New Standard for Building Access Control Launched
A unified open standard for enterprise access control, Aliro 1.0, has launched with backing from Apple, Google, and Samsung. Analysts note the parallel to the Matter protocol for smart homes, suggesting a broader industry shift toward interoperable building systems. The standard aims to provide plug-and-play setup and cross-brand operability for smart locks and secure entry points, a trend seen as increasing pressure on all building systems, including lighting, to adopt open protocols.
The global access control market, valued at over $10.6 billion in 2024, has long been defined by fragmentation and proprietary systems, creating vendor lock-in for building operators. Aliro directly targets this by creating a universal communication protocol, aiming to replace legacy systems that often rely on outdated software and physical key cards. Aliro 1.0 is not a new wireless radio but a standard that unifies existing technologies for secure authentication. It utilizes asymmetric cryptography and supports NFC for tapping, Bluetooth LE for longer-range interactions, and UWB combined with Bluetooth for hands-free access, all managed natively within a device's digital wallet without requiring third-party apps. The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), which governs the Matter protocol, is also behind Aliro. Beyond the headline tech giants, the standard has deep industry backing from over 220 member companies, including major lock manufacturers and security specialists like ASSA ABLOY, Allegion, HID, and Kwikset, who are expected to be among the first to achieve certification. This move mirrors the evolution of lighting control, where the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) protocol created a global standard for interoperability between luminaires from different manufacturers. Newer DALI-2 and DiiA standards are now enabling luminaires to become integrated IoT nodes, reporting energy usage and sensor data to broader building management systems. The distinction from Matter is critical: Aliro handles direct, point-to-point authentication at the door ("Is this person authorized?"), whereas Matter manages IP-based command and control over a network ("Lock the front door"). A future smart lock may be certified for both standards to cover both access and integration into wider building automations. This trend toward open standards extends across the architectural and building management landscape. Protocols like openBIM and data formats such as IFC and COBie are being adopted to break down data silos between design, construction, and facilities management, ensuring data consistency and accessibility throughout a building's entire lifecycle.
