Glossary

Device

Devices are pieces of hardware such as electronic locks, gateways and encoders. They can be any item of hardware used in the Salto system.

It's useful to consider that electronic locks are the “core” types of device in Salto. Other devices such as gateways, encoders or repeaters could be considered more “peripheral” hardware in the access control system.

Digital key

Represents a digital credential that users need to present at electronic locks to gain access. Salto digital keys are available in a variety of formats. Some key types are held inside smartphone apps (app keys) and are available on both Android and iOS platforms, allowing users to use their smartphone as a key via an app.

Others, such as Apple Wallet keys, provide a native experience on iOS devices, allowing users a seamless unlocking experience without the need to download an app.

Electronic lock

A physical electronic locking device such as an electronic escutcheon or a cylinder. It differs from an access point in that an electronic lock could be a particular model of a device such as a Neo cylinder, an XS4 escutcheon or a Salto motorized lock, for example.

An electronic lock is a single device, whereas an access point could be made up of several devices. For example, an access point could be composed of an electronic lock plus a contact sensor or a controller and a reader with a keypad.

In general, a key (physical or digital) must be presented for an electronic lock to grant access. As with all Salto hardware devices, electronic locks use end-to-end encryption to transfer information to and from the software.

Event

Describes an individual moment of activity which takes place within an installation. It can relate to specific access points and electronic locks. For example, an event could be the creation of an access point, the deletion of an access point, or indicate when an electronic lock was unlocked and by which user.

Firmware

A software program or set of instructions programmed directly onto a hardware device like an electronic lock or a gateway. Firmware provides the necessary instructions for how the device communicates with the rest of the system.

Key

A physical carrier that controls access to an area, building, and/or installation asset (for example, a cupboard or locker). Physical keys come in a wide variety of formats, including wristbands, fobs and keycards.

Office

A type of opening mode which, when applied, allows an electronic lock to be left unlocked upon a user unlocking it for the first time.

Owner

A user role with full permissions to manage the system. Similar to a system or property manager, but a user with this role can also delete and transfer installations. This is the most powerful role that exists, and there can only be one user with the role of owner in an installation at any given time.

Reader

An electronic device often mounted on a wall beside a door or other type of access point like a car park barrier that is often connected directly to a controller. Readers, also known as 'wall readers', are used to control access to an installation's access points. Users present their keys to the reader to gain access in the same way as they would do with a physical electronic lock. Some readers also have keypads.

Two-factor authentication

A safety measure that provides an extra layer of protection to online identification. In Salto software products this means that, in addition to your username and password, the system may also ask you for a code when logging in. This code can be sent to your mobile phone through an authentication application like Google Authenticator. Only admin operators can enable or disable this feature.