Smart Locks Pro offers a forward-thinking approach to digital access control for large-scale enterprises. By transitioning from conventional key systems to user-friendly digital interfaces, it provides a solid and scalable solution for managing critical infrastructure with precision and reliability.
About the Project
Overview:
- Project team: 12 people
- Delivery date: ongoing
Challenge
The concept of Smart Locks Pro originated from a client’s request to address inefficiencies with numerous areas requiring controlled access, namely electrical and industrial enclosures. First and foremost, there was a need to protect electronic systems inside power distribution boxes from vandalism or other attacks.
At that time, traditional solutions often posed significant drawbacks, such as:
Bulky key bundles
- Managing and locating the correct key from a large bundle can be time-consuming and inefficient
- Keys are prone to being lost or misplaced.
Master key security risks
- A single master key that grants universal access raises substantial security concerns
- A breach of the master key compromises the security of all access points.
Solution
Designed with electricity infrastructure in mind, Smart Locks Pro overcomes the limitations described above, offering the client a modernized and secure approach and eliminating the need for a master key and bulky physical keychains. The solution’s advantages include:
- Digital access control via mobile and web interfaces
- Integration with additional sensors (for instance, temperature, smoke, and water) for disaster monitoring
- Unauthorized access alerts sent directly to the monitoring center for prompt action.
Monitoring center
The monitoring center serves as the backend system, comprising a web admin panel and API for integration with the mobile app. It operates using an NB-IoT network and a proprietary protocol.
Mobile application
The mobile app facilitates real-time interaction with the locks and supports on-the-go monitoring. It features:
- Bluetooth locking/unlocking. Provides secure access to locks without requiring internet connectivity.
- Data retrieval. Displays lock status and sensor data from the monitoring center.
- Google Maps integration. Visualizes the location of secured objects for ease of navigation.
Technologies we used:
MicroPython, Python, Django, Kotlin + ComposeUI, Swift + SwiftUI
Key Features
Each lock is packed with sensors that monitor the assets’ environment. This allows for keeping track of conditions and reacting quickly to any changes. The variety of sensors includes:
- Door opening sensors
- Smoke detection sensors
- Movement detection sensors
- Thermal sensors
- Flood detection sensors
- Detailed real-time sensor data from all assets
- Instant alerts for emergencies or changes in status (email, SMS, Push, USSD).
Tools for assigning tasks, tracking progress, and securing timely maintenance activities.
Features for visualizing assets on a map with filters (for example, box type) and grouping them by regions.
Functionality for organizing users into groups, assigning roles, and setting permissions to control access.
Capabilities for managing locks in bulk, including registration, editing, removal, and group lock/unlock actions.
Support for generating detailed reports and accessing logs to analyze activity and performance.
Development
The development of Smart Locks Pro began in February 2023, utilizing an existing digital key solution for the automotive sector as its foundation.
Throughout the development process, the Smart Locks Pro team encountered several technical and organizational hurdles that required careful attention. The biggest challenge was IoT integration – synchronizing Smart Locks Pro with the client’s existing systems. It demanded extensive customization and alignment with a variety of security protocols to maintain compatibility. Furthermore, the solution required a scalable and compliant design to accommodate diverse enterprise environments.
Results
Bamboo Agile successfully launched Smart Locks Pro. The solution has already been implemented for a client in the Gulf region. Currently, the Smart Locks Pro team is working on expanding its application for additional industries.
