The Locksmith Journal 101 October 2024 | Page 54

ACCESS CONTROL

Primo : Ensuring life safety with electronic access control

Jason Boyce , Commercial Product Manager , Electronic Access Control at Abloy UK introduces Primo , the next generation of electric access control .
» AS THE SECURITY industry continues to evolve , one of the most pressing challenges is ensuring that life-safety doors equipped with electric locks provide the same high level of functionality as traditional wired access control systems .
In any building , especially in environments like hospitals , schools , and commercial offices , life-safety doors play a vital role . These doors are designed not only to secure a premises , but also to ensure that people can quickly and safely evacuate in emergency situations such as a fire .
As a result , there has been a growing demand for electric locks that can offer the same functionality but with the added benefits of high security , compliance and meeting operational requirements .
Enhancing electric locking functionality
While electric locks offer flexibility , they have previously been unable to match traditional wired solutions in terms of functionality . Wired systems often integrate directly with a building ’ s central fire control panel , ensuring that in the event of a power failure , emergency response , or fire alarm , the doors function as intended - unlocking to allow safe evacuation or locking to secure areas .
Traditional wired doors must unlock immediately when the fire detection system is activated , without any delay , even in the event of a
power failure . Abloy ’ s range of Electric locks exceed these requirements and are ideal for panic and emergency escape doors . They meet standards which state that even if a door is electronically controlled for access , there must be a compliant mechanical means of escape in an emergency . Plus , they have the added advantage of remaining secure at the same time as being escape compliant .
These standards include BS EN179 Emergency Escape for when the building occupants are aware of the building environment , BS EN1125 Panic Escape for environments used by the general public , and BS EN 13637 Electronically Controlled Escape Systems ( for use on escape routes ).
Primo from Abloy UK
With this in mind , Abloy UK has introduced the new Primo electronic access control solution , developed by ASSA Abloy Impro . This innovative system features an intuitive graphical user interface ( GUI ) that enhances user experience .
Primo represents a significant step forward in access control software and is
set to define the way security professionals interact with systems , offering a more intuitive , user-friendly , and secure solution .
It addresses this challenge in the security industry , ensuring life-safety doors that are equipped with electric locks can offer the same functionality as traditionally wired access control doors .
A key strength of Primo is its seamless integration with Abloy UK ’ s renowned electric locking systems . The launch of this solution coincides with the introduction of the new iTRT2-EL controller , designed to support Abloy ’ s electric locking range . This is particularly crucial for doors classified as life-safety , where compliance and functionality are integral .
The system is designed to be user-friendly right out of the box . This means that there is no configuration needed , customers can simply wire the high security , compliant electric locks into the iTRT2- EL controller and the software takes over , presenting alarm functionalities immediately .
Primo ’ s advanced capabilities also include the ability to link with CCTV
systems , offering detailed accounts of who accessed a door using a mechanical key . It can also lock down a site in the event of an emergency electronic failure , enhancing overall security frameworks .
Primo can be used in conjunction with Abloy ’ s compliant electric locking solutions as an alternative to traditional wired access solutions , and can significantly enhance security , safety and user experience .
Primo provides a seamless , user-friendly interface while offering detailed monitoring and reporting capabilities . Its intuitive design simplifies management making it easier to control access points and streamline system operations without the need for complex installations .
Mobile credentials offer many benefits such as high security , convenience and environmental advantages . Primo has a key feature which allows users to natively provision and deprovision HID Mobile Identities from the GUI with no requirement for development .
This new solution will allow users to have more intuitive experiences , providing flexibility and scalability and compliance , making it a comprehensive solution for a wide range of vertical markets and applications .
www . abloy . com
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OCTOBER 2024
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