ABLOY Access Control Accessories

The physical security market continues to experience growth as users look to capitalise on the promises of emerging technologies and because of this, 2017 proved to be a great year for Oncam. In fact, this year was the best year in Oncam's history in terms of sales, as 360-degree fisheye cameras have gone from being a “specialty” camera used only in certain applications to a primary device for enabling total situational awareness. Today, many of our customers leverage 360-degree cameras exclusively to provide extensive coverage inside a facility or in a large outdoor area, with traditional narrow field-of-view cameras used only at “choke” points. Increase in cybersecurity threats and breaches At the end of 2016, we predicted a major trend this year would be an increase in cybersecurity concerns for users of physical security systems, and we were right. An increase in cybersecurity threats and breaches have put organisations on watch. Based on this and the adoption of more IT-centric infrastructure and protocols, there is significant collaboration between IT and physical security, and true “convergence” is finally starting to happen. The adoption of video analytics also continued to increase this year, as most video surveillance projects involved the use of some form of analytics and data analysis. Demand for safeguards As we move into 2018, the trends of 2017 will roll over, and cybersecurity will continue to be a major issue. Suppliers of hardware and software will put an even greater emphasis being cyber secure and end users will increasingly demand safeguards. Additionally, the deployment and use of advanced analytics based on newer artificial intelligence-based technologies will continue to increase. It will be the technology providers that find ways to allow users to capture additional value from the information collected by security systems that will accelerate growth. Oncam made significant investments in new products that leverage analytics and cloud technologies. In 2018, we will continue to invest in the development of new products, with a focus on solutions for particular applications across industry segments. Beyond our technology advancements, we've invested significantly in boosting our sales force in the Americas and adding industry experts to ensure sustained customer and partner success with our solutions. From our vantage point, Oncam is well positioned to capitalise on opportunities for growth in the coming year.

2017 was quite an interesting and eventful year for the physical security industry. The economy has been robust and technology has become progressively sophisticated—with interactive services, cloud computing and network-based solutions taking charge to provide new insights to installers and their end-user customers. The Internet of Things is creating increasingly integrated solutions, with a heightened emphasis on total connectivity. Changing security expectations World events have also put the spotlight on the need for comprehensive security at public events, tourist attractions and schools and campuses. Security is an expectation and systems integrators are becoming trusted advisors to their customers, who are looking to them to solve problems or issues. Residential systems are more robust and now, are migrating to the commercial side of the business. There’s a blurring of the lines of technology—many of the products that come to the security industry originate from the consumer side. This proposition is also changing expectations by both residential and commercial customers, who want common, easy operation from their smartphone or user interface. Unexpected was some of the biggest deals in the industry, including acquisitions by dominant companies who grew even larger and continued ongoing consolidation on the manufacturing side. Those who remain will need to be progressive and step up their game with the latest proven technologies. Selling hardware isn’t the end game any longer. It’s providing solutions that generate revenue for security dealers and offer a solid return on investment for the end-user. In addition, solutions need to be easier for the user, and integrate many different systems and components across the enterprise. Cybersecurity safeguards End users want to get the most out of their solutions—and they want to be able to have more than safety and security. They are looking for the types of products that yield insights into system performance and give them the data the need for greater control and to proactively address any challenges or problems before they occur. Downtime is not an option and therefore, there’s an increased emphasis on consistent power so solutions are always on and running reliably. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines Cybersecurity is a dominant conversation in the security industry these days and that buzz will continue into 2018. Because solutions are increasingly network connected, they have vulnerabilities that will have to be addressed by service providers and manufacturers. Manufacturers will need to take the upper hand in providing hardened products—testing and certifying for cybersecurity safeguards. That is not an easy task and can be expensive, but it needs to be done. Because cybersecurity is in constant evolution, many will go the route of outsourcing this component of their manufacturing to third parties well-versed in threat detection and hardening. Hardened products will also need to evolve with new emerging attacks. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines. Intelligent access control solutions Manufacturers no longer operate in silos. They are working with systems integrators to more fully understand their needs and those of the end-user. Manufacturers are also partnering with technology providers—bringing in the expertise of others so their solutions are comprehensive and holistic. We will continue to see integration of formerly disparate components, open systems and open APIs. There will also be strong migration to access control systems with edge intelligence and power over Ethernet, leveraging existing cabling for network connectivity. The winners will be those who take the lead in providing cyber secured and hardened products, as well as companies who partner with others to bring best of breed solutions to market. The losers will be those who continue to develop proprietary, closed systems and fail to recognise the importance of network connectivity for real-time, proactive reporting. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7 Ongoing partner success LifeSafety Power® has been working consistently and diligently on elevating the status of power from unintelligent hardware device to network-connected component that yields rich data for the user and allows the installer to provide remote monitoring and managed power services. We have changed the paradigm of power but there’s additional work to do to get people to understand the new, critical role power plays in comprehensive enterprise and campus security. Now, security installers can help the end user know what’s happening with locks, access control, gates or other connected solutions and fix problems before they happen. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7. We have also had continued, ongoing successes with our many partners in the access control community and that’s where we will further focus our efforts in 2018—working with leading security solution providers to present the best technologies and solutions that are reliable, certified and present the types of insights security dealers need to offer customers to provide the highest levels of service. This will also help security dealers and integrators differentiate themselves and compete more effectively in the crowded marketplace.

Part 1 in our Intercoms in Security Series Lambert-St. Louis International Airport uses Code Blue intercoms Organisations are demanding a new level of interoperability among mission-critical security systems. Intelligible audio, the ability to hear, be heard and be understood, is critical to communication, which is essential to the core security processes within an organisation, as well as to emergency situations. Intelligible audio provides a platform to optimise various processes, including the use of security officers. “Our main thrust is to ensure our clients see intelligible and interoperable audio, not as an option, but as instrumental to their budget optimisation, stakeholder communication and risk mitigation efforts,” says Jim Hoffpauir, President of Zenitel North America, a manufacturer of intercoms and other communications solutions. Iintercoms in building safety and security  The role of intercoms in building safety and security is a given across many markets, and that use is growing. Intercoms are used in campus call boxes, elevators, muster locations, and for emergency notification. The trend is toward video, audio and access control, all tied together. There is also an emphasis on providing intelligible audio in any environment, even demanding ones. The education market has historically been a large sector for intercoms. Emergency phones and intercoms traditionally have been found throughout education settings, including colleges and universities, where they remain quite popular. Expanding markets for two-way communication In recent years, however, their popularity has also grown within the healthcare and mass transit sectors, where their versatility allows authorities to react to emergency situations while also providing a wide range of applications for non-emergency situations, such as car trouble or requests for directions. Intercoms can fulfill a variety of emergency and non-emergency needs in places like downtown Santa Ana, California (Photo courtesy Code Blue) “Markets of all sizes and shapes can benefit from a two-way communication solution that can help individuals place calls for assistance with first responders, police departments or customer service representatives,” says David Fleming, Chief Design Officer for Code Blue Corp. Intercoms for public and private sectors Aiphone is another intercom manufacturer for which education is a big market. Bruce Czerwinski, U.S. General Sales Manager, Aiphone Corp., says about 80 percent of both public and private K-12 and higher education campuses are using at least one intercom in some form. That percentage grows to nearly 100 percent for hospitals, which are using intercoms as nurse-call stations and at parking facilities, exterior door entries, nurseries and pharmacies, he says. "About 40 percent of commercial units – from strip malls to large, multi-tenant campus settings – are using intercoms" Up to 70 percent of larger multi-family facilities are also using intercoms. And that percentage is even higher in older, heavily populated Eastern cities. Many locales have laws mandating the use of audio and video intercoms on buildings beyond a threshold number of units. About 40 percent of commercial units – from strip malls to large, multi-tenant campus settings – are using intercoms, says Czerwinski. In the past year, Aiphone’s emergency stations have become very popular, particularly in campus settings; both commercial and higher education. Also, a growing number of unmanned parking garages are using the stations to allow patrons to immediately reach first responders or security personnel. Each of these markets still has growth potential, but by its sheer size, the commercial market offers the greatest opportunities, according to Aiphone. Video-enabled IP intercoms Intercom usage differs widely in various global markets, according to Craig Szmania, CEO of 2N USA, a manufacturer of IP intercoms. In the North American market, intercom usage is relatively low compared to the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, where intercoms are a more mature market. Security, convenience, systems integration and IP-versus-analogue adoption are driving usage and growth to more than 20 percent year-over-year. More and more video-enabled IP intercoms are seen as an integral part of a system wide security and video solution, according to Szmania. “Our intercom portfolio targets all the major verticals, but we have had particular success in the education sector – K-12 and universities,” says Szmania. “These end users are looking for specific features in securing their campuses, providing convenience to their administrators, employing programmability for differing use scenarios throughout the campus, and integration to their telephony or other systems.” More and more video-enabled IP intercoms are seen as an integral part of a system wide security and video solution Szmania says the latter point is becoming a particular need in light of a requirement for campus-wide communication and coordination in emergency situations. “Our intercoms integrate seamlessly with third party solutions such as Cisco’s telephone systems that are the communication backbones of many schools and campuses,” he adds. IP-based solutions in residential verticals Considering near-term growth potential, single family and multi-tenant residential verticals have fantastic opportunities for increased usage of door stations/intercoms in the United States, according to Szmania. The company has entered this space over the last several years and has grown to be a market leader in IP-based integrated solutions, especially in the home automation space. The adoption of IP networked solutions for condominiums and apartments is just taking off, driven in part by consumer demand for mobile-anywhere video, audio and door control. The service is also a driver for integrator/dealer adoption of the technology to provide recurring monthly revenue (RMR). 2N has also achieved triple-digit growth in commercial building installations over the past two years. Building owners, IT departments and security managers want and need a networked solution for control and security. 2N’s open platforms are a good fit, says Szmania. Read part 2 of our Security Intercoms series here

In any busy medical facility — surgeries, dental practices or physiotherapy suites — it’s all too easy to accidentally leave a door unlocked. With expensive equipment or controlled drugs on the other side, any opening invites an opportunist. But if a customer installs a Code Handle electronic PIN lock, they need never worry again. The secure, easy-to-fit Code Handle fits right over an existing locking cylinder. The user can simply swap the door handle for a sleek, low-profile Code Handle, and fix it in place with two screws, to instantly add PIN security to any consultation room, medicine store or equipment cupboard. With Code Handle, there is no wiring and no expensive access control to fit. Two standard batteries (CR2) slot inside the handle, typically lasting 30,000 lock/unlock cycles before replacement. The Code Handle comes with a master code and 9 different user PINs — it’s that simple to free staff from the inconvenience of carrying or keeping track of mechanical keys. PINs are easy to set and change whenever an office manager decides. Staff won’t need any specialist or outside help to manage your Code Handle doors. Extra level of security Fit a Code Handle so you no longer need to track a physical key or get the lock changed The Code Handle integrated PIN keypad is equally easy for users. Anyone authorised enters their 4-digit code on the handle to unlock the door. Doctors, nurses and other professionals, as well as admin staff, practice managers, security guards and cleaning teams, come and go with their own PINs. For added security and peace of mind, a Code Handle locks itself when the door closes. Now a user can be sure nobody has seen the confidential patient file on their desk or entered the drug cupboard without permission. Code Handle rooms In any healthcare facility, not all staff should have access to every room. People don’t want just anyone walking in on their consultation. Doctors and patients expect privacy. With Code Handle rooms remain confidential. Where would the controlled drugs or hazardous waste bins be kept? Fit a Code Handle so as to no longer need to track a physical key or get the lock changed when it goes missing. And many treatment and examination rooms house expensive or dangerous equipment, including X-ray machines, dental tools and specialist physiotherapy kit. With Code Handle, all this gets the extra level of security it deserves — without the expense of fitting access control.

Now the customer can combine the advanced access control of a wireless electronic escutcheon with the intelligence and superior security of an electromechanical mortice lock. With a robust design, the new SMARTair Lock is built to secure doors where high daily traffic and a large number of access events are all in a day’s work. This new wireless device in the SMARTair product range is built around three main elements. The external reader with multi-colour LED is available in several different finishes to blend with the existing doors. The lock’s internal control and battery-powered RF module also houses a button for electronic privacy. Finally, a battery-powered electromechanical clutch unlocks the door when a valid credential is presented to the external electronic reader. The new SMARTair Lock works with any DIN-compliant door handle — the users can choose their own. Streamlined security management The new SMARTair Lock can be installed quickly and wirelessly without disrupting your working day Users can also choose to install an additional mechanical cylinder, enabling them to unlock the door quickly and manually in any emergency. The lock incorporates admin-friendly features for streamlined security management. Sensors monitor and report when a door is left open or closed incorrectly, or when an attempted intrusion is detected. A SMARTair Lock also registers any unlocking events made via mechanical key. The new wireless lock works with any SMARTair management option, including offline, update-on-card and real-time, online system management. Its RFID reader accepts all common RFID credentials, including MIFARE®, iCLASS® and DESFire. The lock also works with the future-proofed Openow mobile solution from SMARTair, and the SMARTair Remote app. Simple and efficient The new SMARTair Lock can be installed quickly and wirelessly without disrupting the user's working day and make access in schools, hospitals and any other high-traffic location safer, simpler and more efficient — reducing wasted time and expense while ensuring that the premises are more secure.

ASSA ABLOY Group brands Corbin Russwin and SARGENT released a new status indicator for, respectively, the ML2000 Series and 8200 Series mortice locks. Featuring the largest viewing window available on the market, a reflective coating for improved clarity in low light conditions and a patent-pending curved design, these mortice lock status indicators combine emergency preparedness and enhanced privacy to meet the needs of any type of facility. “Schools, offices and all types of commercial spaces need to prioritise safety and create inclusive environments,” says Bill Grambo, President, Access and Egress Hardware Group, ASSA ABLOY. “Our mortice lock status indicators make it easier to see if a door is locked from a distance and at almost any angle, thereby avoiding awkward disturbances or interruptions and enabling a more secure and private experience in a given space.” Improving security through efficient design With its viewing window 25% larger than other indicators on the market and a reflective coating, it’s easier to see the lock status on these indicators, even in low-light conditions. Because of the curved design, it’s also possible to view the lock status from any angle. Available in both sectional and escutcheon trim, these mortice lock status indicators help users secure an opening and determine more quickly when that opening is locked. Quickly seeing that a room is occupied can avoid awkward moments in restrooms in public facilities ASSA ABLOY’s mortice lock status indicator also offers the option to include engraving on the lock escutcheon or sectional plate to visually confirm the direction to turn the key or thumbturn to lock or unlock the door. By clearly displaying the status of an opening, ASSA ABLOY’s latest mortice lock status indicators prevent interruptions when a person attempts to open a locked door. Quickly seeing that a room is occupied can avoid awkward moments in restrooms in public facilities. Enhanced safety and privacy These indicators can also prevent classroom interruptions, maintain a secure and quiet environment in rooms for nursing mothers, and keep a space distraction-free for office meetings or employee meditation. The result is an inclusive environment where end users can focus and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Upgrading to the latest mortice lock status indicators is quick and easy. For facilities with existing ML2000 or 8200 series mortise locks, an upgrade kit is available with either escutcheon or sectional trim to secure to the lock body. The upgrade kit uses the existing door preparation and leaves no holes. Security and individual privacy are increasingly important in all manner of spaces, and ASSA ABLOY’s latest mortice lock status indicators provide both of these experiences. The ease of installation facilitates safety and comfort in facilities ranging from education to healthcare to commercial buildings, and the industry-leading features signal what’s next in the evolution of inclusive spaces.