At this year’s The Security Event at the NEC Birmingham, visitors to the CIE stand were drawn by a surprisingly simple yet undeniably innovative product - a padlock!

But not just any padlock: the SALTO Neoxx G4 electronic padlock, a state-of-the-art device that blends the durability of traditional lock systems with the intelligence of modern smart access technology.

We caught up with Stacey Metcalfe, National Channel Partner Manager from SALTO Systems, to explore why the Neoxx G4 is creating such a buzz, and how this deceptively modest padlock is revolutionising secure access in challenging environments.

First Impressions: "A Padlock?"

At first glance, attendees at the CIE stand were bemused. Why was a padlock, of all things, at the centre of a cutting-edge security showcase?

“Sometimes it is the simplest of products that grabs the most attention,” says Stacey Metcalfe. “This year, it’s the padlock that’s stealing the spotlight.”

Visitors expecting advanced electronic door handles or complex networked security systems were instead intrigued by the humble shape of a padlock. But one look beneath the surface and it became clear: the Neoxx G4 packs all the powerful capabilities of SALTO’s world-renowned smart lock technologies into a compact, rugged shell.

Inside the Neoxx: A Fusion of Strength and Smart Technology

At its core, the SALTO Neoxx G4 is a high-security, electronic padlock engineered for tough environments and critical access scenarios. Its body is constructed with a double-layered, armoured case—designed to withstand extreme impacts, drops, and harsh weather.

“It’s G4-rated, which refers to its insurance rating, meaning it meets the most stringent standards of physical security,” Stacey explains. “We also offer a slightly smaller G3 version for more compact requirements.”

Despite its robust exterior, the Neoxx G4 is a fully networked, keyless access solution compatible with SALTO Space, KS, and Homelok platforms. It supports RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and NFC technologies, making it operable via a smartphone, key card, or fob.

As Stacey puts it: “All of our smart lock technology is hidden inside that little padlock. Everything from smartphone credentials to audit trails, all embedded right there.”

True Flexibility: Deployable in the Field

One of the key differentiators of the SALTO Neoxx padlock is its ability to function remotely and flexibly without compromising security. It integrates seamlessly with the SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) and mobile access solutions, enabling remote updates and data transfers through the cloud or onsite networks.

“This is where it gets exciting,” says Stacey. “You can send a credential out to an engineer or user in the field using their mobile device. They can receive the key remotely, open the padlock, and immediately - immediately - you get the audit trail back to your software.”

This real-time access monitoring and control is crucial in modern security operations, particularly in industries where assets are widely distributed and constantly accessed by rotating personnel.

Use Cases: From Storage to Utilities to Critical Infrastructure

The Neoxx padlock’s versatility is matched only by the diversity of applications it serves. As Stacey explains, once you start thinking about the possible uses, the list grows quickly.

“Yes, you can put it on a gate or a secure storage unit - but think about temporary worksites, utility cabinets, transport depots, even telecom towers. Anywhere that needs secure, monitored access without relying on physical keys.”

In sectors like self-storage, for example, it eliminates the logistics of managing and distributing physical keys. Instead, site managers can issue and revoke digital access in real time. If a user no longer needs access, their digital key is simply deleted—no need to retrieve metal keys or change locks.

“It’s ideal for applications where you need a secure, flexible access point in environments that aren’t part of a fixed building infrastructure,” Stacey adds.

Technical Excellence: Built for Performance and Endurance

Beyond its flexibility, the Neoxx G4 is a technical powerhouse. Designed for longevity and reliability, it boasts:

• Attack resistance certified to EN16864:2018 Grade 4
• Anti-drilling protection
• Tested for 130,000 operations on a standard battery set
• Extreme temperature resilience from -35ºC to +65ºC
• A removable shackle option and security chain for added installation flexibility
• Optical and acoustic signals for user feedback
• Seamless battery replacement with simple LR1 batteries

This is a padlock made for real-world abuse - rain, heat, cold, and high-frequency use. “It’s not just smart,” Stacey says, “it’s tough.”

A Step Forward in Security Evolution

The story of the SALTO Neoxx G4 is a perfect example of how innovation often hides in plain sight. While most security tech gets more complicated, the Neoxx simplifies things by putting the intelligence inside the device and offering intuitive mobile integration.

“In the field, the fewer moving parts, the better,” Stacey notes. “It’s built to be a secure, simple, and scalable solution for real access problems.”

And with SALTO’s proven platforms behind it, every padlock becomes part of a broader security ecosystem—complete with audit trails, remote credentialing, instant cancellations, and cloud integration.

From curious looks to in-depth demos, the Neoxx G4 earned enthusiastic feedback from visitors at The Security Event.

“People didn’t expect to see a padlock on our stand,” Stacey laughs. “But once we explained how it works, and how powerful it is, you could see the penny drop. They were impressed by how this small device could do so much.”

This sentiment was echoed across the exhibition floor. The padlock’s mix of physical security and modern convenience proved compelling, especially in a market increasingly demanding secure, adaptable, and user-friendly access solutions.

At the end of the day, the SALTO Neoxx G4 is a reminder that in the world of security, the most impactful innovations aren’t always the flashiest. Sometimes, they come in the form of a padlock—reinvented for the digital age.

Stacey concludes: “It’s a smart product in every sense. Simple to install. Simple to use. And yet incredibly powerful behind the scenes. It’s everything you’d expect from SALTO, just in a different form factor.”

As businesses seek more efficient, cost-effective ways to manage access across varied environments, the Neoxx G4 emerges as a strong contender - delivering enterprise-grade control in a form factor everyone understands.

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