Access Control and Electromechanical Locks: The Integration Behind a Smart Access Solution

Discover how access control systems and electromechanical locks such as the Series BO work together to create secure, intelligent access solutions with real-time monitoring.

Meritxell Perramon

Meritxell Perramon

Brand Manager

Access Control and Electromechanical Locks: The Integration Behind a Smart Access Solution

An access control system is much more than a card reader or piece of software that decides who can enter. For these systems to work effectively, they need to communicate with the hardware that physically locks and unlocks the door.

Series BO electromechanical locks are designed specifically to integrate seamlessly with access control systems, providing both secure locking and real-time status feedback.

An electromechanical lock plays a key role in an access control system. As well as responding to commands from the access controller, it can provide feedback on the status of the lock and door, giving the system the information it needs to manage access securely.

When both devices work together in a coordinated manner, the result is a smart access solution capable of controlling, verifying, and recording each opening with complete accuracy.

The access control makes decisions, the lock executes them

Contactless unlocking

In any installation, access control is responsible for validating whether a user has permission to enter. Once the credential is authorized, the controller sends an electrical signal to the lock to release the locking mechanism.

However, in installations where security is critical, this process does not end with the opening. The system needs to confirm that the order has been executed correctly and know the state of the door at all times. Otherwise, the controller would be acting "blindly", without knowing if the door has actually opened, if it has closed correctly again, or if the mechanism remains locked.

For this reason, communication between the access control and the lock is essential.

The BO Series: a lock designed to communicate with the system

Series BO Electromechanical lock

Openers & Closers' Series BO has been developed to integrate natively into advanced access control architectures.

Its design incorporates two independent connection terminals that allow the separation of control signals from monitoring signals. While the controller sends the opening or closing commands, the lock responds by providing continuous information about its status.

This architecture simplifies integration with access controllers, PLCs, and automation systems, reducing wiring and facilitating the design of robust and scalable solutions.

The result is a system where each action sent by the controller can be verified before continuing with the next operation.

The importance of knowing the real state of the door

One of the greatest advantages of integrating an access control with a lock like the BO Series is the capacity for real-time supervision.

The lock continuously reports two fundamental parameters:

  • The status of the bolt, indicating whether it is fully extended or retracted.
  • The status of the door, confirming whether it remains open or closed.

This information allows the controller to act intelligently.

For example, it can prevent a door from remaining unlocked if it detects that it has not closed correctly, generate an alarm when a door remains open longer than permitted, or record each event to have complete traceability of access.

In applications where security is a priority, having this information makes a fundamental difference compared to solutions that only receive an opening command without knowing the result of the operation.

Integrated timing for more efficient operation

Timing adjustment on BO Series lock

Another advantage of this interaction is the possibility of controlling the time during which the lock remains unlocked.

Series BO locks incorporate a configurable timer of 0, 2, 5, or 8 seconds that allows adapting the operation to the flow of users of each installation.

Once the established time has elapsed, the mechanism automatically locks again without the need to add external timers or perform additional programming.

This simplifies system design, reduces components, and improves security by preventing a door from remaining open longer than necessary.

Flexibility to adapt to any installation

Integration with access control systems also requires compatibility with different electrical configurations and door types.

Series BO Electromechanical lock power strip

For this reason, the BO Series incorporates automatic power detection between 12 and 24 V DC, facilitating its installation alongside different controllers without the need for additional adjustments. They feature a housing that is only 22mm wide, a completely reversible design, and a stainless steel construction prepared to withstand intensive use with virtually non-existent maintenance.

Adapting to the building's security strategy

Not all installations respond the same way to a power outage.

Therefore, the Series BO is available both in a Fail-secure version (BO400), which remains locked when there is no power, and a Fail-safe version (BO500), which releases the lock when power is lost, facilitating evacuation in case of emergency.

This flexibility allows the access control system to adapt to the security requirements and regulations of each building without sacrificing reliable operation.

Information brings security

The evolution of access control systems has turned information into an element as important as the physical locking of the door itself. A lock capable of continuously indicating its status allows the controller to make decisions based on real information, verify each maneuver, and ensure that access is carried out exactly as programmed.

Thanks to its architecture, its monitoring functions, its integrated timing, and its ease of integration, the BO Series becomes the ideal complement for any advanced access control system, especially in applications where coordination between doors and process safety are critical aspects.

A complete solution for interlock doors (airlocks)

BO lock, TP proximity push button and PS power supply in a cleanroom

A solution designed so that all elements of the installation work together in a simple, intuitive, and coordinated way. The combination of the BO, TP, TL, and PS Series allows the integration of contactless opening, visual signaling, and passage supervision in a single system.

Ideal for:

Laboratories, clean rooms, hospitals, industries, production centers, and any installation with interlock doors (airlocks) or high-demand access.

See an example of a complete interlock system

Key Components of a Complete Interlock System

1. Integration with the BO Series, which executes the locking and unlocking of the door and monitors the status of the bolt and access.

Intelligent Integration with the BO Series

Electromechanical lock BO400

Series BO electromechanical locks are designed to offer maximum reliability and resistance in demanding installations. Their robust mechanical construction, together with a compact housing for narrow profiles and advanced electronics, allow them to be easily integrated into access control systems. They are particularly suitable for high-security applications.

2. Contactless opening via proximity sensor (TP Series), improving hygiene and comfort of use.

TP Series, improving hygiene and ease of use.

Push button with TP1W proximity sensor

The TP1W is a 12/24V DC proximity sensor for surface mounting, designed for hygienic and contactless opening. It features configurable detection distance and response time, plus a standard 86 x 86 mm format that makes it easy to replace traditional push buttons. Its front with LED lighting, made of resistant ABS and with a polycarbonate housing, offers a clean and discreet white finish.

3. Visual signaling via the TL Series, guaranteeing safe management of access sequences.

TL Series, clearly indicating status and access sequence.

TL3 Indicator Light

The TL3 combines LED and acoustic signaling to clearly indicate the status of a door. It operates at 10-24V AC/DC and incorporates red and green lights with 180° visibility, configurable in steady or flashing mode. Its design combines polycarbonate and CNC-machined aluminum, with a brushed anodized finish.

4. Stable power supply with the PSDL Series, specifically designed for access control systems, locks, and electric strikes.

PSDL Series, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply for the whole system.

PSD060L1205000 Power Supply

The PSDL's DIN rail format, universal AC input range, and integrated DC OK active signal guarantee a reliable and continuous power supply. In addition, it features natural convection cooling, without the need for forced ventilation.

Beyond opening

A smart access system does not end when a door unlocks. The real difference lies in how its different elements communicate and what information they share throughout the process. The combination of locks, sensors, signaling, and power supply allows for more complete solutions, adapted to the needs of each installation and capable of working in a coordinated manner.

At Openers & Closers, we develop solutions that make all these elements work together to offer simpler, more reliable, and more efficient access, from opening to supervising each step.

Because when each component is designed to work together, the result is much more than the sum of its parts.

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