"Zafe Connect" : Advanced Smart Lock App Development

Plento, our client in Europe, discovered that property managers in short-term rental and hospitality markets had limitations due to having to operate several different software applications such as Salto for locks, Ajax for security, and booking sites such as Airbnb.

As they were not using one software application to manage all of these services from a single point of interaction, Plento's vision was to build a super app that allowed access control through an array of devices all over the world (ie Hotel Locks, Beach Lockers).

Zafe Connect was created in React Native to make one code base that works on iOS and Android, which helped us save an incredible amount of time and money on developing the app. The entire architecture of Zafe Connect was built with a modular SDK integration hub.

1. The "Any Lock" Approach

Integration of Multiple Protocols to Lock Systems (this method works with any lock) to enable "universal compatibility" for the product by integrating four major SmartLock SDKs: TTLock, Salto, Nuki, and Tiya.

• TTLock / Salto:

  Used for high-security hotel and office access.

• Nuki:

  Used for residential retrofitting / multi-family apartment.

• Tuya:

  This is a unique use case for "beach and gym locker".

2. Unified App Experience:

The application provides a common user interface to unlock any door using:

• Physical:

  via fingerprint, RFID card, or facial recognition, utilizing the biometric capabilities of the device.

• Digital:

  An eKey, Remote Access and a PIN code over the air via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi.

• Scheduled:

  Limited-time access to the lock for housekeeping and/or guests.

3. Security Ecosystem Integration (Ajax Systems)

Beyond locks, we incorporated Ajax Systems into the app. This allows Plento's users to:

• Arm/Disarm the entire security system remotely.
• View live camera feeds inside the property.
• Monitor fire sensors and glass-break alarms.
• Trigger alarms directly from the Zafe Connect dashboard.

4. Dynamic Group Management

For hotel chains and beach resorts, we built a "Group Control" feature. An administrator can:

• Create groups (e.g., "Building A," "Beachfront Locker Row," "Housekeeping Shift").
• Apply mass actions (e.g., disable all expired keys, lock all beach lockers at sunset).
• Assign managers per group without giving full system access.

5. The Booking.com & Airbnb Bridge (PMS Integration)

The critical commercial feature is the Channel Manager API. Zafe Connect syncs directly with booking platforms. When a guest books via Airbnb or Booking.com:

• The system automatically generates a unique PIN code valid only for their stay dates.
• The guest receives a download link for Zafe Connect via email.
• Check-out triggers auto-deletion of the code and rearms the Ajax alarm.

Zafe Connect is already managing over 25,000 smart locks from 1,500+ active property managers operating in Denmark, Germany, and France within 18 months of launching.

• Property Managers have reduced check-in times by 90% using Zafe Connect - Physical key handovers are no longer needed.
• Zero reported breaches of security due to TTLocks and Ajax enterprise grade encryption secure the smart locks.
• The React Native base allows integrating new lock SDKs into Zafe Connect within two weeks.

"Before Zafe Connect, we were fighting fires with five different remote controls. Now, my team arms alarms, changes beach locker codes, and syncs Airbnb bookings from one app. Our users love the 'fingerprint or face' unlock feature. This solution has given us the technical backbone to challenge the big players in Europe. "

- Frans, CTO, Plento Trading ApS

Zafe Connect has been successful in large part due to their solution of the European Property Management Industry's operational chaos, rather than just opening doors.

Plento went from being a software purchaser to being an industry leader in the European IoT space through integration of TTLock, Salto, Nuki, Tiya and Ajax within a React Native application that provides property management system connectivity.

The result is that the Plento App has transitioned from being only "live," to also "the standard.