Clearview National June 2019 - Issue 211 | Seite 54

HARDWAREEXTRA
HARDWARE HEROES: SMART & SECURE
» » IN THE LATEST
Hardware Heroes report from
Carl F Groupco, the established
distributor puts SmartSecure
into the spotlight. The launch
of the brand in 2016 put Carl
F Groupco at the forefront of
electronic locking and access
control in the fenestration
industry and SmartSecure has
proven highly successful with
widespread appeal.
Demand for the Smart
technology includes high-end,
design led applications where
the sophisticated simplicity and
aesthetic appeal of a keyless
solution are a major part of
its attraction. SmartSecure’s
access control and monitoring
capabilities are also popular,
resulting in the Social Housing
and Housing Association
sectors being major growth
markets.
Put simply, if anyone wants
to get Smart about entry or
control of access to a residential
or commercial property which
are single or multiple occupancy,
SmartSecure is a comprehensive
solution.
Commenting on the Smart
tech initiative, Carl F Groupco’s
Managing Director John
Crittenden said:
“Established links with German
lock manufacturer FUHR,
extensive knowledge of hardware
distribution gleaned over 50+ years
and a focus on providing technical
support meant we were ideally
placed to spearhead SmartSecure.
“As Smart systems are adopted
in other areas, electronic door
locks and Smart access control
are becoming an accepted
and integral element of
home technology: as a result,
SmartSecure is going from
strength to strength.”
At the heart of SmartSecure
is the FUHR 881 electronically
operated, multipoint door lock
– accredited with Secured by
Design, Smart access control
options are provided plus
automatic motorised locking
and unlocking. A retrofit route is
offered using Yale’s Smart locking
handle with a Smartphone
replacing the traditional key – the
door’s existing design features
remain intact and mobile keys,
distributed via an app, provide
access as required.
SmartSecure’s suite of
access control options include
SmartConnect, which
facilitates keyless door opening
and monitors access using a
Smartphone app. Multiple users
can be managed on the WLAN-
based system, which can also
allocate specific entry times.
SmartTouch, a second
SmartSecure variant, operates
with a small transponder in
the vicinity of the door and a
simple touch sensor which can be
integrated into a pull handle.
Radio-based access control
systems are also available
including radio keypad,
transponder and fingerprint
scanner for keyless biometric
access control.
www.smartsecure.co.uk
A hub of technical know-how
» » SETTING THE STANDARD FOR
investment and innovation in the window and
door industry, Rapierstar’s new state-of-the-
art Learning & Development Centre will be
the first of its kind by a UK fastener supplier
in the sector. The expertise and resources
available here will also help fabricators to
manufacture more efficiently and profitability
whilst staying compliant with the latest
technical and legislative standards.
The 2,500 sq. ft. facility, located within
its head office complex near Macclesfield,
will play a pivotal role in enhancing fastener
knowledge and application skills, putting
Rapierstar’s 150 years of collective technical
know-how at the heart of the hub. Its
development is part of a wider programme of
investment in the future by Rapierstar, which
also includes new technology to enable 3D
modelling and CAD design as part of the
NPD process and stockholding.
The new facility will also be home
to Rapierstar’s expanded Research &
Development and a trade showroom, complete
54 » JUN 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
with the full range of Rapierstar point of sale
materials available to customers.
David Furness, MD of Rapierstar says:
“Fastener selection plays such an important
role in the success of every window or door,
which is why we are investing in the industry’s
only learning and development resource of
its kind. It is imperative that fabricators,
installers, profile and hardware manufacturers
can easily access expertise on the different
types of fasteners and fixings available, helping
them to avoid risks of failure and also to open
up new opportunities to improve windows
and doors. That’s what our new Learning and
Development Centre will offer.
“It is easy to overlook the importance of the
fastener because it is a tiny component within
a finished window or door, but so many
problems in the installed product are caused
by incorrect fastener choice. The knowledge
and resources available in our new facility will
help to ensure these issues can be avoided,
preventing costly call-backs and even more
costly reputational damage.”
The project is supported by The Skills
& Growth Company, who has worked
with Rapierstar previously on a range of
recruitment and training initiatives, along
with the LEADER Programme, a part of
the European Agricultural Fund for Rural
Development that supports enterprise
and economic development in rural
communities.
www.rapierstar.com