The Locksmith Journal Nov/Dec 2020 - Issue 71 | Page 36

COMMERCIAL SECURITY

A Life in Locks

» ABLOY ’ S REGIONAL SPECIFICATION Manager , Rory Grant , is a security industry professional with over 30 years ’ experience . He is a qualified Architectural Ironmonger with the GAI ( Guild of Architectural Ironmongers ), who educates professionals on compliance and specifies solutions to meet industry standards and to improve the operations within a building . Here , he talks about his day-to-day role and the projects he ’ s specified , ranging from Healthcare and Historic Buildings to Schools and Estates .
Can you give us a background into your experience ?
“ Leaving school in 1987 , I became an employee of a small independent Ironmongery store in Dundee called William Robertson and Company ; working behind the trade counter , picking orders and dealing with contractors . I found a passion for ironmongery and the security industry .
“ During my progression I became GAI qualified , which gave me the basis to succeed within the industry . The opportunity came to move to the ASSA ABLOY group in 2004 and I felt the history of the brand and working with the highest quality of architectural ironmongery made it an obvious move for me .
“ Finally , in 2011 a move from Assa to Abloy UK was presented . The challenge of combining my mechanical experience with electro-mechanical solutions , introduced me to technologies such as Electric Strikes , Electric Locks and digital locking solutions .”
What does your role entail as an Area Specification Manager ?
“ Put simply , my role is to be a problem solver in finding an electronic or mechanical locking solution for a building . Access control has a wide range of applications and products far greater than a mechanical lock . I specify components to create a ‘ fit for purpose ’ security system that can control ingress and egress via door automation , a key system or a key fob . I look at how the door needs to function and consider how the system needs to react in emergency situations , in a dynamic lockdown situation for example .
“ Access control can also be applied to improving procedures , and utilising audit trails to collect data when a key enters a cylinder , or a sensor opens a door . There is an intricacy involved in integrating these components to create a compliant system that also provides an ease of use for the end-user .
“ I enjoy my job as every project is different with a specific set of needs , and there is so much variety within my customer base . However , the clientele will always fall within two key areas ; education and specification .”
What elements of education do you cover ?
“ From the education perspective , if there is a solution I ’ ve specified previously that has proven successful , I take the time to contact other professionals within the same sector that could benefit . Also , the security industry is always adapting to new regulations , ever evolving technology and needs that an end-user and installer need to be informed on .
“ For example , the introduction of BS EN13637 has changed how emergency doors can be specified and the desire for hands-free access control has risen due to the current conditions .
“ I also invite professionals to CPD training that Abloy offers to Architects , M & E consultants and Estate Officers , where I ’ ll discuss the compliance standards and the additional operational improvements a sector can benefit from .
“ Another key area of my role stems from being regularly asked to survey doors
where I offer my advice on whether they are compliant . For example , I can look at fire doors and escape doors in-depth to see whether they meet BS EN179 and BS EN1125 standards . This gives me a great opportunity to provide valuable information on how they can improve the safety of their building and its occupants .”
“ The educational element of the role will always stress the importance of compliance . By raising the awareness of this - and its failures - we can ensure that the solution will not fail when it is called upon .”
And the Specification side ?
“ It ’ s very important to have an understanding of the needs of the building , such as how often rooms are accessed ? Are there high-risk areas that require increased security ? What are the challenges the client faces ? How will the solution fit in with the building compliance as a whole ? What is the function of the door ? Does the solution help the inclusivity of the building ? Compliance in its truest form isn ’ t just ensuring the standards are met , it ’ s requires a holistic approach considering the security requirements , balanced with the flow of the building and management of building users .
“ I use my past experiences and close contact with my clients to understand their specific needs . For example , I have many Healthcare clients that have similar challenges , but you need understand the inner workings of each individual hospital , as it ’ s not going to be a one size fits all solution .”
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NOV / DEC 2020
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