Remote mobile access management brings great convenience!

No additional cost with increasing number of users

Never again do you have to send the key to your rented vacation home or leave it with the neighbors. Nowadays, access times can be controlled to the minute and communicated, for example, via an app to arriving guests or service providers such as handymen and cleaners. This is made possible by easySmart, WILKA's new cloud-based access solution. Users only need an app to open a door. This is conveniently emailed to them as a download link.

We talked about this with product manager Eric Nicolas, product manager at Wilka.  

1. When will the new app solution hit the market?

"The easySmart app will be available as early as May 2024. This is the online version of our easyApp solution, which has been on the market for four years. It will be possible to use both apps side by side."

2. How did it take to develop the cloud-based app solution?

"easySmart uses an established smart home platform that has been successfully on the market for several years. In cooperation with our smart home partner Rockethome from Cologne, we developed the easyApp within 6 months and adapted it to the specific requirements of the market and our customers." 

3. How does WILKA's solution differ from its competitors?

"For example, easySmart does not need an expensive gateway to make the cylinder online capable. WILKA has determined that the number of users allowed to use the system should not incur additional costs. The number of doors and users is virtually unlimited. In addition, we consider it very important that customers can access the free easyApp solution at any time or even use it alongside easySmart."

4. What new options do users have?

 "Access authorizations can be assigned by the owner or manager via an app from any location. Access can be granted for a predetermined period of time. For example, for each business day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or from Saturday, July 6 at 3 p.m. to Saturday, July 21 at 11 a.m. In addition, keys are handed over virtually. This means that the manager will email the key to the guest's smartphone. The familiar chip transponders such as the "keycard" or key fob chip can of course still be used. The easySmart solution is based on a simple and flexible licensing model. Depending on the needs, the customer can buy a permanent license or a monthly license for properties that are seasonal. The licenses are sold through specialized retailers."

5. Which user target groups will benefit from the new easySmart solution?

"The easySmart solution offers benefits for everyone, but is especially useful for owners, vacation home managers and hotel operators. For vacation home owners, it means they can stay relaxed because their guests can arrive at any time without the owner having to be there in person. The person can welcome his/her guests upon arrival and not have to worry about returning the key at the end of their stay, as the authorization is automatic. Hotel owners who do not have an ongoing front desk also benefit from easySmart. Guests can arrive late and the virtual key can simply be emailed along with the booking confirmation. Check-in processes can therefore be seamless. This solution is also ideal for collaborative offices."   

6. When will it be possible to use other applications through the app, such as heating and lighting control or video surveillance?

"All smart home functions and operation of electric vehicle charging stations are already included in the app. However, it is important that we continue to focus on our specialist expertise. If required, our partner ROCKETHOME can integrate the additional smart control tasks directly."