The Locksmith Journal Sep-Oct 2014 - Issue 34 | Page 28

PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE INDUSTRYNEWS Electronic security is a future project An interview with Harald Lüling, Director of Burg-Wächter KG, Wetter, who has also been chairman of ESSA, the international security association, since 2005. Mr Lüling, what are you working on these days? There are several projects. I don´t really want to single a particular one out. Some are in various stages of completion, while others are still under development. You have relied on the ECB•S certification for several years now, what is the feedback you get? There are only positive responses. One reason for this is the worldwide dimension of the certification. This is wellestablished in Europe now. The product cycles of safes are very long. Which technical trends dominate the market today? It is true that the product cycles are very long. Building safes is a very old profession. Safes have existed for hundreds of years. The biggest trends in recent years - and probably also in the future - are electronic security and fire protection connected with mechanical protection against burglary. Which solutions do you offer? Entrance control systems, like electronic locks, as well as security features for doors and windows have been available for years now and are continually developed. The connection between these security features and safes, for instance, have a special relevancy now. Another big area is “Smart Homes” And there is also the . question of how to combine security with today’s digital technology. ‘Building safes is a very old profession’ 28 THE SEP/OCT 2014 ISSUE SPONSORED BY ADVANCED KEYS Burg-Wächter looks back on a history of almost a hundred years. Which fields will you focus on in the future? Electronic security is definitely a project of the future. But fire protection, especially as related to mechanical security, is even more important. Harald Lüling The mechanics are still important? Yes, definitely. Without classical mechanics the industry wouldn´t be able to continue into the future. Recent years have shown that mechanical security supports electronic security. This is reflected in today’s job descriptions. The work of so called mechatronics is in demand and it is with every right an occupation requiring formal training. What are your expectations when it comes to international competitors? The world is coming closer together because of globalization, which makes productive co-operation possible. National niches will remain, however - special products, installation or maintenance ― and be little affected by internationalization. Which role do markets such as China and Russia play? How can ESSA make an impact for its members in