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Just turn it OFF
They’re held for shutdown crews, project teams, or seasonal workforces. They’re not “out of service” — just not needed right now. Yet the hot water systems serving those rooms often keep running, reheating water every day, simply because switching them off and back on again is labour-intensive and easy to forget.
That’s a lot of energy being used for rooms no one is in.
Blyx is designed to manage these low-occupancy zones automatically.
When rooms have no reservations or are marked as not in use, Blyx can shut down the hot water systems feeding those areas. When the rooms are needed again, Blyx brings the systems back online and even manages the warm-up period before they can be reallocated.
At the same time, Blyx continues to monitor the room environment. If conditions become unsafe for the room or its contents, systems can be temporarily reactivated to protect the space — without leaving everything running 24/7 “just in case”.
We’ve put this into a short article called “Just Switch It Off When You’re Not Using It” that explains how Blyx uses automation and room intelligence to reduce energy waste in low-occupancy areas — without adding more work for site teams.
Just Switch It Off When You’re Not Using It
Blyx is built around a simple idea: solve real operational problems without creating more work for the people on site.
Not more dashboards. Not more checklists. Just smarter automation that quietly does the right thing in the background.
In many remote accommodation facilities, there are always rooms that sit empty for weeks or even months. They might be held for construction crews, shutdown teams, or specialist contractors who only arrive a few times a year. The rooms aren’t “out of service” forever — just unused for long stretches of time.
So what happens to them during those periods?
In a perfect world, someone walks through and manually turns off the air-conditioning, hot water services, maybe even isolates the water supply. But if everything is turned off, someone also has to remember to turn it all back on again when those rooms are needed. For long-term shutdowns, that process makes sense. For short gaps of a week or two, it often doesn’t happen at all.
And that’s where a lot of invisible energy waste lives.
From our research, a central hot water system can consume more energy reheating water twice a day than all the air-conditioning units in a block of empty rooms combined. It’s not obvious, and it’s not something most people would ever guess — but it adds up quietly, day after day.
This is where Blyx looks at the problem differently.
Instead of relying on someone to remember to turn systems off and on, Blyx automates both the decision and the action. The Blyx Device Controller can be installed alongside hot water systems serving low-occupancy areas. When rooms have no upcoming reservations, or are given a status of “not in use,” Blyx automatically triggers a relay to isolate power to those systems. When the rooms are required again, Blyx brings them back online.
The platform even manages the operational safety window — ensuring rooms can’t be reallocated until the hot water system has had sufficient time to reheat and stabilise before guests arrive.
You don’t need to control every hot water system across the entire site. The real savings come from targeting the zones that experience long or frequent low-occupancy periods. Energy waste is reduced, risk is managed, and nothing new is added to anyone’s to-do list.
Inside each room, the Blyx Environment Controller applies the same philosophy to air-conditioning. It doesn’t just turn systems off when rooms are vacant — it also protects the room itself. In extreme climates, an unventilated room can reach oven-like temperatures. Over time, excessive heat can damage furniture, finishes, and even bedding materials. Blyx monitors conditions and will intelligently run systems when required to prevent unsafe or damaging environments, while still minimising unnecessary energy use.
It’s about balance: reducing waste without creating new risks.
Blyx also changes how rooms are allocated in the first place. Most systems assign the “next available room” based on a simple list — alphabetical or numerical. That often scatters occupancy across a site, even when overall numbers are low.
With Blyx, room allocation can be driven by location and building grouping instead. During low-occupancy periods, entire wings or buildings can be left vacant, allowing hot water and environmental controls to be consolidated and shut down in a meaningful way. Staff don’t have to remember which rooms should stay offline. Blyx can make the decision automatically, or the Live Facility Map can make it visually obvious at a glance.
No spreadsheets. No memory games. No post-it notes on a wall.
Just intelligent automation that switches things off when they’re not needed — and brings them back online exactly when they are.
Blyx Pays for Itself
Most systems open doors. Blyx does that too — but it also helps cut energy waste every single day. When the platform knows a room is empty, it automatically adjusts the AC based on external temperatures and guest preferences. No extra effort from staff. No loss of comfort for guests.
By combining access control with real-time environment automation, Blyx can significantly reduce AC energy consumption in occupied rooms — typically by 40 to 60% — simply by optimising the times when rooms sit empty during the day.
We’ve put together an article that breaks down the numbers in simple terms and shows how quickly these savings add up.
And yes — AC optimisation is only one of several ways Blyx helps reduce operational costs.
Have you ever seen an access control system that can calculate an ROI?
In workers accommodation, there are predictable periods where rooms sit empty. And in extreme climates, we all know what usually happens: guests leave the AC running so their room feels perfect when they get back. They’re not paying the bill, so they don’t think twice. Blyx handles all this automatically, without asking guests or staff to change a thing.
Blyx reads reservation data (and shift data when available) and at a set time — often 8am — it checks every room. If a room is vacant, it adjusts the AC based on the outside temperature:
• Mild day → AC off
• Cold → Heating lowered
• Blistering hot → Temperature setpoint increased
The goal is simple: reduce wasted energy without creating such a big temperature swing that it costs you more to reset the room later.Then, in the afternoon (usually 2–3pm), Blyx brings the room gradually back to the guest’s preferred temperature so it’s comfortable the moment they walk in.
So what does this mean in simple numbers?
Let’s paint a basic picture:
• Room temperature set by guest: 20°C
• Outside temperature: 40°C
• Average AC consumption: 0.75 kW per hour
• Energy price: $0.30 per kWh
If the unit runs 24/7, that’s:
0.75 kW × 24 hrs = 18 kWh per day
18 kWh × $0.30 = $5.40 per day
Now let’s say Blyx adjusts the AC from 20°C up to 26°C between 8am–2pm before cooling it back down.
This typically reduces daily usage by 40–60%.
To stay conservative, let’s use 40%, which means:
40% of $5.40 = $2.16 saved per day.
Now assume the room is occupied 75% of the year — that’s 274 days.
274 days × $2.16 = $591.84 saved per room, per year just from daytime AC optimisation.
If you’re retrofitting at roughly $2,200 installed per room, that’s an ROI of 3.71 years.
If it’s a new build closer to $1,500 installed, the ROI improves to 2.53 years.
And remember — this is from one feature of the Blyx platform.
But what about the days rooms aren’t occupied — the other 91 days of the year?
Most facilities assume housekeeping turns the AC off on departure… but let’s be realistic. It doesn’t happen every time. Let’s say even 30% of the departures get missed. That means 27 days where an AC might run nonstop in an empty room — and with no reservation, a normal system wouldn’t do a thing to stop it.
Without Blyx, that’s:
27 days × $5.40 = $145.80 in pure waste.
With Blyx, this simply doesn’t happen.
If there’s no reservation, Blyx doesn’t just adjust the temperature — it turns the unit off completely, stopping that waste before it starts.
When you start adding numbers like this together, it really does stack up. And sure, on a mine site, a few hundred dollars here and there might not feel huge — but across hundreds of rooms, over a full year, and across multiple villages, it turns into serious savings without anyone lifting a finger. And that’s assuming power is only $0.30 per kWh, which is actually conservative if you’re running on diesel generators. I’m sure the person paying the fuel bill would be more than happy to know there are real savings sitting right there.
If you’d like to know what this looks like for your facility, we’d be happy to run tailored numbers. We can show you exactly what Blyx can save and what it would cost to get started.
Disclaimer: The numbers in this article are based on general averages and approximate pricing. Actual calculations depend on your site, climate, occupancy patterns, and installation requirements.
Access Options
Suddenly everyone gets a little sentimental.
That’s exactly why Blyx was built to give you the best of both worlds:
🔹 Modern access options your guests will love
🔹 Support when you need it
🔹 And yes… your trusty physical key still stays in the drawer for those rare worst-case moments
With Blyx, you don’t have to “break up” with your keys —
you just won’t need them very often.
Yes there are still keys!
Many facilities hesitate to move to electronic access control, not because they doubt the system itself, but because they worry about everything around it — networks dropping out, power interruptions, unfamiliar processes, or simply not having support close by when something goes wrong. It’s a fair concern, especially for regional and remote sites where you often have to solve problems on your own.
That’s why Blyx was designed with flexibility and reassurance at its core. Yes, it’s a modern electronic access system, but it’s also built to make sure you always have a backup — and one that you fully understand.
With Blyx, guests have three different access options. They can use a standard RFID card or tag, which is simply added to their profile and applied automatically to every door linked to their reservation. Cards and fobs are familiar, easy to use, and quick for staff to manage.
Guests who prefer everything on their phone can use the Blyx App, loading their reservation and instantly receiving the access they need. The app also becomes a handy guide for their stay, giving them contact details, opening times, facility maps, evacuation info, and Wi-Fi details — everything in one spot.
And then there’s the backup everyone understands: a physical key. Blyx prefers keys to be the final fallback, but we’ll never take them away. Sometimes they’re simply the quickest option, especially in emergencies or when the network you rely on for electronic access is temporarily offline. We support the use of Australian Lock Company’s Quick Change barrels, which let you swap a cylinder in moments if a key is lost or compromised — a simple, reliable safety net for both room keys and master keys.
This layered approach means you’re never relying on a single access method. If a guest doesn’t have their phone, they can use a card. If a card goes missing, the phone works. And while Blyx continues operating even during short network interruptions, the physical key is there for those rare situations where power or connectivity is down for an extended period. No stress, no lockouts, no downtime.
And while Blyx reduces reliance on physical keys, it also reduces the workload that normally comes with managing them. There’s no chasing guests for returns, no organising multiple keys for personal lockers or drawers, and no repetitive rekeying. Access updates happen through the system, not at the office counter.
Finally, you’re not alone in any of this. Blyx includes around-the-clock support, so if something unexpected happens, you have someone to call — someone who knows the system and can guide you through the fix.
Electronic access doesn’t have to feel risky. With Blyx, it becomes simpler, more flexible, and fully supported, with a backup plan you can always count on.
Unlock from Anywhere
Doors can be unlocked remotely — so even if a guest gets stuck outside after hours, staff can grant access from anywhere.
But it’s not just about fixing the problem — it’s about preventing it.
With Blyx, guests have more access options and smarter entry tools, meaning they’re far less likely to get locked out in the first place.
See how Blyx keeps everyone moving — and sleeping — better.
Unlock Any Door, From Anywhere
Unlock rooms without leaving yours.
There aren’t many accommodation facilities that haven’t had to deal with someone locking themselves out of their room. And of course, it always seems to happen right after everyone’s knocked off for the day.
For smaller facilities, it’s even trickier — they’re often not large enough to have night security. Which usually means the same person who’s worked all day is also the one getting that late-night “I’m locked out” call.
That’s where Blyx can help.
With Blyx, the lockout process can be handled remotely. A manager or staff member can unlock a Blyx door from anywhere — no getting up in the middle of the night, getting dressed, walking down to let someone in… and then trying to get back to sleep before the early alarm starts the next day off.
Of course, security is built in. The system includes verification layers to make sure the right person is being granted access. Once confirmed, the door can be remotely unlocked while the guest is standing outside — and it automatically returns to a locked state once they’re back inside.
The same process also makes after-hours check-ins simple. Guests arriving late can contact the facility, and access details can be sent straight to their phone via the Blyx App. From there, they can either unlock the door directly or be granted one-time access to enter their room and finish setting up full access once inside.
And while that’s convenient, Blyx can take it a step further.
Instead of waiting for a guest to call on arrival, access can be set up in advance. The Blyx App can receive reservation details before a guest even reaches the site, so their access is ready to go. When they arrive, the built-in map guides them straight to their room — no need to call, wait, or coordinate.
Because Blyx controls the lock — not the access devices — doors can be unlocked or access revoked instantly, without waiting on cards or keys to change hands.
Here’s how it works.
Each door has a small Blyx controller installed, connected directly to the electric striker. That controller stores the access data for that specific door — so when a valid code or credential is presented, the door unlocks instantly.
When a remote unlock is triggered, the system essentially “presents” that access code on behalf of the guest, allowing the door to open just as if the credential had been tapped or scanned in person.
Because each device controller is always connected to the main Blyx platform, access codes can be added, changed, or removed at any time. There’s no need to bring cards, fobs, or phones back to the office for programming — everything happens seamlessly through the system.
With Blyx, you stay in control, even when you’re off the clock.
Smart Visibility
Because the faster you can see it, the faster you can act.
Most delays in a facility aren’t about what’s being done — they’re about not knowing what’s been done yet.
A guest checks in early.
Reception needs to know if the room’s ready.
Instead of calling around, they can check the Live Facility Map and see that the cleaning trolley’s already been there.
That’s not surveillance — that’s smart visibility.
With Blyx Bluetooth tracking, teams can see where work is happening in real time — without cameras, calls, or confusion.
It helps reception confirm progress at a glance, maintenance find the nearest person to a task, and supervisors keep the day running smoothly.
Because when everyone can see what’s happening, everything runs smoother.
See Where Work Is Happening — Without Watching Anyone
Picture this: a guest checks in early and reception needs to know if their room is ready. Instead of calling housekeeping or chasing down a supervisor, they open the Live Facility Map and can see that a cleaning trolley has already been to that room. One quick glance, and they know who to call for final confirmation — no interruptions, no waiting.
That’s the kind of everyday efficiency Blyx Bluetooth tracking delivers.
It’s not about monitoring people — it’s about giving teams better visibility of what’s happening around the facility so they can keep things moving.
Every Blyx RFID reader includes built-in Bluetooth receivers that detect Blyx Beacons attached to access keys, trolleys, or equipment. These signals automatically update the Live Facility Map, showing where staff and key assets are in real time.
For a facilities team, that means knowing:
- Who’s closest to a maintenance request, so it can be actioned faster.
- When someone’s running behind on their round, so support can be sent.
- Where new staff are, so they can be guided efficiently to the right area.
- And even where a misplaced set of keys are hiding.
And it’s not just for supervisors.
Reception, housekeeping, and maintenance can all use the same live view to understand what’s been done and what still needs attention — without interrupting each other.
The more information that’s available, the smoother operations can run.
And when that information is presented visually — as clear paths and positions on a map — it tells a story that a spreadsheet or handwritten note never could.
With Blyx, visibility isn’t about control.
It’s about clarity.
Because when everyone can see what’s happening, everyone works better together.
The Blyx App
Everyone has a phone — so why not make the most of it?
The Blyx App brings everything your guests need into one simple, familiar place. No juggling multiple apps or costly updates — just one platform, customised for your facility.
Standard features include:
🔓 Room and common area access
ℹ️ Site details like Wi-Fi password, phone numbers, and opening hours
🗺️ Site map for easy navigation
🥗 Guest details for dietary requirements and surveys
But that’s just the start.
Every facility is different — and the Blyx App can be too. You can also:
📋 Share dinner menus
🧺 Track laundry availability
💪 Manage gym or class bookings
🍽️ Handle meal or takeaway orders
💬 Collect guest feedback and preferences
And the best part?
You get a fully branded, managed app — for a fraction of the cost of building your own, and without the maintenance headaches.
The Blyx App helps you connect, communicate, and uncover insights that improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability across your facility.
Because when everything’s connected, it’s not just easier — it’s smarter.
The Blyx App: One App, Endless Opportunities
The Blyx Mobile App is designed to make life easier for both facilities and their guests — providing real insight, connection, and convenience in one simple platform.
Built with flexibility and privacy at its core, the Blyx App gives guests access to everything they need, while helping facilities collect valuable information that improves operations and guest experience.
Built for Guests. Designed for Facilities.
The Blyx App is more than just a digital room key — it’s a bridge between your guests and your facility.
Because it’s directly connected to your Blyx Access Control system, guests are already motivated to download it. From there, it becomes the gateway to everything else you want them to see or do.
Common features include:
- Access to rooms and common areas via phone or RFID token
- Site information like Wi-Fi, phone numbers, and opening hours
- Site maps for easy navigation
- Dietary and feedback forms to understand your guests better
Once installed, the App quickly becomes part of the guest’s stay — improving convenience and communication while reducing admin overhead for your team.
Flexible, Secure, and Fully Yours
Your guest data is yours — not shared in the cloud.
All personal information is stored securely on local infrastructure, protected by unique identification codes.
And because every facility is different, we’ve built the Blyx App to be as flexible as possible.
We offer APIs for integrating with other platforms, and our data team can bridge gaps between old and new systems — even if the data comes in photo form or a spreadsheet.
Real Examples of What’s Possible
Beyond standard features, the Blyx App can be adapted to fit the exact needs of your facility:
🍽️ Food & Dining:
Display dinner menus that update instantly when the chef makes a last-minute change. Guests can order meals by scanning a QR code and get a notification when their meal is ready — no more messy handwriting or missed orders.
🔧 Maintenance Requests:
Guests can log maintenance issues directly in the App and receive alerts when jobs are completed. No lost paper trails or forgotten updates — just clear communication.
🧺 Laundry Management:
Using Blyx’s energy monitoring infrastructure, the App can show which washing machines are in use and even notify guests when a cycle has finished. It can also flag idle machines to maintenance for follow-up.
💬 Feedback & Surveys:
Prompt guests to rate their experience at key moments — like after using the laundry or ordering dinner. Collecting feedback has never been easier or more consistent.
🚨 Safety & Emergency Response:
The App can be used to communicate critical information. For example, guests can quickly alert on-site Emergency Response Team members or confirm they’ve reached a muster point — improving coordination and accountability during emergencies.
Make It Your Own
The Blyx App is powered by Blyx — but it’s your App.
We can tailor the look, feel, and features to fit your facility, giving guests a seamless, branded experience while you benefit from integrated data and smarter operations.
From access and automation to communication and insights, Blyx helps you deliver more with less effort — and all through one simple App.
Because when your guests are connected, so is your facility.
support & onboarding
Real people, real support.
SUPPORT &
ONBOARDING
Real People, Real Support.
At Blyx, everything we do is built around making life easier - and creating real savings in time, labour, efficiency, and money. This isn’t just another system to bolt on; it’s a platform designed to fit into your world, improve how you operate, and support your team every step of the way.
