Keyed in on modern technology

Sophisticated lock system is so unique that you can even send an SMS to your door from anywhere in the world and open it remotely.

By DAVID SHAMAH
ADIOS door system_521 (photo credit: Courtesy)
ADIOS door system_521
(photo credit: Courtesy)
The phrase “door technology” is a bit oxymoronic – it’s just a door, isn’t it? But like everything else, hi-tech is doing wonders for doors – or more specifically, for locks. Israel’s SDS Home Security Automation has developed a paradigm-breaking lock system that automatically locks and bolts doors, and allows homeowners and workers to open doors using codes and RFID tags – making keys a thing of the past, says company CTO Naftali Sadan.
“It’s the most innovative locking system in the world, putting you in complete control of who comes and goes,” he says.
It would be easy to mistake the SDS system for just another digital locking system, but it’s much more, says Sadan. “We don’t sell locks; we sell the world’s first lock operating system.”
The product, which is called “A Door Intelligent Operating System” (better known by its acronym, ADIOS), turns “any ordinary lock into a smart lock... This system is ideal for large families where kids are constantly losing keys, and for offices where many people come and go. Only those with the right code or other method to open the door can get in, and changing the code or entry criteria is simple,” Sadan explains. This means users can allow access to whomever they want for a limited period of time – and never have to worry about their using a key or code they “forgot” to return.
Besides codes, the ADIOS system allows access using other innovative methods, like RFID tags, biometric fingerprint scanners, remote control from a PC or laptop, activation by cellphone, or any combination thereof.
“Users can choose the method they feel most comfortable with, and they can easily change codes, phone numbers and other access methods,” says Sadan. “So if you want to grant one-time access to a service person, you can let them use their cellphone to enter the house, and then remove that access code from the system.”
If an emergency situation pops up, no problem – you can send an SMS to your door and open it remotely for the plumber or electrician.
ADIOS IS on guard not only when the door opens, but when it closes as well.
“We have two unique advantages over everyone else,” says Sadan. “One, our system checks not just who goes into the house or office, but who leaves as well, and makes sure that the door is locked and bolted. And two, you don’t have to replace the door or the lock, and there are no unsightly wires involved. Everything is wireless, and the only thing that gets installed is a small, thin control box on the outside of the door, and a ‘smart cylinder’ to communicate with the control box.” (You can see the system in action on Youtube at http://goo.gl/ooamH).
With the remote network access ADIOS provides (via WiFi, cellphone and Bluetooth), customers can control the door-locking system at all times, from anywhere in the world.
Putting all the elements together, Sadan says, the ADIOS system can provide a solution for almost any situation.
“For example, we recently had a situation where a handicapped, wheelchair-bound individual who is unable to use a key due to her handicap. We equipped her with an RFID bracelet which she just waves at the door when she approaches. The door opens, and when she is inside, it closes, locks and bolts itself – with no extra effort on her part,” he says.
The system is currently available in Israel, and works with any security door with a Rav-Bariah-style lock; it costs about NIS 3,000, installed.
Sadan says he was a bit surprised that two areas where ADIOS is a big seller are Bnei Brak and the Beit Yisrael neighborhood of Jerusalem.
“Between the children, sons-and daughters-in-law, and the rest of the extended family, there could be dozens of keys floating around. If someone loses the key, the family is now at risk, so they change the lock or the cylinder – and now have to buy new keys for everyone. It’s a huge hassle.”
Besides that, Sadan says, the more people who have access to the home, the greater the risk that someone will forget to lock the door. “There is a very high rate of burglaries in haredi neighborhoods, because thieves know they can find an unlocked door without much effort. Our system makes sure that the door is safely locked at all times.”
The same logic works for offices, where numerous people come and go; with the SDS system, there’s no need to worry about someone forgetting to lock up, or that a former employee “forgot” to return a key.
SDS has also begun exporting the system to South America – especially Colombia, where Sadan says it’s gained popularity – and Italy.
“Electronic doors are very popular in Italy but most of the doors have their locking system built into the doors,” he notes. “As a result, the doors are very expensive – and very expensive to maintain and fix. Our system offers better security at a far lower price, and works on nearly any door.”