HR Owen Hatfield showroom secures high-value assets with SMARTair system

Luxury car dealership HR Owen has bolstered its security with the installation of the SMARTair wireless access control system, provided by Abloy UK in collaboration with Knightsbridge Security Systems.

The solution has been deployed at the company's new 110,000 sq ft showroom in Hatfield, safeguarding millions of pounds worth of high-end vehicles.

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Given the high-value, multi-brand nature of the showroom - Lamborghini, Bentley, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, and Lotus - the security solution needed to seamlessly integrate with the facility’s aesthetic while retaining operational flexibility.

After assessing the dealership’s requirements, Abloy UK recommended SMARTair for its scalability, flexibility, and ease of wireless installation given the site’s diverse architecture, including frameless glass doors, wooden fire doors, and electronic barriers.

Over 100 SMARTair devices, including SMARTair Wall Readers and SMARTair i-max Handles, were installed throughout the facility.

A key advantage of the SMARTair system is its wireless technology, which enabled a fast and minimally disruptive installation. Without the need for extensive cabling, the system was quickly deployed and can be easily expanded or reconfigured as the dealership’s security needs evolve.

The ability to remotely manage access in real time further enhances security, allowing administrators to revoke or grant permissions instantly in response to potential threats.

Additionally, the implementation of the SMARTair Openow access control solution has allowed staff to use mobile devices as credentials, eliminating the need for physical keycards and providing enhanced convenience and security.

The inclusion of Parking Mode enables secure, remote-controlled entry for drivers transporting high-value vehicles, facilitating seamless access while minimising the risk of unauthorised entry.

Sean Nevatte, group aftersales director at HR Owen, said: “Beyond protecting our high-value vehicles, ensuring the safety of our staff and customers is paramount. Knightsbridge and Abloy UK have been exceptionally supportive, offering unparalleled reliability in maintaining and servicing the system since its installation.”

Ifazaad Liaqat, technical sales manager at Abloy UK, said: “We worked closely with Knightsbridge to equip HR Owen with a cutting-edge, wireless access control system that integrates seamlessly with the dealership’s premium aesthetic. With over 100 devices installed, the system provides operational flexibility, real-time security management, and future scalability, ensuring both convenience and peace of mind.”