During The Security Event 2025, CIE proudly unveiled an exciting new strategic partnership with access control technology pioneer Wavelynx. The alliance marks a pivotal expansion of the CIE product portfolio and reaffirms our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art security solutions to our UK-wide network of installers, specifiers and integrators.

This collaboration introduces Wavelynx’s revolutionary range of access control readers to the UK market, providing unmatched flexibility, interoperability and security through the use of open-architecture design and future-ready credentialing options. By integrating Wavelynx technology, CIE further solidifies its position as a leading access control distributor dedicated to offering cutting-edge and scalable solutions for modern building security systems.

What makes Wavelynx Access Readers different?

In a world saturated with access control readers, what sets Wavelynx apart? Joe Page, speaking for Wavelynx at the show, described the company’s mission as being fundamentally different from many of its competitors:

“We like to think we’re slightly different from some of our competitors in the market. We try to move away from the proprietary credentials arena… the sort of legacy that’s out there.”

The core principle behind Wavelynx technology is openness. Their Ethos reader range has been meticulously engineered to support a wide variety of secure credentials, both physical and digital, giving customers freedom of choice and eliminating vendor lock-in.

With support for smart cards, NFC, BLE and digital wallets (Apple, Google and Samsung), Wavelynx access readers enable a flexible and forward-compatible solution that grows with evolving technology demands.

“We try to centralise choice for the end-user,” Page continued. “Whether it’s a low-frequency prox card, high-frequency smart card, or mobile wallet credential, Wavelynx offers a solution.”

These readers are designed not just for the demands of today’s access control environments but to meet the expectations of tomorrow’s connected buildings.

CIE and Wavelynx: A partnership for future-ready Access Control

CIE’s decision to partner with Wavelynx is about more than just expanding our portfolio. It represents a strategic alignment with a manufacturer whose vision complements our own; an industry that embraces open standards, promotes interoperability and prioritises user experience.

“It’s really exciting to have Wavelynx added to the CIE portfolio,” said Chris Edwards of CIE. “Their approach aligns perfectly with where we see the market heading – toward more open, scalable and mobile-ready access solutions.”

The partnership means CIE customers can now access:

The complete range of Wavelynx Ethos access readers
Support for multi-credential environments, including proximity cards, smart cards and mobile credentials
Seamless integration with existing and next-generation access control systems
Expert guidance from CIE’s technical support and specification teams

This collaboration is already being met with enthusiasm by integrators and specifiers seeking to futureproof their security deployments.

Wallet Credentials – a game-changer in access via smartphone

A major highlight of Wavelynx technology is its seamless support for mobile wallet credentials, including Apple Wallet, Samsung Wallet and Google Wallet.

“Wallet is growing fast and taking real market share,” Page said. “We see it already happening with large enterprise customers and there’s huge interest now in the UK.”

These mobile credentials transform a user’s smartphone into a secure access card. Unlike legacy NFC-based solutions, Wavelynx leverages native mobile wallet platforms, offering increased security, ease of deployment,and a smoother user experience.

“It’s such a simpler way of issuing the credential and a way simpler way of actually using the transaction data types,” Page added.

In other words, it’s not just more secure – it’s more convenient.

The Wavelynx Ethos reader platform supports multiple digital wallet technologies, allowing organisations to deploy bring-your-own-device (BYOD) access control strategies without being locked into proprietary ecosystems.

Preparing for a LEAF-Powered Future

Beyond the hardware and wallet integrations, this partnership also introduces support for LEAF access credentials – an emerging standard that is redefining what it means to be interoperable.

“LEAF is a community. It’s a credential standard. It’s about removing the complexity and vendor lock-in that’s plagued this industry for years,” Page explained.

Through its LEAF-compatible readers, Wavelynx enables customers to deploy truly open credentials that work across multiple platforms, devices and systems – all without custom formatting or re-issuance.

“We’re bringing companies together – not just readers and cards, but the whole ecosystem – to make credentials interoperable,” Page said.

Vertical Market Opportunities

The benefits of Wavelynx readers and LEAF credentials are far-reaching and span numerous verticals:

MDUs (Multi-Dwelling Units): Enable residents to access buildings, parking and amenities using smartphones or LEAF cards.
Student Accommodation: Deliver secure, touchless access across campus with easy mobile credential issuance.
Corporate Enterprises: Simplify access management across multiple locations and user roles.
Healthcare & Education: Streamline credential management with interoperability across multiple systems and departments.

“The application is huge,” said Page. “Really, anywhere that’s using a reader - from lockers to vending machines - can benefit from this.”