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RELIABLE DIGITAL ACCESS REQUIRES MECHANICAL INNOVATION AND EXPERIENCE
Kelly Gill , Chief Technology Officer at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA , discusses the critical role of mechanical technology as an enabler for the latest innovations in digital access .
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rapid process of digitalisation in access and security technologies is underway . But electronics are not a replacement for – but a complement to – robust , secure , trusted mechanical design .
Growing demand for convenience , connectivity and new functionality continuously extends the power and level of choice in access devices . Digitalisation is a key enabler of more comfortable and tailored access solutions in both residential and commercial buildings .
Yet the necessity for innovations in mechanical design remains as great as ever . Why ? Because all new digital locking functionality must be backed up by intelligently designed , secure mechanical elements . It is not the electronics that keep a door bolt in position , but rather the lock ’ s physical components .
Convenience and security work together
The digital components of many ASSA ABLOY solutions are designed to enhance usability and convenience . For example , they replace the need to carry a heavy keychain by providing a programmable credential – card , key or smartphone – which can unlock several openings . In the event of a lost a key or card , the digital element enables easy disabling of those access rights , eliminating the need to replace keys and cylinders . This saves management costs , time and hassle .
But to be fully effective , every digital locking device requires the electronics and mechanical security to work in tandem . If the mechanical part of the lock is flawed , the door can be opened regardless of its digital security . This is where access providers with a strong heritage in mechanical manufacturing have the edge in our rapidly digitalising market . Many components within a digital access device are and will remain mechanical . Authentication and authorisation will continue transitioning to digital , clearly , but internal mechanics must keep the door locked and the space secure .
An additional convenience benefit , digitalisation also enables seamless integration with complementary products and solutions : in a domestic setting , with smart doorbells , security cameras and intruder alarms ; in the workplace , with a range of business-critical systems from time-and-attendance software to complex smart building management systems .
This interaction between digital and mechanical technology is fundamental in future-proofing homes and businesses – far beyond just their security .
Standards in mechanical and digital security
Agreed standards help customers make an informed decision . They provide a scale to make comparisons – for example , from high to low security needs . As a long-time industry leader , ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions takes an active part in driving independent standards to a higher level , to ensure customers have access devices with mechanical and digital components which deserve their trust . Our in-house testing labs push every device and component to its limit , long before it ever reaches the market .
A growing focus on security standards is also evident in the realm of IoT devices , where data breaches and cyber-attacks
are increasingly common and potentially costly . In 2023 , IBM estimated the average cost to a business of a data breach at more than 4m EUR *.
In response to increased risk , supra-national regulators such as the European Union have begun promoting more robust cybersecurity measures , including to regulate the security of all products with digital components . Very soon , companies which want to sell into the EU market must show that their product meets basic cybersecurity requirements . PSTI has been introduced in UK law to set security standards for IoT devices .
This higher profile for standards will help ASSA ABLOY and our industry peers to better communicate security benefits , risks and best practices . A commitment to developing secure products , both their mechanical and digital elements , is quickly repaid by customer peace of mind .
All over the world customers rely on ASSA ABLOY – whether that ’ s the new Tekirdağ City Hospital which needed a large mechanical master-key system for multiple types of locking point **; or Helsinki Airport selecting digital solutions for doors and cabinets to integrate with existing access management software ***.
Experience gained in designing and manufacturing mechanical solutions for all types of application is an essential ingredient . It fosters and supports the digital innovation that customers increasingly rely on .
www . assaabloy . com
* www . ibm . com / reports / data-breach ** www . assaabloy . com / group / emeia / stories / customer-cases / tekirda--city-hospital *** www . assaabloy . com / group / emeia / stories / customer-cases / helsinki-airport
10 SEPTEMBER 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM