Digital access in physical security: ASSA ABLOY insights

Digitalisation is high on the agenda, or well under-way, in all kinds of commercial environments. As part of this process, many businesses are discovering an additional ROI when they digitalise access management for offices, retail spaces, entertainment venues, warehouses and more.

The challenges of securing these buildings are no secret. Staff and business security are a priority, including the resilience of operations and the maintenance of a company’s hard-earned reputation. Filtering access, however, should not erect barriers to accessibility. Buildings should be comfortable to use for all those who are authorised to enter them.

Web management software

Digital access makes this much easier to achieve, providing day-to-day benefits for each building stakeholder – employees and building managers, owners and the contractors who come and go through commercial building spaces every day. During use, when employees, contractors and visitors can come-and-go with ease, collaboration is simpler and administration for building managers is more streamlined. This functionality supports the broad contribution to business efficiency that digitalisation brings.

This functionality supports the broad contribution to business efficiency that digitalisation brings

There’s a device to lock almost any opening and a digital solution which can either extend existing access management capability or implement digital access from scratch without cabling or invasive installation. Mobile credentials stored on a smartphone can simplify and accelerate the process of issuing, amending and revoking access. Facility and security managers can benefit from web management software, including mobile access management, which enables remote monitoring and control from one convenient point, or even while off-site.

Generating higher revenues

According to digital transformation experts, digital access enhances operational agility, improves productivity, enhances security and encourages innovation. Deloitte research found evidence that businesses with greater ‘digital maturity’ generated higher revenues.

“Access is an increasingly important part of a digital picture which incorporates both physical and cyber security measures,” says Joachim Mahlstedt, Director and CCO Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Digitalising access quickly provides benefits which a business can turn into a competitive advantage. It puts powerful tools in the hands of a commercial building manager, as these four real projects demonstrated.”

Multiple building technologies

Example 1 – Office building

Managing access manually and updating multiple systems in parallel can eat up a large amount of facilities staff time. There is a more efficient alternative: management of offices is more streamlined and errors are minimised when multiple building technologies, including access, are connected.

There is a more efficient alternative: management of offices is more streamlined and errors are minimised

At a new corporate headquarters for Canal+ near Paris, for example, various devices from ASSA ABLOY’s suite of connected Digital Access Solutions – including battery-powered Aperio® wireless handles with integrated readers and ABLOY electromechanical security locks – integrate with a Genetec system to filter access to and through all technical areas, for 1,200 employees plus visitors and contractors. This native integration adds control without adding management complexity. Aperio is not an ‘add-on’, no extra database is required. It becomes part of one streamlined system, controlled from a single interface.

Programmable key-operated digital access

Example 2 – Manufacturing site

Digital access is also available for high security environments and/or locations where multiple different cylinder types must be used. In Germany, RheinfelsQuellen opted for ASSA ABLOY’s eCLIQ programmable key-operated digital access.

At its Duisburg HQ and other locations around North Rhine–Westphalia, their new digital locking operates reliably both indoors and outside. The system is managed via the CLIQ Web Manager (CWM); system data may be accessed at any time, and from any location, via the CWM interface. The software's flexibility makes it especially suited to large access systems or for multiple locations which are geographically dispersed. “We would choose this secure and flexible locking solution time and time again,” says Marcus Schlötels, Project Manager at RheinfelsQuellen.

Software-powered digital access solution

Example 3 – Small retail

ASSA ABLOY’s Code Handle locks fitted on a few key doors were the answer

Petty theft from stockrooms and shop floors is a persistent problem for retailers. Yet in small premises, a software-powered digital access solution may not be appropriate. In Leuven, Belgium, upscale fashion boutique Patio sought an easy, low-cost deterrent. ASSA ABLOY’s Code Handle locks fitted on a few key doors were the answer. 

Door security is operated by a discreet PINpad built into a brushed-chrome handle. Two standard batteries slot inside each Code Handle to power the digital security. These typically last for 30,000 lock/unlock cycles. Code Handle comes with one Master PIN; the store manager issues up to 9 additional 4–6-digit PINs. When an employee leaves Patio, it’s simple to delete their PIN.

Flexible work environment

Example 4 – Flexible workspace

Modern workplace design needs access control that is powerful, flexible and aesthetically in tune with building users. At Plexal, an East London flexible work environment used by up to 800 entrepreneurs, ASSA ABLOY Aperio digital access achieves all three. Plexal offices are fitted with Aperio wireless digital locks which are integrated with DoorFlow, NetNodes’ online platform for managing and auditing access.

These locks provide Plexal with physical security and transmit door status to DoorFlow in real time. Because they are battery- rather than mains-powered, Aperio locks also keep maintenance costs and energy consumption low.

“Digitalisation presents huge challenges and opportunities for businesses of every size and type, in access management and beyond,” adds Joachim Mahlstedt. “Our expertise in access, established over decades, enables us to work with customers to truly get their access ready for what’s ahead. With ASSA ABLOY, they digitalise with confidence.”