COMMERCIAL SAFETY & SECURITY
Future-proof your business : Access control technology
» PAT JEFFERIES , COMMERCIAL Director at Abloy UK , encourages locksmiths to look forward and embrace the future of new access control technologies to achieve innovative , integrated and future-proof locking solutions .
The dynamics of the lock market are changing fast , with a significant shift towards wireless technologies and the IoT . Recent research found that 37 % of businesses now have some form of wireless technology within their physical access control systems , compared to 31 % two years ago 1 .
There is still great demand for mechanical products , but locksmiths should not rely solely on this when looking to develop their business , they need to embrace new technologies . Cost-effective , aesthetic deployment of these solutions can also return a speedy ROI . However , it ’ s important that locksmiths have confidence in being able to deliver these scalable and flexible locking solutions and are aware of the benefits , so they can communicate them effectively to their customers . So why would a business opt for a digital system over traditional mechanical locks ?
The digital solution
Electronic key solutions that feature web-based management can be integrated with existing telemetry systems to help control and manage operations . This can offer a high level of both physical and data protection – but only if accredited software and infrastructure providers are used , as is the case with Abloy devices .
For example , some systems include an electronic key system where all the power is retained by the key or locks themselves . This means no wiring is required , whether the system uses door cylinders , cabinet locks or padlocks .
Users have secure access to an online management application from anywhere in the world and can change key access permissions , profiles , schedules and validity , even revoking their use remotely at the click of a button . Keys can be validated daily , weekly or monthly keeping them continuously secure , and users are required to change their password regularly .
This enables an organisation to comprehensively track and audit who has access to which locations , when they had access and how often . Access can be granted only at the exact moment it is required , mitigating the risk associated with lost or stolen keys .
Standards and compliance
When specifying and installing digital access control technologies , compliance is still a major factor , and one that in the event of an emergency can mean the difference between life or death for a building ’ s occupants .
Standards that have to be adhered to include BS EN 179 Emergency Escape ( for when the building occupants are aware of the building environment ), BS EN 1125 Panic Escape ( for environments used by the general public ) and BS EN 13637 Electronically Controlled Escape Systems ( for use on escape routes ).
These standards state that even if a door is electronically controlled for access , there must be a compliant mechanical means of escape in an emergency .
In the case of fire doors this is essential to provide fire protection , to compartmentalise a building and to protect the escape routes . This is also a critical function in a terror situation - offering the ability to shut off certain areas to terrorists and allow egress or access to ensure the safety of the public .
Train to gain
With this in mind Abloy UK offers a range of free CPD training courses approved by RIBA , via its prestigious Abloy Academy . One course that be may of particular interest to locksmiths looking to embrace new technologies is the ‘ Digital Transformation in Physical Security ’ CPD .
This course provides insight into the disruptive world of digital technology , and how it ’ s impacting on conventional physical security with the introduction of mechatronic locks and keys . The course reveals the benefits of this technology including improved levels of security , traceability and management of assets ; to create a more sustainable future .
Another topic covered is how digital technology can be integrated into an organisation ’ s operational systems and how the data from a locking system can be shared with health , safety , and staff competency processes to contribute towards seamless corporate compliance .
Insights will also be given into how a mechatronic locking solution reduces cost and improves sustainability , and has become part of the IoT and Big Data , and the benefits that delivers .
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NOV / DEC 2021
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