Spotlight on Acre Security: A Winning Partnership for Installers & End-Users

In this month’s Spotlight on Acre Security, we explore how a leading manufacturer has shaped the future of access control and intrusion solutions.

With over three decades of experience in the electronic security industry, Acre is more than just a familiar name. Once known as Vanderbilt, the company now operates under a unified identity that brings together leading brands like Siemens Security Products, ACT, Comnet and TDS, all under one transformative vision for the future of security.

Smart R Distribution began working closely with the Acre group around 15 years ago, following Acre’s acquisition of Vanderbilt SMS, its first major investment in the access control market.

Acre’s impressive range of products and systems is matched by its commitment to developing a unified ‘golden’ platform for both on-premises and cloud-based access control and intruder detection solutions.

One Unified Platform for Access & Intrusion

A key design objective of the new platform is to ensure end-users don’t have to ‘rip and replace’ existing hardware to benefit from the latest technological advancements. For most legacy systems, this means existing readers and controllers can remain in place, revitalised by integrating with the latest access control features like visitor and card management, time and attendance tracking and more. Whether your current system is based on ACT, RS2, PremiSys, or any Mercury Security hardware, it can all be integrated into the single ‘golden’ platform with minimal on-site disruption and at a pace set by the end-user.

Cloud-Ready Access Control for Remote & Unconnected Site

Many older or remote buildings across the UK still lack a reliable internet connection, making traditional access control difficult to implement. This presents a major challenge for housing associations, property managers, and site operators who need secure, flexible access, particularly when remote management is a priority. You can read more about this in our Cloud Access Control For Unconnected Sites article.

Smart R + Acre: The Out-of-the-Box Cloud Solution

Smart R Distribution, in partnership with Acre Security, has created an out-of-the-box, Cloud Access Control solution designed specifically for sites without fixed internet.

Ideal for multi-tenanted buildings, temporary sited or remote locations, the solution enables property managers to:

Control who has access, from anywhere
Remotely manage activity and logs
Manage fob replacements with need to visit the site

Predictable Connectivity with 4G/5G Fixed-Cost Plans

At the heart of this solution is a 4G/5G router and roaming SIM card, supplied by Smart R. This provides reliable, mobile internet connectivity, even in areas with weak coverage.

2-year fixed-cost subscription included
Monthly data allowance suitable for even high-traffic sites
Multi-network roaming SIM connects to the strongest available signal

The solution removed uncertainty around airtime cost, giving property managers predictable Totel Cost of Ownership for budgeting and procurement.

Acre Intrusion: Advanced Protection with Smart Integrations

We’ve worked alongside Acre for over 15 years, helping installers deliver reliable access control solutions that meet and exceed customer expectations.

Today, we offer that same level of support for Acre Intrusion – formerly known as the SPC system. Its on-premises and cloud-based options bring advanced protection and remote management together, while integrations with systems like Assa Abloy and Hanwha Vision give users greater control and awareness across their sites.

From smart control panels to motion sensors and hybrid setups, Acre Intrusion brings together everything installers need to deliver robust, modern protection – on site or in the cloud.

“When two companies such as Acre and Smart R, both experts in their respective fields, work closely together, it will always be a win, win situation for installers and their end-user clients, Smart R’s expertise and ability to always ‘put the right pieces together’ means end-users can expect to gain maximum benefit from any of our solutions and particularly so when there is an opportunity to integrate with third-party systems”.

Michael Whitworth, Acre’s Distribution Channel Manager for the UK.

As Acre continues to simplify and unify its offerings across access control and intrusion detection, our partnership ensures installers can confidently deliver next-gen security, without complexity, compromise, or costly overhauls.