the access control credential of choice (see page 32) across many verticals, this mobile access trend is changing the way locksmiths look at locks.
Not surprisingly, in the Locksmith Ledger 2024 State of the Industry Report (see November issue), locksmiths identified Smart Locks as the No. 1 technology that is most important to their business, with a whopping 49.1% (compared with 38.9% last year) saying it is a must-have product in their portfolio of offerings.
“I see a huge uptick in electronic access, so people moving over from keys to cards or phone access or some type of digital interface instead of just the mechanical lock,” says John Nolan, owner of Reliant Security. “Overall, I'd say everyone is starting to go into electronic access and even automation type stuff, although I am seeing a particular uptick in interest from government, from schools, and I just completed a project with a church.”
The following is a closer look at the top electronic locks that made our Best of 2024 List starting on page 10.
Alarm Lock Wireless Trilogy Networx Access Locks
Alarm Lock’s Trilogy and Wireless Trilogy Networx Access Locks are now available in on-trend Matte Black (US 19) finishes for standalone, networked, narrow-stile and panic exit bar applications. NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., recently announced the release of a new short-form catalog from its Alarm Lock Division, showcasing the full array of their standalone and wireless access lock solutions.
In addition to the Trilogy Series and the wireless Trilogy Networx Access locks, the Trilogy Networx networked locks offer the same top features plus significant labor savings by eliminating the need for door-to-door operations for programming and audit trail retrieval. Additionally, they support scheduled locking from a central server or global lockdown in emergencies, triggered from any lock, keyfob, or server using NAPCO’s management real-time platforms, or the free DLWINDOWS software or other integrated systems such as Lenel.
Plus, the designer ArchiTech Networx line goes a step further in style and can be customized with hundreds of trims and finishes to modernize iconic buildings and/or fit right in with the latest office décor and proptech.
Designed specifically for locksmiths and integrators, the 2025 Alarm Lock Catalog is offering a comprehensive overview of commercial access locking solutions for wood, metal and glass doors. In addition to summarizing the various lock styles, models, and architectural finishes — including the new US19 Matte Black noted earlier — the Alarm Lock 2025 Catalog also reviews complementary keypads, tools, and accessories, highlights upcoming new models, and includes a convenient model number configuration chart on the back cover.
Centrios Access Control Platform
Centrios, which debuted at ISC West earlier this year, addresses the North American small business market with a new access control platform comprised of an intuitive, secure app, web interface, and purpose-built electronic locks and readers. Additionally, the business Centrios, a brand and platform developed within ASSA ABLOY, leverages ASSA ABLOY’s scale and capacity to innovate with a bold new start-up strategy and digital-first, customer-centric approach.
“Small business owners are busy entrepreneurs who don’t have time to sort through the complexity of the current landscape of access management options,” says Bryan Lieberman, General Manager, Centrios. “Our channel partners want to offer these business owners a solution that just works, is easy to sell, is well supported, and helps them grow their businesses. We listened very carefully to our customers and designed our business structure, the product, user interfaces, support tools, and even our sales strategy to help our customers make smarter decisions about access for their business faster and with confidence.”
With Centrios, business operators can quickly and intuitively manage scheduled access and retrieve access reporting for employees and visitors across multiple physical sites from their phone or a PC. Systems users can effortlessly unlock or lock doors with a touch of their phone to a Centrios lock or smart reader. Centrios is a free system that offers businesses an upgrade path to enhanced features and capacities, such as the number of users, door devices, or scheduling capabilities.
Centrios software and hardware were designed in parallel so the user has the most seamless experience possible. Centrios cylindrical locks are well-suited for exterior or interior openings such as front doors, back doors, storerooms, offices, and bathrooms. The smart reader is optimal for storefronts, employee entrances, gates, or automatic doors where it can be paired with new or legacy third-party electronic access control devices that a business may already have in place. The Centrios locks and smart reader can be installed in minutes and can then be securely paired with the Centrios Mobile App in seconds via BLE.
Centrios also connects end users with locksmiths, integrators, and security professionals through the Centrios Partner Program. This program offers partners valuable training content, end user leads, and the ability to manage their own details for representation on the Centrios where-to-buy finder.
SALTO DBolt Smart Deadbolt
The DBolt smart deadbolt from Salto is the company’s latest innovation for the multifamily, condo, senior and student living markets. Using the same hole and no wiring, the DBolt offers a quick, easy and affordable solution for retrofitting doors with aging, traditional deadbolts with the latest in access control technology.
“Packed with all of Salto’s most advanced technologies like SVN, BLUEnet, and JustIN Mobile, the DBolt deadbolt is the most flexible smart lock for the multifamily market,” says Preston Grutzmacher, Salto North America Residential Leader. “Using a unique combination of cloud-based and stand-alone access technology, the DBolt creates a market-defining level of site safety and convenience.”
The SALTO DBolt Touch offers a retrofit and smart locking solution for upgrading mechanical deadbolt locks in the multi-family residential market. The DBolt Touch implements the latest technology and the top level of functionality that multi-family housing residents, operators, and access managers desire and have been eagerly anticipating.
Easy to retrofit, compatible with any deadbolt door, and with different models available, the SALTO DBolt Touch smart lock has been designed to blend seamlessly and connect wirelessly to the property ecosystem. In addition, the SALTO DBolt Touch’s smart access technology – powered by SALTO’s access management platforms – delivers a comprehensive and modern digitized property that unifies security, access control, property management, and the tenant experience in an all-in-one smart access solution for residential living.
With secure smart keypad access, the SALTO DBolt Touch supports a wide range of access control methods to create the perfect keyless experience. The DBolt Touch smart keypad reader enables PIN-based entry for residents and visitors. For users who require a physical credential, the DBolt Touch series offers the same level of security and convenience by supporting smart RFID key cards. The DBolt Touch enables mobile access via SALTO’s Digital Key solution – JustIN Mobile. Property managers and residents can use a smartphone – including Apple Wallet – to access a property’s various doors, amenities, and individual units.
With a wide range of finishes, the SALTO DBolt Touch can fit in almost any kind of environment – from apartment building doors to single-family entrances or from modern to classic installations. Rated AAA according to A156.40 (American National Standard for Residential Deadbolts), the DBolt Touch meets the highest standards set by the security industry.
Schlage XE360 Series Wireless Locks
Allegion US introduced the Schlage XE360 Series Wireless Locks in 2024, a new electronic lock portfolio designed with multifamily market needs – like style and technology – in mind, at an attractive price point. The XE360 Series is the next generation of innovative electronic locks from Schlage, outfitted with the options and features most looked for by multifamily properties and made to fit the needs of a wide range of common area openings.
With in-demand finishes and modern lever styles, the XE360 Series was designed to complement a variety of design styles. It operates in an offline or No-Tour environment, which eliminates the need for property managers to visit the lock as credentials update the access rights.
"Designed specifically for the multifamily market and backed by Schlage's legacy of trust and innovation, the XE360 Series is a versatile and affordable solution to create safe and secure communities for residents and enhance the multifamily living experience," explains Brian Telljohann, Director of Product Management, Commercial Electronics at Allegion. "A strategic evolution of our multifamily ecosystem, the XE360 Series seamlessly integrates with Schlage Control mobile-enabled smart locks and features applications across the entire building, which allows multifamily operators to leverage a single access control and management solution without compromising security and design."
Integrated with Allegion and third-party access control software providers and proptech systems, the XE360 Series' open architecture design provides property owners and operators the flexibility to choose between management systems and delivers a convenient and secure experience for residents.
The XE360 Series supports the latest mobile credential technologies, including MIFARE®, Bluetooth® and NFC mobile, with advanced encryption to keep data and communications safe.
The Schlage XE360 boasts a next level design that provides property owners with a seamless aesthetic across all openings regardless of the type of door and required lock installation. Thoughtfully engineered, the uniquely concealed key override maintains the sleek look of the lock on the door, providing residents with a modern design without compromising peace of mind.
The new and innovative FleX Module board allows the XE360 Series locks to be easily upgraded in the field to allow migration from an offline to networked solution and adapt to emerging trends in security and connectivity as the building's needs or technology change.
The XE360 Series builds upon Schlage's multifamily electronic access control ecosystem, including Schlage Control smart locks, designed specifically for multifamily resident doors. Property owners can now outfit all openings – including main entrances, resident entrances, paths of egress, common areas and workspaces – with a one system solution.
