Southco, Inc., a global leader in engineered access solutions, has recently expanded its line of Electronic Access Solutions with an access controller that allows BLUETOOTH® enabled devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, to be used as a credential for wirelessly actuating an electronic lock. Virtual keys are sent wirelessly to a smart device via a remote web portal from any computer connected to the Internet.

The EA-BT BLUETOOTH® Controller provides wireless control and monitoring of intelligent locks without having to physically connect to a network, or install, manage and maintain software. When combined with any of Southco’s intelligent electronic locking solutions, the BLUETOOTH® Controller provides a completely concealed physical security solution using BLUETOOTH® LE for user access, and a remote web portal for credential management and audit trail monitoring.

The system features multi-level encryption, simple set up and installation, and the ability to read a smartphone from 30 feet away. When combined with the EA-BTBLUETOOTH® Controller, intelligent, concealed electronic locks can protect and secure valuable information and assets with a digital record of access, which can be used to demonstrate compliance with regulations such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

Virtual keys can be assigned and managed with the VIZpin® application, which provides a secure, cloud-based platform for remote management of user access to Southco’s EA-BT BLUETOOTH® Controller. Time-based virtual keys can be sent wirelessly to a free smartphone application via VIZpin’s cloud-based web portal. When logged into the secure web portal the admin can add or delete electronic keys in real time, granting access to authorized users – and only during a specified time frame. 

General Manager Steve Spatig adds, “Southco’s BLUETOOTH® Lock Controller provides a breakthrough, disruptive technology for remotely controlling and monitoring physical access wirelessly, without a physical network connection. With our new BLUETOOTH® Controller, access can be issued to individuals in real time, from anywhere in the world, with a simple web-based application and anyBLUETOOTH® enabled smartphone.”

For more information about the functionality of the EA-BT BLUETOOTH® Lock Controller, please visit www.southco.com.