If you've ever tried to set up smart devices in a building, you've likely encountered the "walled garden" problem. A smart lock from one brand won't talk to a thermostat from another, and neither will work with the lighting system you prefer. This lack of interoperability creates complexity, limits choice, and results in a disjointed experience for residents and managers alike.
Matter, a new connectivity standard backed by the biggest names in tech including Apple, Google, and Amazon, was created to solve this problem once and for all.
1. What is Matter, and Why Was It Created?
In simple terms, Matter is a universal language for smart devices. It is a new, open-source connectivity protocol that allows smart home and smart building devices to communicate with each other reliably and securely, regardless of the manufacturer.
The goal of Matter is to break down the walls between different ecosystems. If a device—be it a lock, a lightbulb, or a motion sensor—is Matter-certified, it is guaranteed to work with any other Matter-certified device.
2. How Matter Simplifies Smart Building Technology
Matter achieves this by creating a common layer of communication over existing, proven technologies like Wi-Fi and Thread.
- Simplified Setup: Adding a new device to a network becomes a simple, consistent process for every brand.
- Local Control: Matter allows devices to communicate directly with each other on the local network, without needing to go through the cloud for every command. This makes the system faster, more reliable, and functional even if the internet goes down.
- A Foundation of Security: Security is built into the core of the Matter protocol, ensuring that communications between devices are robustly encrypted and authenticated.
3. Why Matter is a Game-Changer for Access Control
For property managers and developers, Matter's impact on access control and building management will be transformative.
- Unprecedented Interoperability: A Matter-certified lock from Portal could trigger a "welcome" scene in a Matter-certified lighting system from another brand the moment a resident unlocks their door for the first time. The possibilities for automated routines are endless.
- Freedom of Choice: You will no longer be locked into a single vendor's limited range of accessories. You can choose the absolute best smart thermostat, the best smart blinds, and the best smart lighting, confident that they will all work together seamlessly with your core access system.
- Simplified Integration for Developers: For companies building their own resident experience apps, Matter drastically simplifies the process of integrating and controlling a wide range of smart devices, leading to faster development and more powerful features.
4. Choosing a Future-Ready Access Control Partner
As Matter adoption grows, buildings running on closed, proprietary systems will quickly become outdated. Their technology will be siloed, difficult to upgrade, and less appealing to modern residents.
When evaluating an access control solution for your portfolio, one of the most critical questions you can ask is: "What is your roadmap for Matter certification?" Choosing a partner who is actively building on and committed to open standards like Matter is the only way to ensure your investment is protected for the long term. At Portal, we are building for this interconnected future, ensuring our hardware and software will be key components in the truly smart, interoperable buildings of tomorrow.
