If you've tried to set up smart devices in a building, you've likely hit the walled garden problem. A smart lock from one brand won't communicate with a thermostat from another. Neither works with your preferred lighting system. This lack of interoperability creates complexity, limits choice, and results in a disjointed experience.
Matter, a connectivity standard backed by Apple, Google, and Amazon, was created to solve this.
1. What is Matter?
Matter is a universal language for smart devices. It's an open-source connectivity protocol that allows devices to communicate reliably and securely, regardless of manufacturer. If a device is Matter-certified, it's guaranteed to work with any other Matter-certified device.
2. How Matter Simplifies Smart Buildings
Matter creates a common communication layer over existing technologies like Wi-Fi and Thread:
- Simplified setup: Adding a new device becomes a consistent process across every brand.
- Local control: Devices communicate directly on the local network without routing through the cloud for every command — faster, more reliable, and functional even during internet outages.
- Built-in security: Robust encryption and authentication are core to the Matter protocol.
3. Why Matter is a Game-Changer for Access Control
For property managers and developers, Matter transforms what's possible:
- Unprecedented interoperability: A Matter-certified lock from PassLane could trigger a welcome lighting scene from a completely different brand the moment a resident unlocks their door.
- Freedom of choice: Choose the best thermostat, blinds, and lighting independently, confident they'll all work together with your access system.
- Simplified developer integration: Matter drastically simplifies controlling a wide range of smart devices through a single resident app.
4. Choosing a Future-Ready Access Control Partner
As Matter adoption grows, buildings on closed, proprietary systems will quickly feel outdated. When evaluating access control, the critical question is: what's their Matter roadmap? PassLane is building for this interconnected future — ensuring our infrastructure will be a core component of the truly smart, interoperable buildings of tomorrow.
