FAQ

Answers to frequently asked questions about Nimbio. Click on a question to view the answer. Have a question that isn’t answered here? Contact Us and we’ll be happy to answer it.

Nimbio is a service that allows residents behind gates or buzzer buildings to open the gate or building with their smartphone from anywhere. Residents will be able to manage temporary guest access, like disposable single use keys, with a few taps on their phone. Sharing insecure 4-digit access codes will be a thing of the past.

We install a small box on your gate or buzzer building that connects to our server via cellular network. Once a resident’s key request has been approved by the administrator, the resident can open the gate or building using our secure app, and they will be able to manage guest access with a few taps on their phone. Our server sends a signal to the box to open the gate whenever an authorized resident or guest makes a valid request, and then sends a success message back to resident when the gate or building opens.

The Nimbio Cellular Entry service requires a monthly subscription. Monthly subscription costs are based on the number of residences and number of entry points in your community. Contact us to find out more.

Nimbio works with nearly any gate operator or any electronic lock, including buzzer buildings.

The Nimbio hardware is an “add on” device that does not replace the existing functionality, but adds new capabilities. This means that after the Nimbio box is installed, the pre-existing access mechanisms will still function normally. Our goal is to end the use of insecure 4-digit access codes for guest who only need temporary access. That can happen once a community has made a smooth transition to the Nimbio solution.

If you’re interested in installing Nimbio in your building or community, contact us and our installation experts will set up an appointment at your convenience. The Nimbio device can be installed on most electronic gates or buildings in less than an hour. Click here to contact us to set up an appointment.

Nimbio devices come with a pre-installed sim card that connects to the strongest available local cell network. This means that nearly any gate or electronic lock can be connected. Gates in remote locations with no WiFi coverage can be controlled via cellular network.

Whether it’s support for self driving deliveries or the latest security patch, Nimbio servers push regular updates to the mobile device software. This means that Nimbio device owners can be sure that they will continue to have access to the newest and most secure features available, no matter when their hardware was installed.

A Nimbio “master” key allows community residents to create and share all types of keys other than master keys. Master key holders can create, share, or revoke an unlimited number of keys, and have access to logs of all entries using keys created by that master key.

The Nimbio box runs on an industry standard operating system called Linux. This means that as vulnerabilities arise in Linux itself, our servers will be able to send security updates to the box on a regular basis. For a hacker to defeat our box, they will have to have cracked Linux, in which case opening gates is not going to be high on an attacker’s list of targets.

Nimbio offers the ability to link multiple gates/access points to a single key. Keys in communities that have multiple gates will have multiple open buttons, each of which control a different gate.

As long as the door for the Pool/Gym/Laundry Room is controlled by an electronic lock, Nimbio can be configured to provide access to that door. Communities that wish to offer this to residents will have multiple open buttons for each access point. Restrictions for each individual access point can be configured by the gate owner/administrator.

Yes. The Nimbio solution will continue to function as normal as long as the gate operator is still intact.

If the Nimbio box is defective for any reason, we will replace it, free of charge.

Preventing people from tailgating on the way in is tough to solve without a barrier arm/gate, but we are soon launching a security camera integration which will record and store video footage of all gate entries, including tailgaters.

As long as there is a method of entry for emergency services, the post office, and garbage pickup to get in, your community can get rid of the call box. However, many communities with Nimbio choose instead to disconnect the directory on the call box and keep a 4-digit code for delivery and other services.

Nimbio is compatible with all iOS phones (version 10.0.0 or later), and all Android phones (version 4.1 or later). If you lose your phone, notify us and we will disable your keys. If you get a new phone, your keys are stored in the cloud and will be activated once you enter your phone number and 6 digit verification code.

A Master Key has the ability to create Shared Keys and will get notifications whenever they are used. A Shared Key has less privileges than a Master Key, and has a type. Currently, there are 2 types of Shared Keys: a “Family Key,” which works 24 hours a day, and a “Doorbell Key,” which requires the key sharer to manually verify the open request.

In the case of an incident, Nimbio can generate a report of anyone who has opened the gate using Nimbio for any window of time. If a specific individual has been identified, Nimbio can also generate a detailed report of any time that person has used the app to enter the gate.

Nimbio works with property managers and HOA members to provide all of the necessary messaging and communication for how to install and set up the Nimbio app. We also provide technical support via phone and email for any residents that have problems or questions concerning installation and usage.

In a community with both types of residents, there are 2 options available to the community. Option one: the homeowner who is renting their residence is responsible for creating and revoking shared keys for the renters. Option two: the community manager is responsible for creating and revoking master keys for each renter.

Yes, you can make a shared key for your AirBnB guest and then revoke it when they leave. You will see all gate entries for any shared key you have created in your activity log.

Currently, a smartphone is required to open the gate with our app. In the future, Nimbio clickers/fobs will be available for anyone who does not own a smartphone.

Since launch, Nimbio’s uptime is 99.3%. The success rate for gate opens is 99.17%. Nearly all failed opens are due to cellular network outages.


Interested? Call (800) 353 3422 to speak with us, or click on the button below to be contacted by email.