​Igartza-Bifood

Igartza-Bidfood’s newly inaugurated headquarters was designed as a modern, highly efficient workplace, incorporating modern food processing facilities, contemporary office spaces, individual staff lockers, and expansive warehouse and logistics areas. While the building offered notable operational advantages, it also brought new challenges in managing access and maintaining security measures across such an extensive site. The company required a solution that could deliver fast, convenient access for staff, visitors, and service providers, while also ensuring high levels of security throughout. As their daily operations involve the movement of employees, suppliers, and goods, it was essential to avoid any potential bottlenecks caused by clumsy access control systems. 

Igartza-Bidfood was keen to move away from traditional mechanical keys, given the time-consuming and costly nature of their use in an ever-growing workforce. With employees changing roles and permissions requiring constant updates, the switch to a digital smart access solution was essential.  

This went hand-in-hand with the need to protect security around the perimeter as well as certain restricted areas. Specific zones within the facility, including warehouses, staff areas, and specialised cold storage rooms, required controlled access in order to guarantee security, compliance, and operational efficiency. In order to meet all the demands of their developing operations, Igartza needed a fully digital access control system capable of providing convenience, flexibility and security in a single, comprehensive platform. 

Working alongside certified Salto partner i-SAI, Igartza-Bidfood implemented Salto’s smart access solution. The pioneering SVN smart access control platform Salto Space was deployed throughout the entire facility, creating an integrated access ecosystem with the capacity to manage large numbers of doors and users seamlessly. Around the building’s perimeter, Salto wall readers were installed, integrated with video intercom systems that helped manage entry to parking areas and facility entrances. Thanks to Salto Space’s web-based management software and wireless retrofit smart-locking technology, the installation didn’t require any structural disruption or complicated wiring. Staff can now gain access using either an assigned tag or a mobile credential, providing fast, frictionless entry for authorised individuals.  

One of the project’s most significant elements was the installation of more than 300 XS4 Eco Lock electronic locker locks in the employee changing facilities. These smart locker solutions deliver all the benefits of modern keyless access technology while helping to enhance security for staff belongings. The locks are easy to use, highly reliable and fully integrated into the wider access control system, allowing the organisation to have a consistent approach to credential management across the site.  

The warehouse environment saw the installation of additional Salto wall readers to control access to refrigerated areas that house fresh food products. By assigning specific permissions to authorised employees, the company can ensure that sensitive storage zones remain secure without disturbing day-to-day operations. 

The majority of doors and access points throughout the building – including meeting rooms, offices, and other work areas – have been equipped with Salto XS4 Original+ solutions. Designed to adapt to a wide range of door types, these locks combine ease of installation with advanced functionality, making them ideal for use in facilities with diverse access requirements. The ecosystem also incorporates Salto’s latest wireless and mobile credential technologies, including BLUEnet connectivity, enabling flexible user and permission management in real time. Salto Space and SVN data-on-card technology have transformed the building’s operations, allowing access rights to be assigned and revoked instantaneously so that staff always have entry to the correct areas, while helping the organisation maintain tight control over security.  

By adopting a fully digital access management solution, Igartza-Bidfood has eliminated the operational challenges associated with mechanical keys, while significantly improving the security of its complex. The system enables management to oversee access control, lockers, and storage across hundreds of different points from within a single platform, helping to strengthen security, simplify administration, and support future growth. Salto has delivered a scalable and reliable smart access ecosystem that enhances Igartza’s operational efficiency and offers a seamless user experience for employees, suppliers, and visitors alike.