PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE
HISTORY & HERITAGE • 57 packer that turns raw plastic pellets into boxed / labelled keeps as if by magic , even the simple ‘ flag out ’ method , whereby a worker signals they are running short of products on the lock assembly line ; and is replenished within 60 seconds – with no delay to production – demonstrates the level of detail that has gone into the factory format .
Steven himself says that the ethos of the plant is “ right product , right time , right amount ” that maximises efficiency , quality and response time , while maintaining a safe and enjoyable working environment for its staff . Supervisor Louise of one particular ‘ cell ’ oversees a team with a combined total of 450 service years . Having started working for Yale a quarter of a century ago , she is , in fact , the “ shortest-serving ” member of her team and a real ‘ Jackie of all trades ’. Her ethos is to train her staff in all areas so that they can multitask within the department , which not only keeps the production line running smoothly but also promotes personal development across the division . This isn ’ t unique to her either , with the explanation that all shop floor improvements include and are influenced / inspired directly by operators at every level , including friendly ‘ buddy ’ challenges when it comes to the 5S stations .
TESTING , TESTING Of course , the production methods would mean nothing if they didn ’ t come up to code . The Yale test lab places products under “ brutal ” conditions , according to Rich , who took over this part of the tour . With handles opening and closing day-through-night , barbellstyle weight plates hanging off hinges , padlocks being frozen , mechanised saws grinding through bolts , wind and rain simulations , and fairground-style punch bags emulating a 30kg shoulder barge onto doors ; some products undergo up to 200,000 cycles of testing before being taken to the next stage . The lab also includes UKAS-standard rigs so that primary tests can all be completed in-house before sending products to the official body to save valuable time and money in the development stages of production .
HOME SMART HOME Leaving the factory floor – and the present day – behind , Yale then offered a window into the future with its ‘ Smart Living Room 2.0 ’. Purpose-built to display and demonstrate the Smart Living range in-situ , the presentation starts with a mock house front complete with CCTV and alarm system – both of which can be connected to and controlled by your smart phone . With David Herbert , Business Development Director for Yale Smart Living , and Josh Waites , Smart Locks Product Manager inviting us in , the smart home begins with a smart door ; complete with Yale Conexis L1 Smart Door Lock that not only allows virtual keys to be sent out to friends and family , but also time slots to be set so that people can only get access to the house during certain times .
Inside the house , the ‘ hub ’ becomes the , well , hub , of the operation with potential to control lights ( Philips Hue ), thermostat , alarm system , 360-degree surveillance cameras , and more , all from the palm of your hand . So , from checking the front door ’ s locked once you ’ re tucked up in bed to letting in the dog walker while you ’ re at work , from arranging repairs to be made from your sunbed on holiday to – once and for all – settling the argument of who left the house and didn ’ t set the alarm ( which won ’ t matter now because you can do it with your phone ), the system aims to provide “ homeowners total control of who can access their home and provides ultimate peace of mind knowing your loved ones are home safely .”
While many are still dubious of Smart Locks and keyless technology – with David and Josh keen to point out that Yale are providing a modest ( and very British ) version of what the technology is capable of – it ’ s hard to argue that the ability to be able check the security of your home remotely is not an appealing one . It may be harder to get out of the habit of continuously patting yourself down for you house keys though .
Stephen Roberts , Marketing Manager for Yale UK , said : “ Reaching 175 years is a milestone worthy of celebration for Yale . As one of the oldest brands in the home security market , its longevity highlights the trust and confidence customers have in the brand . What ’ s more , it also reinforces how we as a company are continually innovating to stay ahead in the marketplace and meet consumer demands .”
All that ’ s left to say is ‘ Happy Birthday to Yale ’ and here ’ s to the next 175 years .
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL . CO . UK | MAY / JUN 2018 Sponsored by Insafe | Loksafe . co . uk | Insafe . com