At The Security Event 2025, industry leaders gathered to unveil the next generation of security innovations. Among them, 2N, a brand renowned for high-spec intercoms and secure access solutions, revealed its bold new entry into the smart lock market.

From award-winning IP intercoms to sleek answering units and mobile access readers, 2N has built its reputation around blending cutting-edge technology with robust physical security. Now, with the introduction of its first smart lock range, the Czech-based manufacturer is once again raising the bar for integrated, scalable access control systems.

Filling a gap in the market

CIE' Chris Edwards caught up with Jez Hildred of 2N to discuss the rationale behind the move into smart locks. According to Jez, it was all about completing the access contol picture:

“We’ve been doing access control for quite a while,” Jez explained, “but we felt there’s a hole in the market - and in our portfolio - for doors where it’s not easy to do a wired solution.”

Whether it’s heritage buildings, internal offices, or shared amenities in residential blocks, wired door control isn't always feasible. That’s where smart locks come in, delivering credentialed access in places that were previously difficult to secure without major infrastructure upgrades.

A Smart Lock built the 2N way

2N’s smart locks don’t just fill a gap, they bring the brand’s hallmark security, design and innovation to the table. Behind the sleek form factor is a robust credential engine that currently supports RFID cards and fobs, with further capabilities already in the pipeline.

“The nice thing,” says Jez, “is the hardware supports all of these formats. It’s just a development on the software side.”

That future-focused flexibility means these smart locks are already prepared to support Bluetooth, NFC, and mobile credentials - all highly desirable in today’s mobile-first environments.

This modular, future-proof approach mirrors the strategy behind the wider 2N portfolio. From the IP Style’s weatherproof mobile access to the Access Commander platform’s scalable system control, 2N consistently designs with long-term integration in mind.

Key benefits of the 2N Smart Lock range

The initial release of 2N’s smart lock solution focuses on internal and semi-secure applications - think office doors, shared amenities, or internal zones within multi-dwelling residential units. And while the current models aren’t yet IP-rated for outdoor use, expansion plans are already in motion to broaden the range.

Top use cases include:

• Office door entry points in retrofitted buildings
• Shared facilities in apartment complexes (e.g. gyms, lounges)
• Retrofit projects where cabling is not viable
• Legacy system upgrades in low to medium-security zones

1. Flexible Credential Options

Out of the box, 2N’s smart locks work seamlessly with RFID cards and fobs — familiar, reliable options in commercial environments. But their real power lies in future support for Bluetooth and mobile credentials, enabling touchless, app-based access without reworking the hardware.

This means site managers and integrators can deploy today and expand tomorrow — all without changing physical components.

2. Wireless, Retro-Friendly Design

Traditional access control often involves complex cabling, power requirements, and limited install flexibility. 2N’s smart lock removes these constraints.

With a wireless-first design, this solution is perfect for doors where pulling cables would be impractical, such as older buildings, interior glass doors, or remote-access amenities.

As Jez puts it:

“Adding in an electronic handle or cylinder seems the perfect addition to our portfolio.”

3. Scalable, Secure Integration

Designed to work alongside 2N’s existing access ecosystem, the smart locks can be centrally managed through platforms like 2N Access Commander or the cloud-based My2N.

This unified management experience means that integrators and facility managers no longer need to juggle disparate systems. Instead, they get full visibility and control all from one interface.

Software that supports seamless takeover

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of 2N’s smart lock rollout is not the hardware but how easily it integrates with existing infrastructure.

Thanks to software flexibility and a unified management stack, 2N solutions are engineered for seamless upgrades even from legacy systems. Devices can be configured individually via the 2N OS interface or centrally via cloud-based management platforms. As 2N explains in their brochure:

“Don’t waste time configuring individual devices: set up the entire solution with ease.”

Whether it’s managing access for hundreds of users or tweaking settings on a per-door basis, 2N's system architecture enables rapid rollout and effortless scalability.

Total Ecosystem Integration

The smart lock doesn’t exist in a vacuum, it’s part of the growing 2N ecosystem that includes:

• IP Intercoms like the rugged IP Force or ultra-sleek IP Style
• Access Readers such as the slimline Access Unit M with Bluetooth and RFID
• Answering Units like the 2N Indoor View and Indoor Compact for residential AV integration
• Management Software like Access Commander and the My2N cloud platform

By introducing smart locks, 2N takes its unified security platform one step further offering building-wide access solutions all controlled through a single pane of glass.

Designed for Today. Ready for Tomorrow.

Security technology needs to be as adaptable as the environments it protects. 2N’s smart locks are built on the same philosophy that guides their intercoms and readers: future-proofing through modular hardware, mobile-friendly design, and remote management tools.

From office buildings to high-end residential schemes, from boutique hotels to retrofitted public buildings  the demand for wireless access is growing. And with 2N’s smart locks, there’s finally a solution that meets this need without compromise.

As Jez summarised:

“It’s the perfect addition to our portfolio.”

What are 2N Smart Locks and how will they support the market?

2N Smart Locks are the latest addition to 2N’s market-leading portfolio of access control solutions. Designed for doors where wired installations are impractical, these locks support secure credential access via RFID, with future support for Bluetooth and mobile credentials built in.

Key benefits include:

• Easy retrofit into office or residential buildings
• Centralised management via 2N software platforms
• Seamless integration into existing 2N access systems
• Wireless design for greater installation flexibility

Together with 2N’s intercoms, readers, and software, smart locks create a unified, secure, and future-ready access control ecosystem for modern buildings.

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