Bluetooth Readers
Bluetooth Readers are Contactless and Convenient
Industry leading STid readers integrate seamlessly with Almas’ Optima software and Access Control Range
Bluetooth technology for door entry and access control systems
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Your Smartphone is the key
Smartphones are everywhere and as a result, bluetooth technology is increasing in popularity. Essentially, your smartphone replaces a card or fob, it communicates with the door entry reader and, via Bluetooth technology, the access credentials are wirelessly transmitted.
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STid Readers integrate with Optima Software
Industry-leading StiD Bluetooth readers with Optima software. Instead of a biometric template or proximity fob, a virtual badge is created in the Optima software and all rights are configured here.
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Mix and match with other biometric or RFID readers
Bluetooth access control can be combined with other access readers such as biometric fingerprint or facial readers, or ANPR cameras, or fob and proximity readers.
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Onboard new users remoted
Great user or customer experience as you configure their access before they arrive on site.
Bluetooth Readers are Contactless and Convenient
Industry leading STid readers integrate seamlessly with Almas’ Optima software and Access Control Range
What is Bluetooth Access Control?
Using Bluetooth technology for door entry and access control systems is increasing in popularity as smartphones have become more widespread. Essentially, your smartphone replaces a card or fob, it communicates with the door entry reader and, via Bluetooth technology, the access credentials are wirelessly transmitted. An app on your smartphone conveys the security ‘key’ and if your credentials are verified then the door or gate will release thereby permitting entry.
Why does Bluetooth Access Control work for businesses?
Remote set up of credentials
Bluetooth readers work well in situations where you want to set up access rights before the user attends site. For example, when you onboard employees remotely, or need to give access to a user temporarily or for a finite period.
Reliable and robust
Almas Industries Bluetooth Access Control solution combines industry-leading StiD Bluetooth readers with Optima software. Instead of a biometric template or proximity fob, a virtual badge is created in the Optima software and all rights are configured here.
Flexible and fully integrated with all Almas’ Access Control Solutions
Bluetooth access control can be combined with other access readers such as biometric fingerprint or facial readers, ANPR cameras, or fob and proximity readers. We would advise that you increase security the closer you get to your site, high-value stock areas, sensitive departments or buildings. Bluetooth access on a gate or barrier and then biometric access within the building is a great combination.
Are Bluetooth Access Control Systems Secure?
With Bluetooth access credentials, you are still checking what someone has as opposed to who someone is (as you do with biometric access control) however, Smartphones generally have biometric access control and are unlocked by fingerprint or facial verification. It’s an encrypted solution to keep you compliant with GDPR.
While not impossible to circumnavigate, on our scale of security, Bluetooth readers are second only biometrics.
How do Bluetooth readers work?
With Optima’s ONE Blue module, you benefit from the flexibility of using virtual badges on smartphones thanks to native integration with the STid Mobile ID® solution.
A virtual badge is created in Almas’ Optima software with the ONE Blue module and the access rights are set up.
There are several types of activation functions which are configurable. These transmit the access credentials to the smart lock receiver and include: Tap Tap, slide or handsfree:
Handsfree: Bluetooth authentication can be set-up as ‘always on’ on your smart phone; by pressing the access reader calls for an identity verification command but this will drain more battery than an authentication action such as Tap Tap or Slide, which prompts the credentials to be transmitted.
Optima 360 Security Platform
Integrate your Bluetooth access control readers with other security solutions using Almas’ 360 platform. This module allows you to see all your security in one place. View CCTV cameras, intruder alarm sensors or other detectors and all access control readers on one supervision plan.
- View specific live camera feeds at the click of an icon
- Open doors or gates by clicking an icon
- Create automations and link events to evidence to reduce security breaches and improve investigation
- Create alerts for unauthorised attempts or out-of-hours access.
- Reduce Risk of Theft
Set alerts to trigger if doors are wedged open. Click on the alert to see camera footage before, during and after the incident; automatically linked and readily available to speed up investigation. Check that no unaccounted-for goods were removed, and no unauthorised people entered a storage area.
Why should you choose Almas Industries for your access control system and extended security solutions for your business?
We have been security and protecting UK and Irish businesses for over 16 years. We are focussed on the right solution for your needs, backed up with a full service and maintenance programme – with outright purchase or leasing options available.
Our team of Security Consultants and Engineers are poised to deliver you the best security for your site. We are PSA and SSAIB accredited for your peace of mind.
Here’s what our customers say about Almas
Daycare at Saint Martins
"Day Care at Saint Martins is protected by biometric access control and CCTV from Almas Industries"
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ESS Modular
""We've found the workmanship of the technicians to be of the highest quality and Almas' advice has saved us money in terms of on-site security. Almas' responsiveness to our changing needs allows us to scale our security solutions as required, as we continue to grow" Stephen Tedstone, Production Director"
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Ilford Station
"We’ve been using innDex at Ilford Station over the past 6 months and the efficiencies have shown to be outstanding."
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Kirkwood Walker, Managing Director
"Biometrics are a great system, which gives us control"
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Macclesfield Rugby Club
"Almas Industries have been efficient and professional – they advised on the right system for our needs that we can add to as the Club grows. The service has been great, responsive and helpful, I highly recommend them. "
Read MoreGet in touch to arrange a no-obligation security consultation or quote for access control
You can call us on 0333 567 6677 (UK) or 01 68 333 68 (IRE). Alternatively, drop us a line below and we will get in touch.
Are Bluetooth Access Control Readers energy efficient?
StiD readers utilise BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) which is also known as Bluetooth 4.0. Essentially, compared to standard Bluetooth, the main difference is in BLE’s low power consumption.
In Access Control applications, the benefit of BLE is that it significantly decreases battery usage in the users’ smartphones. It could also lend itself to possibilities for battery-operated access readers in certain circumstances.
BLE Bluetooth remains in a ‘sleep’ state until a connection is initiated. The connection time is around 100 times shorter than standard Bluetooth. These low-energy characteristics make Bluetooth access control readers increasingly popular.
How much is Bluetooth Access Control?
We know you want a price, right here, right now! However, the cost of a working solution has to be quoted based on your site, where the readers will be placed, whether there is power, the number of readers, installation time and many more factors. To give you an accurate quote that we will stick to, we need to conduct a site survey. Go on, get in touch..
Can I pick up my phone for bluetooth access control while in my car?
This is a bit of a grey area. The driving laws have been tightened up recently on the use of mobile phones while in the car to make the roads safer. Technically handling your phone at all in a vehicle is illegal and can result in prosecution.
However, there was a recent amendment in the law that we believe is a comparable situation. We are swiftly moving towards a cashless society and using your phone to make payment at a drive thru for example is not an endorsible offence. If you’d like to read more on what you can and can’t do with your phone while driving- here’s a great article from JMW law
If Bluetooth is continually on, then feasibly access could be granted by the phone being in its holder in the car in close enough proximity to the reader, but as we know, this drains your mobile battery.
We are going to seek further clarification on this subject..