Why electronic locking systems are replacing traditional locks

Time’s up for the traditional lock and key

They’ve been around for hundreds of years, but mechanical locks now struggle to meet the demands of modern buildings. 

Lost keys. High maintenance costs. No way to track who is coming or going. In modern office and residential environments, traditional locks simply don’t meet the needs of tenants, property managers, or integrators looking to future-proof  and secure their buildings. 

Smart access control has already transformed main entrances. Now it’s time for interior doors and private units that can’t be wired to catch up — and that’s where electronic locking systems come in. 

What makes electronic locking systems so “smart”?

Electronic locking systems use secure credentials (such as RFID or mobile access), run on battery power, and communicate wirelessly with access control platforms — eliminating the need for cabling, drilling, or costly downtime. 

Some of the key advantages include: 

• Wireless installation: install in minutes, not days 

• Credential-based access: no need to issue, replace, or track physical keys 

• Remote management: revoke or grant access without being on-site 

• Activity logging: keep track of who accessed what and when 

• Encrypted communication: security built in from the start 

In short, electronic locking systems are scalable, secure, and easy to manage — and a clear upgrade for any modern building. 

Meet 2N Fortis: Built for real-world demands

If you’re looking to upgrade your building with wireless electronic locking systems that fit seamlessly into the 2N ecosystem, the Fortis range is built for the job. Both 2N Fortis Cylinder and 2N Fortis Handle offer professional-grade locking for doors where traditional or wired access control is impractical. Whether you’re upgrading an office, residential building, or mixed-use space, Fortis locks deliver wireless access without compromise. 

Both devices are battery-powered and managed through the 2N Access Commander, allowing you to monitor access, configure permissions, and control all 2N devices seamlessly from a single central platform. 

Unlock the future: Handle or Cylinder

2N Fortis Handle

The ideal solution for busy commercial spaces, such as meeting rooms and shared offices. 

• Sleek, stainless-steel design with integrated LED indicators 

• Easy installation with no cables or wall drilling 

• Designed for frequent daily use (up to 230,000 operations per battery cycle) 

• Secure offline mode with stored credentials 

The 2N Fortis Handle is designed specifically for commercial interiors, shared offices, and high-traffic zones where fast and flexible access is essential — all without compromising on design or security. 

2N Fortis Cylinder

Smart locking for modern living

Designed for residential apartments and retrofits, this compact cylinder delivers secure, keyless access with no disruption to existing doors. 

• Residents use one credential (RFID or mobile) for building and apartment access 

• Fast, wire-free installation and wide compatibility with European doors 

• Add cylinders easily as the system grows 

• Secure design with encrypted communication and protected components 

The 2N Fortis Cylinder is ideal for residential apartments, common areas, and heritage or retrofit properties where reliable, keyless access is required — without compromising the door or the building’s character. 

Where Fortis fits best

The 2N Fortis range isn’t meant to replace every access point in your building — and that’s precisely what makes it so valuable. Instead, it’s designed to extend your access control system to those trickier areas that are often left behind. 

Think of doors that don’t see heavy traffic and don’t need constant online monitoring. Or apartment units and shared entries that require a proper physical lock, not just a latch. Fortis is also an excellent fit for heritage properties or glass interiors where running cables just isn’t an option. 

It’s about giving you flexibility: adding secure, keyless access where it matters most, without the disruption or cost of wiring. 

Electronic locking systems: Affordable and Scalable

It’s easy to assume that wired access control is the gold standard — but when you take a closer look, electronic locking systems like 2N Fortis often come out ahead. So, how do you install keyless entry door locks?  

Installation is dramatically easier than comparable solutions. There’s no need for trenching, conduit, or drilling through walls — which makes Fortis ideal for retrofits, heritage buildings, or any space where disruption isn’t an option. The locks run on long-life batteries and only activate when a credential is presented, making them far more power-efficient than always-on wired systems. 

Scalability is also far more straightforward. Instead of being locked into expensive controller-based systems that add doors in fixed blocks, Fortis lets you expand one door at a time — wherever and whenever you need. Plus, because they install cleanly on materials like stone or glass, you won’t have to compromise on design to upgrade your security. 

With support for mobile credentials (coming soon), strong encryption, and integration into the broader 2N ecosystem, Fortis gives you a future-ready way to extend access control exactly where it’s needed — without overbuilding or overspending. 

Busting common myths

Despite electronic locking systems being more convenient, scalable, and secure than traditional locks, a few common questions still arise — especially regarding power, reliability, and security. 

So what happens if there’s a power outage?

Don’t worry: Fortis locks are fully battery-powered, meaning they continue to work even if the building’s power goes down. No backup systems, no downtime, no drama. 

What if the battery runs out entirely?

It’s unlikely — Fortis is designed for long-term use, with batteries that last between 2 to 5 years. The locks provide ample warning with LED signals and audible beeps. Plus, from Q1 2026, you’ll be able to see battery status right in 2N Access Commander, so maintenance teams can stay ahead of any issues. 

Can electronic locks be hacked?

Fortis uses AES-128 encryption and secure authentication protocols that have never been compromised. Regular firmware updates keep protection up to date, so you can be confident your doors stay secure — physically and digitally. 

Flexible security where it counts

Traditional locks still have their place — and wired systems remain a strong choice for main entrances. But when it comes to expanding access control throughout a building, they’re not always practical, scalable, or cost-effective. 

That’s where 2N Fortis electronic locking systems come in. They offer a flexible, secure way to bring keyless access to more doors without the cost or complexity of wiring. With quick installation, offline functionality, centralised management, and full integration into the 2N ecosystem, Fortis is the smarter way to extend your access control system where it’s needed most.