What happened?
Assa Abloy has launched the eCLIQ Flash, which the company describes as the world's first electronic key with an integrated cellular connection. The key retrieves new locking permissions directly from the CLIQ Web Manager administration software via the cellular standards NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) and LTE-M (Long Term Evolution for Machines). No smartphone is required for this — pressing a button on the key is enough. The product was unveiled to mark the 100th anniversary of the Ikon brand, which Assa Abloy celebrated in Berlin on September 10 and 11.
The details
Until now, users of electronic locking systems had to update permissions either via a stationary updater or via a smartphone acting as an interface. The eCLIQ Flash closes this gap by communicating independently with the cloud via cellular network. New permissions are thus transferred directly from the CLIQ Web Manager to the key.
Technically, Flash combines NB-IoT and LTE-M, which complement each other in terms of range and availability. NB-IoT is characterized by high building penetration and works even where other wireless connections reach their limits, such as in technical rooms or basements. Data transmission in the eCLIQ system is end-to-end encrypted with AES-128. Administrators manage locking permissions through a browser-based interface in the CLIQ Web Manager, allowing them to make changes from any location and track events.
Unlike previous eCLIQ keys, the Flash features an integrated battery that is charged via USB-C. According to the manufacturer, a single charge lasts for one month with 800 lock operations, several hundred permission updates, and various status messages. After discharging to 80 percent, the battery is fully recharged within two hours. The IP67 protection rating allows for outdoor use, and optical and acoustic signals round out the feature set.
With Flash, the eCLIQ portfolio now comprises five key variants: Basic, Professional, the Bluetooth-enabled Connect, the self-powered Spark, and the new cellular-enabled Flash. All variants are compatible with the more than 60 available eCLIQ cylinder types and can be used together within a single system. Alongside the launch of Flash, the eCLIQ Spark has also been revamped as a second generation, featuring a more distinctive design, a plastic slider, and improved functional stability inside. The Spark continues to generate its own energy for the locking process and requires no battery.
Context
For access control in large and spatially distributed locking systems, the eCLIQ Flash simplifies existing workflows. For example, if a field service technician receives an additional assignment while on the road, the administrator can grant the required permission directly in the CLIQ Web Manager — the technician retrieves it with the press of a button, without needing to visit a stationary updater. Across numerous locations, changing deployment teams, and external service providers, this advantage adds up to a significant factor in time and cost savings.
At the same time, the organizational and technical dependencies of smartphone-based methods are eliminated. Not every employee or external service provider has access to a suitable company phone, and IT security policies often prohibit the use of private devices or the installation of additional apps. Different operating systems, software versions, and potential Bluetooth connection issues are no longer a concern with Flash, since neither an app, an end device, nor a Bluetooth pairing is required. According to the manufacturer, this reduces the effort involved in device management, training, and troubleshooting, making update and validation processes more secure and efficient.
Practical tips
- Operators with large, spatially distributed facilities — such as industrial sites, energy providers, or technical infrastructure — should assess whether the eCLIQ Flash can simplify organizational processes for granting and updating permissions.
- Since all five eCLIQ key variants are compatible with the more than 60 available cylinder types and can be used in mixed operation, Flash can be introduced alongside existing key media without having to replace current cylinders.
- For teams with frequently changing users or external personnel, eliminating the need for a smartphone and app can noticeably simplify key issuance and handling.
- The battery life of around one month under typical use, along with the short charging time via USB-C, should be factored into maintenance and charging cycle planning.
- The IP67 protection rating makes the Flash suitable for outdoor areas as well — relevant, for example, for cylinders on outdoor gates or company premises.
Outlook
The eCLIQ Flash and the revamped second-generation eCLIQ Spark are expected to be available through specialist retailers by 2026. With its direct cellular connectivity, Assa Abloy positions the Flash as a complementary solution for use cases where availability, physical security, and digital security all demand equally high standards. How the technology performs in practice compared to established Bluetooth- and updater-based methods remains to be seen once it reaches the market.
