ASSA ABLOY - Aperio® Access Control Readers

Edge devices (and edge computing) are the future. Although, this does seem a little cliché, it is the truth. The edge computing industry is growing as quickly as technology can support it and it looks like we will need it to. IoT global market The IoT (Internet of Things) industry alone will have put 15 billion new IoT devices into operation by the year 2020 according to a recent Forbes article titled, “10 Charts That Will Challenge Your Perspective of IoT’s growth”. IoT devices are not the only edge devices we have to deal with as the total number of connected edge devices includes the likes of devices like security devices, phones, sensors, retail sales devices, and industrial and home automation devices. The IoT (Internet of Things) industry alone will have put 15 billion new IoT devices into operation by the year 2020 The sheer number of devices begins to bring thoughts of possible security and bandwidth implications into perspective. The amount of data that will need to be passed and processed with all of these devices will be massive. There needs to be consideration taken by all business owners and automation engineers into how this amount of data and processing will be conducted. Ever-expanding edge devices market As the number of edge devices in the marketplace and their use among consumers and businesses rises, the need to be able to handle the data from all of these devices is no longer going to be suitable for central server architectures. We are talking about hundreds of billions and even trillions of devices. According to IHS Markit researchers’ study, there were 245 million CCTV cameras worldwide. One has to imagine there are at least 25% of that many access control devices (61.25 million devices) based on a $344 million market cap also calculated by IHS Markit’s researchers. If all the other edge devices mentioned earlier are considered then one can see that trying to route them all through servers for processing is going to start to become difficult if it hasn’t already, -which arguably it already has, as is evidenced by the popularity of cloud-based solutions amongst those businesses that already use a lot of edge devices or are processing a lot of information on a constant basis. Cloud computing The question is whether cloud computing the most effective and efficient solution as the IoT industry grows The question is this; is cloud computing the most effective and efficient solution as the IoT industry grows and the amount of edge devices becomes so numerous? My belief is that it is not. Taking the example of a $399 USD device that is just larger than the size of a pack of cards and runs a CPU benchmarked at the same level as a mid-size desktop. This device has 8GB RAM and 64GB EMMC built-in and a GPU that can comfortably support a 4K signal at 60Hz with support for NVMe SSDs for add-on storage. This would have been unbelievable five years ago. As the price of edge computing goes down, which it has done in a dramatic way over the last 10 years (as can be seen with my recent purchase), the price to maintain a central server that can perform the processing required for all of the new devices being introduced to the world (due to the low cost of entry for edge device manufacturers) becomes more expensive. This introduces the guarantee that there will be a point where it will be less expensive for businesses, and consumers alike, to do the bulk of their processing at the edge as opposed to in central server architectures. Cloud computing is now being overtaken by edge computing, the method of processing data at the edge of the network in the devices themselves Edge computing There are a plethora of articles discussing and detailing the opposition between the two sides of the computing technology coin, cloud computing and edge computing. The gist of it is that “cloud computing” was the hot new buzzword three years ago and is now being overtaken by “edge computing.” The truth is that cloud computing is a central server architecture hosted at someone else’s location. Edge computing is going to be a necessary development in the technology industry Edge computing is the method of processing data at the edge of the network (in the devices themselves) and allowing for less resources required at a central location. There is certainly a use case for both, however the shift to edge computing amongst the general public and small to mid-sized businesses will not be a surprise to those players, who have been paying attention.  One article titled, “Next Big Thing In Cloud Computing Puts Amazon And Its Peers On The Edge” by Investor’s Business Daily takes the stance that edge computing is going to completely displace centralised cloud computing and even coins the phrase, “Cloud computing, decentralised” to explain edge computing. It speaks for the stance that most experts in technology seem to be taking, including Amazon Web Services’ VP of Technology, Marco Argenti according to the same article. We know that edge computing is going to be a necessary development in the technology industry, and it is happening as I write this, and quickly at that. Cost efficiency of edge processing As time goes on, the intersection between the prices of network bandwidth, edge processing and maintaining super powerful central servers will cause edge processing to be the most efficient and cost-effective way to maintain a scalable network in any environment, including datacenters. Owning a central server or utilising edge computing become the better options As it currently stands, most residential users can only achieve a 1Gbps WAN (internet) connection, and small to medium-sized business can’t get much more but seem to get much less, based on my personal experience. When more than 1Gbps needs to be processed, cloud computing becomes very expensive at which point, owning a central server or utilising edge computing become the better options. Then you look a total cost of ownership and when the cost of edge computing is less expensive than the cost of maintaining central server architectures, edge computing becomes the single best option. So, I’ll say it again, edge devices (and edge computing) are the future.

ISC West continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the security marketplace. In 2019, there will be 200 new exhibitors, 100 new speakers and an expanding mix of attendees that includes more end users and international attendees. The International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) will be held April 10-12 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. Among the more than 200 new exhibitors on the show floor will be Dell Technologies, Resideo, SAST (a Bosch IoT startup), Belkin International, NetApp, Lenovo, Kingston Technology and many others. The event continues to see more and more solutions in the area of IoT/connected security, a surge in barrier/bollards exhibitors, an increased number of start-up companies, and an emphasis this year on stadium/major events security. Plus, the new exhibit area of ISC West, Venetian Ballroom, will include a mix of solutions from mid-sized domestic and international companies, and is the home of the Emerging Technology Zone – back for its second year with 50-plus start-up companies expected.  The International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) will be held April 10-12 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas “ISC West is no longer just about video cameras, access control systems and alarms,” says Will Wise, Group Vice President, Security Portfolio for Reed Exhibitions, which produces and manages ISC West. Embracing and stimulating the market dynamic of comprehensive security for a safer, connected world, solutions on display at the show reflect convergence across physical security, IT (information technology) and OT (operational technology). The ISC West expo floor includes specialised featured areas such Connected Home, Public Safety & Security, Connected Security, Unmanned Security Expo and the Emerging Technology Zone. Plus, complimentary education sessions in the Unmanned Security Expo theatre will include topics such as drones, counter-drone solutions, ground robotics and regulations/policies that support autonomous technology. This year’s event will feature more than 1,000 products and brands covering everything from video surveillance, access control and alarms/alerts, to IoT, IT/cybersecurity convergence, AI, embedded systems, drones and robotics, smart homes, smart cities, public safety and more. The ISC West expo floor includes specialised featured areas such Connected Home and the Emerging Technology Zone  Elevating the Keynote Series  Over the past few years, ISC West has elevated its Keynote Series (open to all attendee types) to include more speakers and dynamic content covering relevant topics. Attendees should be sure to head to the Keynote room Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 8:30 a.m. before the expo floor opens at 10 a.m.  Relating to attendance, ISC West continues to diversify and grow the attendee universe by attracting additional enterprise government end-users across physical and IT/OT responsibilities. The show also continues to attract and grow the channel audience, and there will be an increasing number of International attendees.  “Years ago, ISC West was known exclusively as a dealer/integrator/installer show, but not anymore,” says Wise. “Today, the demographic mix continues to evolve as the event diversifies its product and educational offerings, embracing the current market reality of collaboration among integrators/dealers/installers, end-user decision-makers, and public safety and security professionals.”  When planning for the show, be sure to view the list of special events and take advantage of the additional connection-making opportunities Within the SIA Education@ISC West conference program, there are over 100 new speakers. Through ISC West’s strong partnership with the Security Industry Association (SIA, the Premier Sponsor of ISC), the SIA Education@ISC West program has expanded and become increasingly dynamic and diverse over the last three years. In addition, ISC West and SIA are hosting a Women in Security breakfast on Friday morning April 12th.  Women in Security is a new track for the education program.    “Our attendance data reflects the demand for a mix of physical security integrator and end-user content, a balance of technical and management/strategic topics, and diverse topics incorporating IoT and cybersecurity/physical security convergence, and analytics expertise,” says Wise. “Last year was a record year for conference program attendance, and 2019 will yet again set new benchmarks.” Mobile apps, information desks and ease of registration ISC West is also focusing on the attendee experience. Need advice on what exhibitors are a fit for your business needs and interests? The Information Desk adjacent to the main expo entrance will provide customised recommendations based on the information attendees provided during the registration process.  Attendees can download the official ISC West mobile app and create a MyShow account through the ISC West website Attendees can download the official ISC West mobile app and create a MyShow account through the ISC West website to research exhibitors and product categories, receive exhibitor recommendations that best fit business needs, review complimentary educational opportunities as well as 85-plus sessions from the paid SIA Education@ISC program.  There are many networking opportunities being offered at the show this year. When planning for the show, be sure to view the list of special events and take advantage of the additional connection-making opportunities.  Whether attendees want to network with peers or customers at an awards ceremony (Sammy Awards, Fast 50, New Product Showcase Awards), Charity event (AIREF Golf Classic, Mission 500 Security 5K-2K Run/Walk), or an industry party (SIA Market Leaders Reception, ISC West Customer Appreciation Party at Tao), there are a variety of special events offered, all designed to help you make new connections. Make sure to check out the ISC West website for all the Special Events taking place at ISC West.

Today’s security industry technology standards create a common framework for achieving predictable performance. Systems are made more secure and easier to install, use and integrate with other devices. Standards are also intended to be living documents, open to continual refinements to benefit manufacturers, integrators and end users. An excellent example is the Open Supervised Data Protocol (OSDP), which is now the industry’s gold standard for physical access control installations. It was designed to offer a higher level of security with more flexible options than the aging defacto Weigand wiring standard. Updating OSDP-readers simultaneously One recent addition enables end users to push firmware and software updates to thousands of OSDP-enabled card readers simultaneouslyOSDP, first introduced in 2011 by the Security Industry Association (SIA), continues to evolve with significant manufacturer input. One recent addition enables end users to push firmware and/or software updates to a few or thousands of OSDP-enabled card readers simultaneously. Weigand technology requires updates to be made one at a time at each reader. Regularly changing reader encryption keys is an excellent way to enhance facility security. It’s easy using the OSDP file transfer capability and the latest DESFire EV2 credentials containing multiple encryption keys. You can transfer the next code on the card to all readers and the job is done. And there’s no need to create a new card for each user or reprogram each individual reader. AES-128 encryption ensures cybersecurity It’s time to migrate entirely away from Weigand technology. If greater security, convenience and reduced labour from the latest OSDP updates isn’t reason enough, here are a few more things to consider. The 40-year-old Weigand protocol provides no signal encryption, making it easy for hackers to capture the raw data transmitted between cards and readers. OSDP readers support AES-128 encryption while providing continuous monitoring of wires to guard against cybercriminals. Weigand reader installations require homerun cable pulls from the control panel to each peripheral device. OSDP readers can be daisy chained, providing additional savings on cabling and installation time. Weigand technology is simply too slow to work with today’s most versatile and secure card technologies. OSDP readers work with virtually all modern access control cards. The OSDP standard also works with biometric devices; Weigand does not. Meeting requirements of FICAM guidelines SIA is pushing to make the latest OSDP version a standard recognised by the ANSI, a move to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. security businessesAlso, OSDP is becoming a must-have standard for organisations demanding the highest security levels. The standard meets requirements of the Federal Identity, Credential and Access Management (FICAM) guidelines that affect how the access control industry does business with the federal government. SIA is pushing to make the latest OSDP version a standard recognised by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), a move to enhance the global competitiveness of U.S. security businesses. There’s still a large worldwide reader installation base that works solely with the Weigand protocol. Admittedly, changing them all at one time may be prohibitively expensive; however, standards should be viewed as a journey, not a destination. That’s why a measured migration is the right choice for many organisations. Begin by securing the perimeter. Replace only the outside-facing Weigand readers. As long as the walls are secured, the inside can remain a softer target until OSDP-compatible readers can be added indoors. The case for moving to OSDP as a standard is compelling. It offers our industry the opportunity to design access control software and products that provide what end users want most – greater security, flexibility and convenience.

You can work smarter and more sustainably when electronic locks and keys power your security. An electronic locking solution minimises security risks when keys go missing. With an eCLIQ system from ASSA ABLOY, you can manage everyone’s access from anywhere, at any time — electronically, securely and wirelessly. Based on award-winning CLIQ access control technology, the eCLIQ system is built around precise locking mechanics and high-end microelectronics. A battery inside each programmable key powers the wide range of programmable cylinders and padlocks — and secures every data transfer.  An eCLIQ system is also convenient. Thanks to multiple software options, you manage users’ access rights in a way that suits you best. Authorised key-holders carry a single, battery-powered key programmed with only their cleared access permissions. Durable, compact and waterproof Robust and durable, eCLIQ cylinders are available for a wide range of doors, cabinets, lifts, alarm boxes, machines and entrance gatesRobust and durable, eCLIQ cylinders are available for a wide range of doors, cabinets, lifts, alarm boxes, machines and entrance gates. Looking after your eCLIQ components is easy: an integrated lubricant reservoir ensures cylinders remain maintenance-free for up to 200,000 cycles. eCLIQ keys are durable, compact, and waterproof (IP67). They are easy to reprogram, enabling temporary and time-limited access permissions for every employee or contractor. AES encryption, rapid processing, and efficient energy management is built into the chip. When a key’s battery runs out, it is easily replaced without tools. Mechanical and encrypted electronic elements work together to make an eCLIQ installation highly resistant to both physical and electronic attack. Programming keys using eCLIQ Manager software Managing eCLIQ is straightforward. You can program keys with easy-to-use eCLIQ Manager software: choose between a local software installation or our secure web-based software which manages access rights from anywhere, in the cloud. Security managers can host the Web Manager software on their own or use ASSA ABLOY’s Software as a Service solution. Users can also update their own keys with a range of programming devices, including wall-mounted units. With eCLIQ, missing keys are quickly de-authorised, cutting risks associated with key loss or theft With eCLIQ, missing keys are quickly de-authorised, cutting risks associated with key loss or theft. At any time, facility managers can generate a full audit trail to discover who has accessed which locks. Unlike other electronic access control systems, eCLIQ uses no mains electricity. The microelectronics inside an eCLIQ lock are powered by a standard battery inside every key. Energy-efficient and sustainable, battery power also minimises disruption when you switch to eCLIQ. Because there is no cabling around the door, you don’t need to schedule invasive, expensive electrical wiring. Protecting banks, shops and hospitals “eCLIQ is more durable, more secure and more efficient than conventional locking systems,” says Stephan Schulz, CLIQ Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY EMEA. A range of sectors and building types have learned eCLIQ provides the control and flexibility their premises need"“This evolution of our award-winning CLIQ technology is already protecting businesses and public services across Europe. A range of sectors and building types — from banks and hospitals to shops and warehouses — have learned eCLIQ provides the control and flexibility their premises need.” For an access control overhaul at University Hospital Frankfurt, managers sought a secure locking system for a new building: 1,100 eCLIQ cylinders and keys provided the solution. Now, with eCLIQ installed, nurses update access rights every morning for the day ahead. This new workflow minimises security vulnerabilities and keeps everyone safer. Securing Creval bank doors Retail banking combines high security with complex workflows. Staff need efficient access. Facility managers need the flexibility to design access permissions around individual needs and clearances. eCLIQ locks AMPELMANN GmbH branches and their 2,200 m2 logistics centre, meeting the needs of their decentralised branch organisationCreval’s bank doors across Italy’s Lombardy region are now locked with more than 30 eCLIQ cylinders, putting managers in total control of entrance security. In the unlikely event a key is misplaced, Creval administrators simply delete it from the system. In Germany, eCLIQ locks AMPELMANN GmbH branches and their 2,200 m2 logistics centre, meeting the needs of their decentralised branch organisation. Its 8 Berlin branches are staffed by several permanent employees. External service providers like cleaners need access. eCLIQ provides it — safely, securely and without major key-management workload.

You don't have eyes in the back of your head. It is impossible to keep watch over every private door in a public-facing space: the storeroom in a shop or pharmacy, or the toilet for staff use only. That's when you need Code Handle. This simple, secure, easy-to-fit handle with a built-in PIN-pad locks the door for you — with no wiring, no expensive access control system, no cumbersome keys and no major changes to your current door. Code Handle works with an electronic PIN code to make sure only authorised people, like staff, can unlock the door. Press a 4-digit code on the handle’s keypad and the door opens. Code Handle adds security and convenience to any private room adjoining a public area. Code Handle works with an electronic PIN code to make sure only authorised people, like staff, can unlock the door Master Code and 9 different PINs Sure, you could continue using a key-operated lock on every door. But then you have to keep track of the key and remember where it is every time. For busy doors, chasing up keys becomes a full-time job. The solution is the simple, affordable Code Handle. You’ll receive a Master Code and up to 9 different user PINs. Code Handle has another trick up its sleeve. It locks itself when you close the door. Did you remember to lock up? Don’t worry, because Code Handle never forgets. Upgrading doors is a snip, because Code Handle is easy to install and retrofit. It works together with your existing locking unit: keep the cylinder or lock and only change the handle to a battery-powered Code Handle. All it takes is two screws to fit a Code Handle to almost any interior door. No need to cable the door or connect it to the mains. No need to install a complex system. Keeps intruders at bay Code Handle keeps sensitive files, private rooms, personal belongings or valuable stock separated and secure from the publicWhat is in your archives? Irreplaceable documents deserve an extra layer of security. Are your drug and medicine stores safely locked? An all-in-one secure PIN and door handle keeps casual intruders at bay — and keeps you on the right side of compliance. If your shop is busy, who keeps watch over the store room? Public areas with high traffic are hard to police when you can’t afford a security team. So, if your toilet is for customer use only, Code Handle keeps it locked without the hassle of a key. And what about the office? Surely not everyone on your floor should be reading the documents you left on your desk? Code Handle keeps sensitive files, private rooms, personal belongings or valuable stock separated and secure from the public. You can’t see what’s behind you. Thankfully, with Code Handle, you never need to.

Door Group, a unit of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has supplied a number of high security steel doorsets to Network Rail for the upgrade of its remote signal rooms. The project was commissioned through Kent-based trade customer Taylor Refit, who removed the existing doors and installed new high security steel doorsets certified to LPS 1175 security ratings from the Powershield range. Network Rail specified that the high security doors supplied needed to offer maximum protection to the remote rooms The upgrade comes as part of Network Rail’s plan to heighten the security level to its signal rooms following the recent vandalism. High security doors for Network Rail  Network Rail specified that the high security doors supplied needed to offer maximum protection to the remote rooms, whilst also providing a cost-effective solution. ABLOY Protec cylinders were also incorporated into the specialist locks throughout the sites. Due to the easy-to-install products, Taylor Refit was able to remove and install the security doors in just one day, resulting in minimal disruption to services. Superior security doorsets Chris Cole, Area Sales Manager (SE & London) for Door Group, ASSA ABLOY EMEA comments: “We are delighted that Network Rail gave us the opportunity to provide superior security doorsets to this project and we hope to build on our relationship in the future. We had to ensure that the doorsets we were supplying offered maximum security, as per the customer’s specifications" "We pride ourselves on supplying high quality products and we work closely with our customers to understand their specific requirements and to provide specialist and tailored solutions. We had to ensure that the doorsets we were supplying offered maximum security, as per the customer’s specifications.” Door Group’s work with Network Rail follows a number of high-profile contracts with Transport for London and Crossrail Limited. Brian Sofley, Managing Director for Door Group, added: “We pride ourselves on our portfolio of well-respected clients that choose to work with us time and time again. We attribute this to our comprehensive service offering and expert advice throughout each project.”