Mechatronic access solutions made possible by combining mechanical and electronic locking systems

While the conventional mechanical cylinder may still be indispensable to many, the need for greater flexibility, better key management, and improved access control is constantly growing. As a result, more and more organizations are opting for a mechatronic locking system solution. With Akura Modular, EVVA presents a high-quality mechanical foundation that, thanks to a smart key, also combines perfectly with mechatronic cylinders within the versatile Xesar and AirKey platforms. In doing so, the company offers a secure, scalable, and manageable solution for anyone who wants to start building tomorrow’s access control system today.

For housing associations, healthcare institutions, and non-residential construction projects, effective access control often involves striking a balance between existing mechanical infrastructure and new digital capabilities. EVVA, originally from Austria and having grown since its founding in 1919 into one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of specialized mechanical and electronic access systems, offers a unique hybrid approach to this challenge with Akura Modular. The system forms a robust, mechanical backbone that can be expanded with mechatronic cylinders in areas where flexibility in access rights is essential.

The secret to this integration is the combo key, a physical key that can be used to operate both mechanical cylinders and electronic readers. For users, this translates into ultimate convenience; for administrators, it means greater visibility and control.

Available for Xesar and AirKey

EVVA’s mechatronic cylinders are available within the Xesar and AirKey platforms, each with its own unique characteristics and areas of application. “Xesar is a hybrid access control system in which the cylinders and wall-mounted readers communicate with smartphones, combination keys, tags, or cards,” explains Ralph Klomp, account manager at EVVA Nederland, based in Hengelo. “Access rights are managed centrally via the server portal and assigned to users locally.”

This is achieved through so-called strategically placed validation points in the form of online wall-mounted readers. This makes Xesar ideal for healthcare facilities, schools, and larger residential complexes. By installing the mechatronic cylinders at critical locations, such as utility rooms or storage areas, you gain complete control—without the need to modify the infrastructure.

With AirKey, EVVA’s fully cloud-based solution, users can also gain access to a building via smartphones, combination keys, tags, or cards. Klomp: “AirKey’s mechatronic cylinders are perfectly suited for situations where flexible access is crucial—for example, for maintenance crews, temporary tenants, and external service providers.”

Reliable mechanical foundation

The strength of the EVVA system lies in its combination of features. ‘The Akura Modular platform offers reliable, certified mechanical security,“ explains Klomp. ”In addition, there is an option for magnetic technology—a hidden magnetic coding system that protects against unauthorized key copies. This foundation can be seamlessly expanded as needed with mechatronic cylinders, without having to replace the entire locking system. This creates a customized locking system in which the mechanical and electronic components reinforce each other. Access to the stairwell or storage room remains mechanical, while entry to a server room or main entrance is controlled via electronic components. And all of this is managed under a single central key management structure and can be operated with just a single physical combination key. It doesn’t get any safer, more organized, or easier than that.“