SALTO Electronic Keypads for Access Control Systems  (5)

With Black Friday on the horizon and shops and warehouses busier than ever, Elliot Roddy, Operations Director at CDX Security Group has shared some tips on how to keep the must-have gift items safe and secure: Regular monitoring and CCTV, Stock control and audits, and Partner with a trusted security firm. Staying alert with the must-have items  Each year, we see certain items gain popularity and become the year's must-haves. This year, social media and the rise of TikTok have accelerated the rise to the top for certain products and we can already see a selection coming to the forefront. Air fryers, Mini Uggs, Dyson Air Wraps, and Apple Watches all seem to be on this year’s wish list, while the old favourites, such as the latest iPhone or AirPods, remain must-have items. These big-value items will be highly sought after this Golden Period, making it essential for retailers to stay alert. Causes of loss  Ensuring all facilities have an effective security strategy to shrink loss prevention should be top of retailers’ lists Shoplifting, internal theft from employees, fraudulent returns, and accidental actions are the top ways retailers are exposed to loss, which will be heightened throughout the Golden Quarter.  Ensuring high-street stores, as well as warehousing and distribution facilities, have an effective security strategy to shrink loss prevention should be top of retailers’ lists for the 2022 golden quarter. Loss prevention tips Here are our top three tips: Regular monitoring and CCTV: A physical presence coupled with CCTV is an effective visual deterrent to potential shoplifters while allowing for regulated searches to ensure maximum loss prevention. Stock control and audits: Regular stock checks and audits ensure retailers can quickly identify any breaches in security and help avoid any substantial losses. Partner with a trusted security firm: Retail crime and profit loss cost the UK £ 2.2 billion in 2021, so it’s essential retailers have a professional and experienced security firm on their side to help provide an effective strategy. After the difficulties of the past few years for both businesses and consumers and ongoing concerns during the cost of living crisis, everyone deserves a happy Christmas this year. These simple steps will help ensure a happier shopping experience, improved stock availability, and a safer environment for staff and customers.

All of us have watched in shock as store robberies have occurred while playing live on social media. A mob of 80 people stormed a luxury department store, armed with weapons and crowbars, and looted the retailer. In Chicago, thieves stole handbags worth $35,000 from a high-end luxury fashion flagship store on Michigan Avenue. Just up the street, the same crew conducted a raid at another luxury fashion store only hours later. These robbers were able to net tens of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. Organised retail crime Organised retail crime (ORC) is a rising threat across the U.S. According to the National Retail Federation, ORC costs businesses $700,000 for every billion dollars in sales, with a majority of small businesses reporting an increase in shoplifting and organised theft in 2021. ORC typically involves individuals whose ultimate purpose is to resell stolen goods for financial gains. ORC participants often move from store to store, across jurisdictions, stealing anything they can from everyday commodities to high-end merchandise. They sell their gains through traditional fences that act as a middleman between the thieves and the eventual buyers, who may not be aware that the goods are stolen. Selling stolen items via e-Commerce Our team recently conducted an investigation where the stolen items were being sold online Recently, neighborhood fences have been replaced by e-commerce. Our team recently conducted an investigation where the stolen items were being sold online. The thieves didn’t remove the client’s labels off of the products, which were visible in the photos. Our team was able to conduct undercover purchases from several sources as well as identify individuals inside the company that was responsible for selling the company property to the subjects. Disorganised retail crime Disorganised retail crime has also become an issue across the U.S. It occurs when individuals, not groups, enter the same retail locations, sometimes multiple times a day, and are grabbing high-end items, and walking out. They taunt store staff and make no effort to hide their actions. They then sell the items on the street for cash. Why the sudden upswing in retail crime? In the past few years, the justice system has changed. Numerous prosecutors ran on a promise to no longer prosecute low-level crimes. These prosecutorial strategies were well-intended to prevent those stealing food to eat and diapers for their children from being charged in the criminal justice system due to poverty. The goal would be to get them services to feed and clothe their families without stealing. Unfortunately, it has emboldened criminals with the belief that there are no consequences for their actions. Staff shortage and less security Retail security teams have cut back significantly; many companies have adopted a hands-off policy for all members Police staffing shortages have caused law enforcement agencies to no longer prioritise or, in some instances, discourage officers from making any shoplifting or theft arrests if prosecutors are going to dismiss the cases. Adding to the issue, retail security teams have cut back significantly; many companies have adopted a hands-off policy for all members working at their retail locations, and e-commerce has allowed for an environment where thieves selling stolen goods can do so anonymously online with little chance of being caught. How to mitigate the risk of retail theft All these factors have created a perfect storm, emboldening criminals to steal whatever they want knowing that there are little or no repercussions for their actions. There are ways, however, to help mitigate the risk of retail theft: Train your staff properly to identify and observe the tell-tale signs of theft Design your store to impede the opportunity for theft, such as limiting exits and assigning staff to provide ever-present customer service interactions Adopt security technology such as non-discreet cameras utilised with monitors showing that clear images are being recorded, informing thieves that they are no longer anonymous. Cameras can be supported by artificial intelligence allowing for targeted active surveillance when needed Use inventory control practices for highly targeted items, such as requiring an interaction with a staff member to access these products. Display locks, electronic locks, electronic article surveillance tags, RFID tags, and locked display cases can also be used to mitigate risk Reporting all instances of theft to law enforcement so they can understand the intensity and complexity of the problem while deciding where to deploy resources Work collaboratively with other retail organisations to form taskforces aimed at organised retail groups to gather evidence and information that can be easily handed off to police for targeted investigations. Police need to pick up the torch by enforcing the existing laws. Although law enforcement agencies may be stretched thin and dissuaded from enforcing laws regarding retail theft due to a lack of prosecution by prosecutors, they still need to enforce the law. Being arrested, processed, and held even if for a brief time is still a deterrent. Documenting an offender’s numerous offenses should also lead to enhanced penalties. Help support legislation to ensure prosecution for ORC offenses and to address repeat offenders. This includes legislation such as the INFORM Consumers ACT that requires online marketplaces to collect, verify and disclose certain information from high-volume third-party sellers. Online marketplaces must acquire these sellers' details: (1) bank account numbers (2) government-issued identification (3) tax identification numbers and (4) contact information. Online marketplaces must verify this information and annually certify any changes to it. It allows consumers to report any suspicious activity on the marketplace Impact of retail theft Local businesses have to put pressure on both the prosecutors and local government to be tough on all crimes If local businesses are not able to address rising retail theft issues, they will inevitably have to close stores, lay off staff and take their products elsewhere. Local businesses have to put pressure on both the prosecutors and local government to be tough on all crimes. Make it known to the local officials that the loss of money and revenue at local businesses affects them as well. Effect on revenue and safety In 2021, retail theft caused federal and state governments nearly $15 billion in personal and business tax revenue. This staggering number does not include the loss in sales tax revenue. The effects of a well-established or well-known business leaving due to constant threats or crime would have a greater effect on the safety of the entire community.

The outlook for advancements in door security solutions is proving to be an extension of the positive trends that have emerged over the past few years and that continue to evolve in exciting new ways. That’s a good sign as we make our way along the road toward an ever-safer world. Improvements in a hybrid workforce  Here’s what we’re seeing: More and more companies are rethinking the office space and how electronic access control (EAC) security and data can help better serve the hybrid workforce. More colleges and universities are adopting mobile credentials to meet the expectations of students. And we’re seeing EAC being integrated into more applications that go beyond the traditional doorway. Among K-12 schools, the current trend surrounds ensuring classroom doors are secured with proper locksets Among K-12 schools, the current trend surrounds ensuring classroom doors are secured with proper locksets, retrofitting where required, and reinforcing training for safe operation. We continue to experience steady demand for specialty doors and touchless openings in the healthcare industry. And we’re seeing an ever-increasing emphasis across the board on the aesthetics, sustainability, and resilience of door security products. Rethinking the workspace The use of electronic access control and security management infrastructure as a mechanism to do non-security tasks also continues to expand. One of the trends in building design is rethinking how people need to use workplace settings. Today, there’s less need to come into the company office and sit at a desk or cube to answer emails and use the computer. Instead, the focus is on designing spaces that facilitate collaboration and face-to-face interaction. Electronic access control and data This rethinking of spaces means that security professionals must work closely with architects and end users to assess how many people may likely be coming in during a typical week. EAC data can shed light on these patterns and improve the planning process to identify which technologies are the best fit for a facility and that support the primary mission of the organisation using that facility. Energy efficiency  Access control data capture is helping to make building management platforms smarter for improving comfort Integration of EAC with other security systems is also trending higher. In addition to managing people entering and exiting openings, access control provides the kind of data and interaction that’s useful for developing apps to schedule hoteling (reserving unassigned desks), meeting rooms, and locker assignments. Access control data capture is helping to make building management platforms smarter as well as improving comfort, wellness, and energy efficiency by controlling HVAC, window coverings, and lighting. Mobile Credentials on the rise  Mobile access is another trend that continues to skyrocket. Outside the hospitality space, we see this being driven primarily by student bodies at the university and college levels. Other sectors are recognising this flexibility as well, for the convenience it provides the user and for administrators responsible for issuing and modifying credentials, which can be implemented quickly and remotely. There are over 270 million smartphones in the U.S. currently, and people use them for everything today, whether it’s paying for an item with a mobile wallet or tapping a reader to gain access somewhere. Most of us always have our phones with us, so it’s very rare that we forget or lose them as we might with a keycard or brass key. We’re also far less likely to lend our phones to someone else to make a purchase or get in a door. Access-controlled lockers Speaking of purchases, the “amazonification” of so many businesses in the past three years is fueling the steady rise of package deliveries to college dormitories. The same applies to office buildings and multi-family units. This means greater demand for innovative access-controlled lockers to receive the deliveries, secure them, and ensure privacy.  Along with lockers, EAC, mobile, and intelligent locks have been making their way into more non-traditional openings This is why you’re seeing a proliferation of locker systems like Luxer One in residence halls, offices, and other locations today. Along with lockers, EAC, mobile, and intelligent locks have been making their way into more non-traditional openings, including server cabinets, medication drawers and lockers, and critical unmanned infrastructure such as traffic control cabinets that dot nearly every intersection. K-12 security One of the best options for preventing loss of life during an active shooter event is to ensure that doors are locked and remain secured. The technology barrier to keeping kids and teachers safe is extremely low. If you can keep a door to a classroom or collaboration space secured, you can keep an intruder out until help arrives. And we’re not talking about needing new technologies to get the job done right, although we certainly continue to innovate them even for traditional door hardware. Automatically locking doors  Classroom doors that require a key to lock and unlock them from the outside have been around for years. Additional models automatically lock when the door is closed, allowing the teacher to lock the door from either side and/or have an indicator to verify it’s secured. Of course, for safety and code compliance, free egress is always necessary so everyone can get out in an emergency. Lockset solutions  The trend now is about ensuring the right classroom lockset solutions are in place and that faculty and staff are updated There should also be accommodations that ensure first responders and other authorised personnel can gain entry when necessary. The trend now is about ensuring the right classroom lockset solutions are in place (such as Corbin Russwin or SARGENT Classroom Intruder or Storeroom function locks), and that faculty and staff are well-versed and consistently updated on proper operation and safety procedures.  Specialty doors and access convenience for healthcare Touchless (a.k.a. no-touch) and low-touch access technologies were developed as convenient opening solutions well before the pandemic. It’s logical then that demand has accelerated and continues to do so. Low-touch activation takes just an easy bump of a button with a forearm, elbow, or hip, or the press of a foot pedal. With fully touchless technology, a sensor automatically opens the door on approach. For restricted environments, a quick scan of a badge, phone, or fob activates the sensor. We’re also supplying more anti-microbial/anti-viral coating options today as part of further efforts to prevent the spread of germs in healthcare environments. Sliding and pocket doors In addition, there’s a bigger push in healthcare for sliding and pocket doors that are typically easier to open, save space by eliminating the radius required for a swinging door and feature newer insulating materials that make them more energy efficient and keep rooms quieter, more private, and more comfortable. Plus, they have a greater aesthetic quality to them with wood and other decorative finishes that are available. Architectural aesthetics The key is designing security and architectural hardware so they work in harmony and enhance the user experience When we think about trends, fashion and interior design often come to mind. Aesthetics apply to door openings as well and have become increasingly important to the architectural community and building industry. Just as fashion keeps upping the game by changing color palettes, textures, and patterns, so do the interior design world, doors and door hardware included. Retail stores often set the bar for interior design and inspire other commercial settings to follow. That’s why our company continuously invests in developing rich lines of styles, finishes, textures, and color palettes for everything from levers and pulls to specialty doors and glass door hardware solutions. The key is designing security and architectural hardware so they work in harmony and enhance the user experience within a space. Glass Glass is another trend that’s seeing continued growth due to its clean look, fire resistance, and 100% recyclability. It also contributes to sustainability by allowing light and warmth into a space. Great strides have been made with access control locks for glass recently, especially with our Aperio low-profile solutions that are fast becoming a hit with architects and interior designers. Demand for sustainable solutions and products Architects, designers, and builders also continue to place extremely high importance on the sustainability attributes of the products they choose for their projects. We’re fortunate that our company has been immersed in advancing sustainability for over 15 years and has made significant progress with ambitious goals for our operations, innovation, material ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing to lower the carbon footprint substantially. Third-party certifications Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations, and Declare Labels add another level of accountability Architects, builders, and end-users also expect their suppliers to seek and obtain third-party certifications of sustainable products to ensure compliance. All our sustainable products go through this process. Verifiers like GreenCircle Certified independently audit and validate our claims. Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations, and Declare Labels add another level of accountability. Resilience Last, but not least, is the trend toward becoming as resilient of a facility and operation as possible. Customers from all sectors are more focused than ever on ensuring the safety of those they employ, teach, heal, and house as well as the livelihoods their organisations provide. Whether it’s battening down the hatches with a FEMA-rated tornado shelter door, providing safe access with door security solutions that remain operational during outages, specifying certified sustainable materials, or deploying tighter cybersecurity measures in our increasingly interconnected world, built-in resilience is a must-have. Expect these intriguing door security trends to keep evolving for the better as we forge ahead with exciting solutions for even more valuable applications that help make life a safer and more open experience.

SALTO Systems, a globally renowned company in smart electronic access control solutions in the hospitality and commercial industries, is launching a ground-breaking new platform aimed at the residential market. SALTO Homelok is set to revolutionise residential living with its all-in-one solution that integrates smart access control technology, hardware, cloud software, digital keys, a smart living ecosystem, and global service support. Residents want seamless access “Smart home living is becoming increasingly more popular,” says Iñigo Unanue – Global Residential Lead at SALTO Systems, adding “Residents want seamless access, without managing multiple keys – and property managers want a solution that is easy to manage and provides seamless resident onboarding.” He continues, “All want physical security and protection for assets, as well as a smarter living experience. Homelok, SALTO’s residential solution, delivers all this and more, providing convenient, secure, and technology-enabled living.” SALTO Homelok, smart access control solution SALTO Homelok will provide smart access control solutions across the residential market SALTO Homelok will provide smart access control solutions across the residential market, from multi-family to single-family housing, vacation rentals, and home care/assisted living establishments. SALTO Systems’ electronic locking solution is modern and easy to install and maintain, without the cost and complexity of traditional access control solutions. Wealth of smart building expertise SALTO Systems brings a wealth of smart building expertise, ground-breaking innovation, a unique combination of flexibility and control, and a market-renowned portfolio to its residential solution, with a specific focus on the following five value propositions: Operational efficiency Homelok uses digital access technology, rather than mechanical keys, and can be accessed from anywhere – allowing property management activities to be streamlined and carried out more efficiently. An elevated experience Homelok delivers the smart living experience by providing a convenient and digital experience for residents, enabling seamless keyless access and management capabilities for day-to-day living. Future-proof SVN access-driven technology in the cloud Homelok utilises cutting-edge, innovative, and reliable SALTO SVN data-on-card technology from a high-value, versatile, and globally-compatible product range that will continue to evolve into the future to support any developing access control requirements. Enabling the Smart Living Ecosystem Homelok delivers a core smart access solution within the Smart Building Ecosystem, by working with world-class technology partners and property management systems (PMS) providers. Open platform offering full integration We are very excited to launch SALTO Homelok to the residential and multi-family market" SALTO Homelok is an open platform that can be fully integrated to meet the growing demands for connected home living, as well as enable greater control and visibility across property management systems. “We are very excited to launch SALTO Homelok to the residential and multi-family market. The platform is set to revolutionise the way we live, access our home, and go about our everyday lives. And, while security has always been a concern, data protection, privacy and secure home access are vital – now, more than ever. Homelok is the solution,” says Aznar Sethna, CSMO of Salto Systems. Guaranteed safety, privacy, and security Homelok gives the reassurance of robust 24/7 security and unmatched data protection and privacy using a unique combination of cloud-based and smart stand-alone access technology to create a market-defining level of safeguarding. Specifically designed for residential living SALTO has developed advanced and aesthetically-designed residential-specific electronic access control solutions that set a new standard in the industry – from building and perimeter access, common area organisation, to unit door management – with one easy-to-use system for residential properties of all types and sizes. All-in-one solution for residents and property managers From the numerous smart access electronic locking solutions (hardware products) to user-centered cloud-based software to an industry-renowned digital keyless experience, SALTO provides the ultimate all-in-one smart access experience for residents and property managers. Through SALTO’s Homelok platform, users are now able to add their resident keys to Apple Wallet, allowing residents to unlock SALTO smart locks with a simple tap of an iPhone or Apple Watch.

Cognitec, face recognition innovator and SALTO Group Company, has named Andy Speropoulos as Sales Manager for the Gaming and Hospitality markets. These two important sectors increasingly incorporate face recognition technology to improve both security and operations. Innovative technology  “Cognitec continues to build its sales team to serve our customers in varied market segments better and to respond to market demand for face recognition technology,” said Cognitec Vice President for the Americas, Roger Kelesoglu, adding “Andy takes on a key role in delivering our innovative technology to the gaming and hospitality markets in North America.” Based in Las Vegas, NV, Andy Speropoulos brings strong security and face recognition background to his new position, along with sales and account management experience from his work at Pelco, eConnect, and Protection 1 Security Solutions (now ADT). Face recognition for gaming and hospitality  An expert development team is constantly improving the accuracy and speed of our matching algorithm" “I’m extremely excited to be a part of this dynamic, market-leading organisation,” said Andy Speropoulos, adding “Cognitec has just reached a milestone – 20 years of focusing solely on face recognition technology." He adds, "An expert development team is constantly improving the accuracy and speed of our matching algorithm. In my new role, I am offering outstanding face recognition solutions to gaming and hospitality venues.” ICAO-compliant assessment  Recently, SALTO acquired Germany-based Cognitec, a major player in the face recognition arena. Cognitec’s portfolio includes solutions for face image database search, recorded video investigation, real-time video screening and people analytics, border control, ICAO-compliant photo capturing, and face image quality assessment.

SALTO Systems, a manufacturer of electronic access control solutions, and Zaplox, a market innovator of the mobile guest journey and mobile key services for the global hotel market, have teamed up on adjacent booths at the Independent Hotel Show London on October 4-5, 2022. Independent hoteliers seeking a smoother, more convenient handling of guest check-in and hotel keys for more effective hotel operations can experience the combined mobile solution live on stands 1519 and 1518. Digital hotel experience with mobile keys  SALTO Systems and Zaplox’s successful partnership enables an elevated digital hotel experience As hoteliers regain confidence in the future and travel levels pick up, technological, and mobile solutions are a top priority if they are to meet the needs of today's tech-savvy hotel guests. Dating back to 2015, SALTO Systems and Zaplox’s successful partnership enables an elevated digital hotel experience and the easy use of mobile keys. By combining SALTO Systems’ innovative electronic locks with Zaplox digital guest solutions, it’s possible for hotel guests to easily check-in, and access their room key, hotel information offers and curated travel guides through a custom-branded hotel app. The room key itself can also be shared digitally with accompanying guests. End-to-end digital guest journey  With the front desk needing to spend less time handling misplaced and demagnetised key cards, the scope of the front desk can be broadened and directed to focus on the most value-adding details of a personal guest experience.  Zaplox integrations with market-renowned PMS and payment systems make it possible to include check-in, checkout, and payment for an ultimate end-to-end digital guest journey. Stop by SALTO and Zaplox stands 1519 and 1518 at the Independent Hotel Show London for a chat or a live demo.