An Easy Entrance into Access Control
Key Highlights
- Kindoo introduced a battery-operated door handle with built-in access control, enabling quick, retrofit installation and long-term recurring revenue for locksmiths.
- Nexkey showcased a smartphone-operated keyless system with simple hardware, firmware updates, and plans for more robust, weather-resistant products, emphasizing user experience and cybersecurity.
- INOX Smart presented an all-in-one access control box and multipoint retrofit solutions, allowing remote management and real-time door status monitoring for commercial and healthcare facilities.
- Centrios demonstrated its exit trim and expansion units, supporting phased upgrades and compatibility with existing doors, along with rugged padlocks for trailers and gates, all managed via smartphone.
Upgrading to electronic access control systems doesn’t always mean a giant, wired system and a complicated installation. Instead, start smaller with a wireless or minimally wired, scalable system. Quite a few new / new-ish players were on hand at the ALOA Security Expo to demonstrate these locksmith-friendly EAC options, including Centrios, INOX Smart, Kindoo and Nexkey.
Kindoo
At ALOA 2026, Kindoo introduced its newest component — its battery-operated door handle with built-in access control functionality for secure wireless entry. This addition to the Kindoo lineup enables locksmiths to expand their offering and grow recurring monthly revenue (with a familiar door handle mechanism that is smart and cloud-managed. Since no wiring or infrastructure is needed, it is ideal for retrofit, installing quickly on existing doors.
Designed for commercial and residential applications, the Kindoo battery-powered door handle with integrated access control installs on a standard 161 cylindrical door prep for familiar lockset installation. The solution delivers smartphone-based electronic access management without requiring wiring, external power supplies, an access control panel, or complex IT expertise.
“Locksmiths already have the skills and tools needed to install Kindoo products, making it easy to offer customers modern smartphone-based access control,” said Michael Chaftari, Partner at Kindoo. “What makes the opportunity especially compelling is the ability to generate RMR long after the initial installation.”
Kindoo was a first-time exhibitor at ALOA. The smart lock company started out with its actuator, which connects to a power cable running out to an electric strike, turnstile, gate, electrifying them. As time went on, customers asked for an electrified strike, so the company put the device inside its wired strike and then introduced a battery-powered strike. All are managed via smartphone on the Kindoo app.
Key features of the Kindoo platform include:
- Smartphone credentialing eliminates costly physical credentials
- Compatibility with ANY electronic lock, gate, turnstile, or security entrance
- Range of battery-operated devices eliminate the need for local power
- Cloud based access management – no need for network/IT expertise
- Remote management of all on-boarding and off-boarding credentials
- Unlimited scalability to accommodate system expansion
- 256-bit encryption ensures secure communications
- Personal privacy protection
More information: www.kindoo.tech
Nexkey
Nexkey is a keyless system for small businesses, operated entirely by smartphone. Users can grant and revoke keys instantly and schedule access for all their doors through one platform.
To keep the system affordable, Nexkey uses one device per door, eliminating complex hardware and installations. The company has three hardware products:
· The Nexkey Core, which replaces mechanical lock cylinders. It works with office doors, meeting rooms, utility closets — even file cabinets.
· The Nexkey Solo wireless and reader-less smart door strike
· The Nexkey Controller, which connects electrified hardware to the Nexkey platform, making it possible to unlock and secure any door via your mobile phone.
Nexkey President Brandon Douglas teased that the company will have some interesting new product introductions in the coming year. “We're constantly updating firmware or making sure we have the newest chips on our boards. Cybersecurity is a huge deal for us, making sure our internal systems are hardened, all of that. But from a week, I think the beauty of this is what we try to do is we put a lot of effort in the background for it to like, when I just tap the face of this thing, it opens, just to try to make it super, super, the user experience easier and easier.”
This was Nexkey’s third ALOA experience, and Douglas sees more competition and much more acceptance as keyless smart locks go mainstream. Next year, he expects to have some different electric strike configurations and more robust, weather- and force-resistant products.
More information: www.nexkey.com
INOX Smart
Access Control in a Box from INOX Smart includes all the components needed to upgrade existing mechanical openings to electronic access control, all in one box. Features and functionalities include remote lock/unlock, schedule access, manage up to 1,000 users, view real-time audit trails, and monitor door status — all via smartphone. This product is ideal for commercial buildings, multifamily properties, gated entrances, offices and healthcare facilities.
The box contains:
- Reader/Controller: Trim options include Black or Painted Aluminum
- ANSI Grade 1 Electric Strike: Choice of Cylindrical, Mortise, or RIM Exit Device
- Plug-in Power Supply: No low-voltage wiring, uses Molex connectors
- Plug-in Wi-Fi Gateway
- Door Position Sensors: Sensors for both wood and metal doors are included
- 2x RFID Fobs & Stickers
In addition to its INOX lock in a box, Russell Anderson demonstrated INOX Smart multipoint trim, a great retrofit for mechanical multipoint trim, like Hoppe and GU. It transforms conventional Euro multipoint locks into advanced access-controlled systems. Smart indicator and cam locks were also on display.
“It is a smart lock, so it accepts mobile credentials, PIN codes, cards, fobs, everything a traditional access control system does, remote access from your phone from anywhere in the world, scheduling, the whole thing,” Anderson said.
More information: www.inoxsmart.com
Centrios
Centrios Exit Trim can be ordered with the ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA 6100 Exit Device, one of the most widely recognized rim exit devices in commercial applications, commonly specified for retail, schools, offices, healthcare facilities, and multifamily residential. It is also designed to retrofit a range of existing exit devices already installed in the field. This retrofit flexibility allows businesses to bring access control into existing openings without replacing every component on the door. It supports phased upgrades, budget-conscious improvements, and standardization across multiple locations.
Centrios’ Lucas Mason also demonstrated the new Centrios Smart Reader Expansion Unit. When the Smart Reader is optionally paired with this Expansion Unit through a wired connection, it brings new capabilities. On the secure side of the door, the Expansion Unit provides an LED indicator that shows locking and unlocking status. It also allows users to end passage mode by pushing a convenient physical button (without using the Centrios app). Finally, it offers an extra input and more wiring options. Measuring 4.5”h x 1.5”w, the Smart Reader expansion unit shares the same sleek footprint as the Smart Reader and mounts to the door using the same installation method.
Lucas noted that the locksmiths were also interested in the Centrios padlock, that works in the same Centrios ecosystem as the products for commercial doors. Ideal for trailers and gates, the rugged, connected padlock works with your phone, needs no keys, is IP67 rated, rechargeable, and built with a durable solid brass body.
More information: www.centrios.com