Inlet automates sauna access by connecting the access control system with booking software. Customers can choose and combine any lock and software system from our list of partners. Be sure to think about different use cases when selecting both the locks and booking system.
Inlet can also preheat the sauna oven at predefined times related to the bookings. This can significantly reduce energy usage by sending a pulse signal to the access control system, typically 15, 30, or 45 minutes before a reservation starts. This, in turn triggers the oven on via a timer. This is the only method Inlet supports, regardless of what either the lock system or oven manufacturer suggests. Other methods might be possible, but this is what is currently supported. Check with Inlet which lock system, saunas and timers are supported. This would be installed and supported by either an electrician or your locksmith.
Some examples of typical use cases might be:
- The saunas heating system should be turned on 30 minutes before the customer arrives, in order to ensure the sauna is properly heated, and that the heat isn't turned on when the sauna isn't in use.
- The sauna can be booked both for single reservation, as well as for "drop-in", meaning up to xx amount of guests can book and share the sauna for a given time. Does each guest get a unique code? Make sure the lock system supports multiple codes on the lock at the same time!
- Are are there any shared (related) doors that should be used during the booking, having the same code? Examples being a front door, door to a wardrobe, and possibly a toilet/shower?
- Should the sauna door remain open during the entire booking period (office mode)? This is useful so the customers don't have enter a code each time they leave and want to come back into the sauna, for example going out for a swim. If there are several doors related in the setup (sauna door, shower, wardrobe), will they all need to have office mode? It might be the shower should remained locked, but the suan and other doors open during during the booking. We should know this ahead of time, as different access systems handle this in different ways and some do not support this at all.
- Should the sauna be accessible for any time period either before or after the booking starts/ends (padding)? The booking system has to be flexible enough to add this padding to the booking times Inlet receives.
PreConditions:
- The customer must choose a sauna heating system from our list of providers. Currently this is the HUUM UKU and the TylöHelo Elite controller. The reason for this is to ensure everything works as intended, leading to quicker installation times and minimum fuss.
- If the customer chooses a non-partner system, we cannot guarantee the solution will work as intended, despite what the prodiver might say. Check the functions needed below if choosing a non-supported system.
- The locksmith/installer must use our setup guides to install the access control system correctly. Here you will find documentation for every lock and access control system we support.
- Inlet Premium is also required for a sauna with heating control.
- Inlet initiates pre-heating by sending a pulse signal to the access control system.
- This pulse is sent for ex. 15, 30, or 45 minutes before a reservation starts. This is the only control point available.
- If seat reservation (group bookings) is used, we will group all bookings so that only one pre-heating signal is sent to the oven.
- However, there might be cases where a booking is made just before the hour starts, and it will then be sent as a separate signal to the oven.
- The system must supports multiple pulses in succession.
- Inlet cannot terminate the heating after it is started
- The heater's timer function must be able to reset and start again each time a new pre-heating signal is received This means if the oven is set to stay on for 3 hours, and the booking is for 2 hours, the oven should be reset to 3 hours again when the next booking starts. This prevents the heater from turning off before the next reservation is over.
- A countdown timer will ensure that if the internet or lock system experiences downtime, the heater will turn off at the end of the timer regardless of external signals. This is both more fire-safe and leads to a saving on electricity costs.
- If the customer allows bookings right up until the start time, it could mean the preheating function will not be activated enough time beforehand to sufficiently heat the sauna before the guests arrive. This is you can check in the logs in the case there are any reported issues.
Safety and correct operation must be prioritized.
Questions? Contact us at support@Inlet.no