Industry News
Internet of things and the
hardware and security industry
» THE INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) IS
becoming more and more prevalent
worldwide. This article outlines some
practical applications of IoT such as Smart
Homes and Smart Buildings and discusses
new product areas and future trends for
IoT within the hardware and construction
industry.
Definition and background
IoT is a system of “things” or interrelated
computing devices, mechanical and digital
machines, objects, animals or people that
can transfer data over a network without
requiring human-to-human or human-to-
computer interaction.
Increasingly, organisations are using
IoT to operate more efficiently, better
understand customers, improve decision-
making and increase the value of the
business.
Smart Homes
The Smart Home (also known as
the Connected Home), uses modern
automation systems to provide a practical
way of controlling electronic devices in
the home. Smart Home technology can
include all smart appliances (washers,
dryers, refrigerators, etc), safety and
security systems (internet-connected
sensors, monitors, cameras, and alarm
systems), and energy equipment such as
smart thermostats and smart lighting.
Manufacturers within the hardware
industry are now providing a number
of new product solutions for the Smart
Home including:
• Smart Door Locks, which enable a
home to be secured without the need
to carry keys. The door can be opened
with a PIN code, remote fob, or a
smartphone.
• Home View cameras, which link
wirelessly to an Internet connection,
allowing homeowners to check
their home when they’re out using a
smartphone, tablet or PC.
• Smart Home Alarms, which allow the
system to be armed or disarmed from
anywhere using a smartphone.
8
Smart Buildings
Smart Buildings are sometimes referred
to as ‘automated buildings’, ‘intelligent
buildings’ or buildings that incorporate
smart technology. They centre on the use
of interconnected technologies to make
buildings more intelligent and responsive.
Again, the hardware industry has
responded with new products which
integrate seamlessly into the Smart
Building including:
• Smart digital locking. This generates
time-sensitive codes which can allow
temporary access through digital locks.
Short, medium or long-term codes
for a specific date, time and duration
can be set and generated via an app or
online and codes can be sent via email
or SMS.
• Smart Locking and access control.
Smartphone-controlled access control
systems use an intelligent combination
of electronics, mechanics and wireless
technology and provide unique
identification for every opening
through encrypted communication.
• Building Automation Systems.
Examples include management
systems that can intelligently integrate
emergency exit systems, smoke and
heat extraction systems, hold open
door systems and automatic doors.
They can be used as an independent
building automation system (stand-
alone solution) or integrated into a
higher-ranking building management
system.
• Virtual Reality. New Virtual Reality
technologies allow the customer to
digitally experience the usability of
ironmongery products within a virtual
world.
Future Trends
IoT will continue to influence the way
the world works and operates, and the
construction industry is embracing the
opportunities it brings.
• New standards. New products require
new sets of industry standards to be
drafted and published. One example
is mechatronic devices which have
a set of BS EN standards developed
specifically for this product area.
These standards include BS EN 14846
for Electromechanically operated
locks; BS EN 15684 for Mechatronic
Cylinders and BS EN 16864 for
Mechatronic padlocks. There is also
a new standard for mechatronic door
furniture prEN 16867 which has been
drafted and is due for publication
in 2020. In addition, BSI has now
introduced a Kitemark Scheme
which is designed to help consumers
confidently and easily identify the
IoT devices they can trust to be safe,
secure and functional.
• Increased development of existing
technologies will continue. This
includes Virtual Reality which will
allow for employee training in real-
life scenarios such as life safety and
will also allow e-commerce to be a
much more interactive experience for
the consumer. Artificial Intelligence
will also increase as home hubs and
equipment collect data on consumer
habits and usage patterns. This will
allow machines to “learn” human
behaviour and adjust themselves
accordingly for a better user
experience.
Internet of Things is no longer science
fiction, it is science fact. Its emergence
and development will continue to have
a marked impact on us in the hardware
industry, both now and in the future
Douglas Masterson
GAI Technical Manager
NOV/DEC 2019
locksmithjournal.co.uk
Issue Takeover
Magazine Sponsor