Managing access digitally is often considered more secure, more flexible and more convenient than traditional methods. However, as with any investment decision, businesses must weigh up both costs and benefits before upgrading. The costs attached to the access solution they choose can be affected by many different factors – including building size, shape, type, location, national regulations and so on.
Fortunately, within this potential range of differences, the choice between a wired or wireless solution has a mostly uniform impact. Going wireless reduces the total cost of solution ownership during installation, operation, and when it comes to expanding or reconfiguring access, should a business’ needs change.
Wiring buildings is often expensive. Therefore, the potential cost savings from choosing wireless digital access begin at the very start of the process. In calculations for one report, digital access experts at Assa Abloy projected costs for a fictional 100-door installation. According to the company, the estimates shows that labour savings for those who chose wireless over wired locks were over 80%.
Wireless installation is faster and less intrusive. Most wireless locking devices require little or no drilling of the door, whereas wired security needs cabling through and partly around a door – which means not just door damage, but specialist electrical contractors and perhaps multiple site visits. These costs add up.
In Poland, for example, developer Torus targets the highest level of LEED certification for all their new properties around Gdansk. Where possible, they choose products with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Green Circle documentation, favouring solutions which reduce their carbon footprint. Wireless digital access technology is a natural choice.
“The lack of wiring significantly reduces materials use, reduces costs, and ensures quick installation,” confirms Torus’ Roman Sokolowski. There’s no cabling, which cuts power consumption. There’s less damage to the building fabric and fitters make fewer journeys to and from the site.
Choosing wireless over wired locking can play an important role in reducing energy costs. Businesses have little control over unit energy prices, so it is critical that they control usage. The fact that battery-powered locks consume much less energy than traditional wired solutions remains relevant and important.
Traditional wired door access devices often work via magnets connected permanently to mains electricity. These doors draw power to remain locked. Wireless locks work differently. They only “wake up” when presented with a credential, to make an access decision. This translates to an additional saving on energy costs during operation, equating to more than 70%, according to Assa Abloy, or thousands of euros over a typical access system’s lifetime.
Related energy and materials costs during in-use stage are also lower. Wireless locks only need a change of their standard battery – which may be rechargeable – typically once every two years. No complex maintenance is required, saving on specialists as well as their travel to and from site.
According to Assa Abloy the argument is clear. By choosing wireless digital access, businesses can help protect themselves against the rising costs and price volatility of energy. And if they choose to extend an existing system wirelessly with Assa Abloy’s Aperio device range, for example, they do not add administrative complexity. Security managers still control their entire site from a single interface.
