Paxton's recently launched Solo system has introduced a streamlined approach to access management for student housing providers, exemplified by its implementation at One London Road in Newcastle-under-Lyme. In collaboration with JPR Fire, Security and Data, a cutting-edge phone-based, cloud-hosted solution was adopted, accommodating around 500 students without necessitating network infrastructure.
Homes for Students, which manages 235 properties across the UK and Ireland, partnered with JPR Fire, Security and Data to modernise security at their Newcastle location. The previous system relied on a standalone access solution, which proved challenging to manage, particularly with frequent fob replacements for multiple blocks and an onsite gym. The transition to Paxton Solo was initiated following its launch event, attended by JPR's Mike Gater.
Modernising access control
Solo offers a seamless, smart solution that merges the benefits of traditional standalone systems with modern connectivity. It leverages smartphones for both system management and door access, enabling site managers to control access remotely through the Paxton Solo app. For students, this means simply using their phones instead of remembering codes or carrying fobs.
The technology utilises Bluetooth Low Energy to communicate with doors, while mobile data verifies access permissions. Even in low network connectivity scenarios, access credentials can be stored on the phone for several hours. The phased transition to Solo included temporarily running it alongside the older system to ensure a smooth changeover.
Phased implementation and benefits
According to Mike Gater, the Solo system was an ideal match for the requirements at One London Road
According to Mike Gater, the Solo system was an ideal match for the requirements at One London Road due to the absence of network infrastructure, offering significant functionality similar to centralised systems. Although Solo is a recent addition, its association with Paxton products assured JPR of its reliability and the availability of technical support.
A key advantage of Solo is its cost-effectiveness. Despite the subscription for door access, the overall expense is lower compared to the previous system, significantly reducing costs related to fob replacements. The implementation has also enhanced security in common areas, ensuring that these spaces are accessible only to authorised residents.
Cost savings and enhanced management
Tallulah-Mae Moran, General Manager at Homes for Students, noted that the Solo system has cut down on fob-related expenses and allowed for more efficient site management through remote monitoring of access logs and user setup. The investment in Solo is seen as a long-term solution that balances cost savings with improved security management.
JPR Fire, Security and Data plans to continue recommending Solo to clients seeking modern standalone security solutions, underscoring its effectiveness and ease of implementation.
Paxton’s new Solo system is giving student housing providers a simpler way to manage access at scale. This case study looks at how JPR Fire, Security and Data used the phone-based, cloud-hosted security system to modernise access for around 500 students without the need for network infrastructure.
Homes for Students provide 235 student housing properties across the UK and Ireland. JPR Fire, Security and Data provide the security system for the One London Road site in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Access control solution
Until recently, the housing was secured using a classic standalone access control solution requiring no network infrastructure. The existing system was becoming difficult to manage, with approximately 500 residents across 5 blocks, including the onsite gym. Registered students gain access by entering a valid access code or presenting their fob. The site managers were continuously replacing lost fobs, creating additional running costs for the system.
Mike Gater, Department Manager at JPR Fire, Security and Data, approached the site after attending Paxton’s launch event for Solo; a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. Mike saw the opportunity to upgrade the site to a more modern solution.
Cost-effective option
Solo is a smart, convenient, connected access control system. With the simplicity of standalone and the power of a networked solution; Solo is designed to make access control a simple, cost-effective option where a smartphone is used to administer the system and gain access through the door.
With the free Paxton Solo app, the site management team can administer access to the premises from anywhere, via their smartphone. For the students, it means never having to remember an access code or to carry a fob, as they will simply use their phone to gain access to their building.
Appropriate access permission
When a smartphone with appropriate access permission is presented to a Solo controlled door, the phone communicates to the Solo controller using Bluetooth Low Energy frequency to instruct the door to open. With minimal Wi-Fi on site, the phone uses mobile data to confirm appropriate access permissions are available for that door. Where no network connectivity is available, the credential can be stored on the phone for 3-4 hours, to allow access even if the phone is offline.
By running Solo alongside the existing standalone system for a period, students were migrated over to Solo in a phased approach. The access code for the legacy system was changed to prevent access via this means, once all residents were up and running with the Paxton Solo app.
Existing standalone system
Mike said: “As soon as we saw the Solo introduction, we knew it would be a great fit for our clients at One London Road. The premises have no network infrastructure, so a standalone system was always going to be a requirement. But with approximately 500 students on site, our clients would really benefit from more features of a centralised system.”
“We know that Solo is very new, but since it’s a Paxton product, we had faith in it from day one. We know Paxton products are reliable, and if it’s needed, the Paxton team is there to support.” As a Paxton Platinum Partner, JPR Fire, Security and Data have extensive experience with Paxton products, so felt very confident in proposing an innovative solution to meet the requirements of their valued and longstanding client.
Network infrastructure requirements
Mike continued: “Aside from the benefit of Solo being cloud-based, with no network infrastructure requirements, the other real selling point for our customers was the price. The upfront cost of the Solo kit is very accessible. Even with the ongoing cost of the door subscription, our clients would see a cost saving compared to extending their previous standalone system, as they were constantly replacing lost fobs in significant numbers. They were immediately interested in the new system.”
With the introduction of the Solo system on site, One London Road was also able to secure access to the students’ common rooms. Where previously access was available to anyone who had gained entry to the building, Solo ensures that only students in residence with appropriate access permissions can use the space by presenting their phone to the Solo DoorTag.
Providing accurate information
Tallulah-Mae Moran, General Manager at Homes for Students said: “Paxton’s Solo system has reduced the ongoing costs of replacing fobs and time spent doing this. The ability to see the date and time of who accessed which door is extremely useful for us and allows us to manage the site to a better standard and provides accurate information when investigating issues on site. It also allows us to set users up and manage this remotely rather than provide and collect physical fobs. It has been a worthwhile investment and will continue to be effective in years to come.”
JPR Fire, Security and Data intends to continue proposing Solo as a solution for all clients who are in search of a standalone system in the future.
