Corbin Russwin Electronic Door Locks & Locking Devices  (7)

Schools were never designed and built with social distancing in mind. So, it’s perhaps not surprising that as children returned to schools, for the autumn term this year, the prospect of outdoor classes and assemblies was mooted in the media and by the Government. Many in the education sector are making the case that, should there be further COVID-19 outbreaks, in the coming months, it would be better to utilise outside space, rather than resort to closing schools. In the COVID-19 era, head teachers are considering taking learning and large gatherings, such as assemblies outdoors, when possible. Managing ‘class bubbles’, hygiene and ventilation While Dr. Yvonne Doyle, the Medical Director of Public Health England (PHE) has publicly reassured parents that schools are not the ‘drivers’ or ‘hubs’ of COVID-19-19 infection in communities, there is a lot of pressure on school leaders to manage ‘class bubbles’, extra cleaning and hygiene, ventilation, and COVID-19 testing, to protect families and staff. It’s a logical step to switch, in certain circumstances, to outdoor activities where fresh air is on tap, and social distancing is far easier to manage. Specially built outdoor classrooms Across the school and nursery sector, there’s ongoing investment in specially built outdoor classrooms Across the school and nursery sector, there’s ongoing investment in specially built outdoor classrooms, which had been growing in popularity, even before the pandemic. These facilities offer numerous benefits as an extension of existing learning spaces and provide children the opportunity for hands-on learning, beyond a stuffy classroom. However, if outdoor spaces are routinely called upon as part of COVID-19 contingency planning, how can schools ensure that their outdoor classrooms and wider areas are secure, robust, and fit for purpose? When specifying outdoor classrooms and learning spaces, it’s essential to take into account the well-being of the students and staff, who will use them, noise pollution and acoustics. Most importantly, education managers need to ensure the surrounding area is secured and adequately protected from threats, including terrorism. Perimeter security measures for schools How can schools and nurseries secure their perimeters, so that outdoor learning is totally safe for all? A starting point is to seek out architects and suppliers, who have a good understanding of security standards. Worryingly, Jacksons Fencing’s research recently found that only one-third of architects are seeing both LPS 1175 and the UK police initiative, Secured by Design (SBD) physical security standards, specified for schools. This highlights a lost opportunity for architects to propose solutions that are appropriate to the level of risk and needs of the school, without turning the site into an unwelcoming fortress. Helping schools identify specific security needs Head teachers would be wise to work with architects, who not only know the latest security standards inside and out, but are also are willing to play a more advisory role, helping the school identify exactly what is needed. Head teachers should prioritise solutions appropriate to their site’s specific risks It’s also vital that architects don’t simply replace existing fencing and gates, with the same security systems that have been in place for years. Instead, they will need to meet changing needs and risks. Our research finds that teachers often report issues, with the school perimeter and gates, from being climbed over (28%) and causing injury, to gates not locking properly (10%). Head teachers should prioritise solutions appropriate to their site’s specific risks, which sometimes require altering of existing measures. School fencing is an important aspect of any education site. As well as defining its boundary and making a visual distinction between public and private property, the fencing and gates that surround and secure a school, will typically meet a wide variety of other important criteria, including preventing unauthorised entry to the grounds, protecting pupils, staff, and visitors from accidents and injury, deterring theft and anti-social behaviour, and reducing the risk of malicious damage, and acts of terrorism. Welded mesh panels for perimeter fencing Popular options for schools include welded mesh panels for perimeter fencing or sports areas, and railing systems to act as demarcation, in order to control foot and car traffic. Within the outlying boundary, barriers, bollards and parking posts will keep pedestrians, and vehicles safe from each other, while timber fencing and gates can be designed to control the flow of people, around the grounds and reduce the areas, where students can be hidden from view. Automated gates and access control Perimeter fencing must be complemented with safe entrances and exits for vehicles and pedestrians. Every school has unique entry-control requirements, determined by factors, such as size, location and the local environment. These needs influence the decisions you make, when preparing technical specifications for school security gates. Do you require gates to be steel or timber, manual or automated, single or double leaf? Specialist suppliers will be in the best position to offer inputs on school gates, which typically need to offer solid security and durability, with a welcoming aesthetic. Specifying access control system When specifying a school access system, it’s important to consider the areas of the school When specifying a school access system, it’s important to consider the areas of the school, such as sports fields, car parks, and children’s play and learning areas, and whether it requires playground segregation. Selected gates should meet the design of the fencing, to create a secure perimeter with no weak points, with automated gates conforming to all current safety regulations. . Noise pollution can be a problem as well, including noise coming in or leaving the school in residential areas. If more teaching is to be carried out outside, it’s worth considering acoustic barriers to reduce noise in and around the school. Timber acoustic barriers for security and privacy Timber acoustic barriers offer security and privacy, and can reduce noise levels, by as much as 32 decibels (in laboratory conditions), so are ideal for city centre schools or those located close to busy highways. There are many ways to build an outdoor classroom. Timber products can help to create a welcoming environment, such as wooden shelters, pergolas, fencing, and decking. Always check that high quality timber, ideally guaranteed for 25 years against rot and insect attack, is being used to provide an attractive, cost-effective, safe and sustainable solution, for all weather conditions. DBS approved installers And of course, installers must be DBS approved, so that they can install outdoor classrooms, during school holidays, or within term time, with minimal disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic had a huge impact on schools and learning. While nobody wants to think of fresh outbreaks of the infection, or any other virus, installing an outdoor classroom made from high-quality, long-lasting materials is a great way to future-proof school learning and ensure safety, and preparedness. Putting extra thought and care into the security angle will provide schools with decades of protection against a host of unforeseen events.

Most consumers are enjoying the convenience brought by electronic locks. With the existence of electronic locks, people no longer need to be restricted by keys. There are a variety of unlocking methods and more convenient remote control unlocking options. Suppose, you are going on vacation, and with the presence of an electronic lock, you can easily enter your house with your babysitter, without a spare key. Of course, not only smart homes, but also some infrastructure and commercial buildings are enjoying the convenience, brought by electronic locks. Passive electronic lock access control system This article will introduce a smart electronic lock used in the infrastructure industry, named passive electronic lock access control system. In traditional manufacturing, mechanical locks are commonly used in all walks of life, to protect the safety of property and facilities. However, the mechanical lock has caused many practical problems in the long-term application. For example, the keys are duplicated randomly, the unlocking authority cannot be controlled, the user's operation records cannot be known, and the remote control is not possible. Imagine that if you are in a remote telecom base station, it happens that you have the wrong key in your hand and cannot open the front door. In such a situation, this lock, maybe the worst scenario. In some industries, with a wide scope and large working area, more attention must be paid to access control systems Therefore, in some industries, with a wide scope and large working area, more attention must be paid to access control systems. In some outdoor scenarios, such as base stations and electric power cabinets, the requirements for access control systems are quite strict. Due to the particularity of its environment, ordinary power-based access control systems will no longer be applicable. Therefore, the emergence of passive access control systems has solved these problems. Electronic locks offer intelligent management function Based on years of in-depth field research, Vanma has developed the Vanma passive electronic lock access control system, based on the current situation of the industry. This system is different from other electronic lock systems, as it integrates the advantages of both mechanical locks and electronic locks. It not only has the simplicity of mechanical locks, but also has the intelligent management function of electronic locks. The term ‘passive’ of passive electronic locks means that no power is needed. Passive electronic locks have the same appearance as ordinary mechanical locks, so they can be installed anywhere, just like common mechanical locks. They also have a variety of practical functions of electronic locks. Authorised remote access control The Vanma management software allows security managers to assign access rights to specific areas, for different technical personnel. In order to facilitate real-time access control, the electronic key can be used in conjunction with the mobile phone app, in order to send information about its access rights to the technicians, in real time. Vanma management software can provide access to all operations performed by technicians Vanma management software can provide access to all operations performed by technicians, including complete audit reports. Access attempts outside the specified time range or outside the specified area can be obtained through the report, so as to analyse any abnormal situations. Access control in extreme weather conditions In the access control system, the lock (lock cylinder) maintains an extremely high standard and its protection level is IP67, to ensure the greatest degree of protection. Infrared induction technology is used in the electronic key, even if the surface of the lock is wet, the electronic key can also transfer the access authority to the lock cylinder. Ensure stable exchange of information between the key and the lock cylinder. In other words, a poor connection cannot prevent the transmission of information between the key and the lock. At present, this kind of passive electronic lock is widely used in many fields, such as telecom, electric power, water utilities, public utilities, medical emergency and so on in Europe.

Household adoption of smart home systems currently sits at 12.1% and is set to grow to 21.4% by 2025, expanding the market from US$ 78.3 billion to US$ 135 billion, in the same period. Although closely linked to the growth of connectivity technologies, including 5G, tech-savvy consumers are also recognising the benefits of next-generation security systems, to protect and secure their domestic lives. Biometric technologies are already commonplace in our smartphones, PCs and payment cards, enhancing security without compromising convenience. Consequently, manufacturers and developers are taking note of biometric solutions, as a way of levelling-up their smart home solutions. Biometrics offer enhanced security As with any home, security starts at the front door and the first opportunity for biometrics to make a smart home genius lies within the smart lock. Why? Relying on inconvenient unsecure PINs and codes takes the ‘smart’ out of smart locks. As the number of connected systems in our homes increase, we cannot expect consumers to create, remember and use an ever-expanding list of unique passwords and PINs. Indeed, 60% of consumers feel they have too many to remember and the number can be as high as 85 for all personal and private accounts. Biometric solutions strengthen home access control Biometric solutions have a real opportunity to strengthen the security and convenience of home access control Doing this risks consumers becoming apathetic with security, as 41% of consumers admit to re-using the same password or introducing simple minor variations, increasing the risk of hacks and breaches from weak or stolen passwords. Furthermore, continually updating and refreshing passwords, and PINs is unappealing and inconvenient. Consequently, biometric solutions have a real opportunity to strengthen the security and convenience of home access control. Positives of on-device biometric storage Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint recognition uses personally identifiable information, which is stored securely on-device. By using on-device biometric storage, manufacturers are supporting the 38% of consumers, who are worried about privacy and biometrics, and potentially winning over the 17% of people, who don’t use smart home devices for this very reason. Compared to conventional security, such as passwords, PINs or even keys, which can be spoofed, stolen, forgotten or lost, biometrics is difficult to hack and near impossible to spoof. Consequently, homes secured with biometric smart locks are made safer in a significantly more seamless and convenient way for the user. Biometric smart locks Physical access in our domestic lives doesn’t end at the front door with smart locks. Biometrics has endless opportunities to ease our daily lives, replacing passwords and PINs in all devices. Biometric smart locks provide personalised access control to sensitive and hazardous areas, such as medicine cabinets, kitchen drawers, safes, kitchen appliances and bike locks. They offer effective security with a touch or glance. Multi-tenanted sites, such as apartment blocks and student halls, can also become smarter and more secure. With hundreds of people occupying the same building, maintaining high levels of security is the responsibility for every individual occupant. Biometric smart locks limit entry to authorised tenants and eliminate the impact of lost or stolen keys, and passcodes. Furthermore, there’s no need for costly lock replacements and when people leave the building permanently, their data is easily removed from the device. Authorised building access Like biometric smart locks in general, the benefits extend beyond the front door Like biometric smart locks in general, the benefits extend beyond the front door, but also throughout the entire building, such as washing rooms, mail rooms, bike rooms and community spaces, such as gyms. Different people might have different levels of access to these areas, depending on their contracts, creating an access control headache. But, by having biometric smart locks, security teams can ensure that only authorised people have access to the right combination of rooms and areas. Convenience of biometric access cards Additionally, if building owners have options. The biometric sensors can be integrated into the doors themselves, thereby allowing users to touch the sensor, to unlock the door and enter. Furthermore, the latest technology allows biometric access cards to be used. This embeds the sensor into a contactless keycard, allowing the user to place their thumb on the sensor and tap the card to unlock the door. This may be preferable in circumstances where contactless keycards are already in use and can be upgraded. Smarter and seamless security In tandem with the growth of the smart home ecosystem, biometrics has real potential to enhance our daily lives, by delivering smarter, seamless and more convenient security. Significant innovation has made biometrics access control faster, more accurate and secure. Furthermore, today’s sensors are durable and energy efficient. With the capacity for over 10 million touches and ultra-low power consumption, smart home system developers no longer have to worry about added power demands. As consumers continue to invest in their homes and explore new ways to secure and access them, biometrics offers a golden opportunity for market players, to differentiate and make smart homes even smarter.

ASSA ABLOY’s presence at the 2021 Global Security Exchange (GSX) will focus on helping attendees identify opportunities to improve the safety, security and health of their facilities. Visit Booth #1353 to see the latest innovations in comprehensive door security and access control.    “Amid the health, economic, natural, and social crises we’ve experienced in the past 18 months, the role that security plays in creating safe and healthy environments is more critical than ever,” said Sean McGrath, Head of US Commercial Sales and Marketing, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. “Today’s dynamic environment requires creative approaches, innovative solutions, and ongoing collaboration to meet this challenge.” Most frequent touchpoints There are many examples of what can be done to upgrade the health, safety and security of a facility, including: Mitigating the spread of germs by reducing touchpoints at the door - Brought to the forefront because of the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing the spread of germs in a facility has become the new standard for healthy spaces. With doors and door hardware being some of the most frequent touchpoints in a building, creating low-touch or touchless openings is an effective way to accomplish this goal. At GSX, ASSA ABLOY will highlight their full range of Safer2Open™ products that allow doors to operate in a hands-free or touchless manner, including the newest addition: Alarm Controls NTB battery-powered wave-to-open sensor: The NTB Series can be used to quickly upgrade existing applications to code compliant no-touch solutions using existing wiring, extending touchless access and egress in an easy and affordable way. Wireless access control Utilising wireless access control to efficiently manage spaces - Wireless technologies continue to be an important option for upgrading the security of a facility. The ability to add access control to doors at a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions makes it even more valuable at a time when security requirements are growing and budgets are limited. Facilities can use this expanded access control footprint to improve safety by managing the flow of people, limiting the number of people in a particular area, and quickly changing how a space is used. Some of the latest developments in wireless access control include: HES ES100 integrated electric strike and card reader: As the newest addition to the Aperio® family of real-time wireless solutions, the HES ES100 combines a concealed electric strike with a surface-mounted wireless reader to provide yet another easy, affordable retrofit solution for remote control and monitoring. Adams Rite DL100 wireless deadlatch: Coming soon to the Aperio line of real-time wireless solutions, the DL100 offers cost-effective retrofit access control capabilities utilising the industry-standard Adams Rite MS® Door Prep for Deadlocks & Deadlatches for single or double narrow stile aluminium mechanical and automatic door applications. Future-proof environments Providing flexibility to adapt to changing requirements - Whether this means upgrading to the latest, high-security credentials or taking the necessary precautions to protect against cybersecurity risks, flexibility is key to creating resilient, future-proof environments. ASSA ABLOY offers many solutions that support this growing need, including one of the newest products that will be featured at GSX: SN Series: Available from ASSA ABLOY Group brands Corbin Russwin and SARGENT, the SN Series offers the latest in security and versatility with a choice of Wiegand communication protocol or Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) that allows for secure channel, serial communication between the reader and Physical Access Control System (PACS). Featuring Signo™ reader technology from HID Global®, the SN Series is ideal for mixed credential environments and enables easy migration to higher security credentials and mobile access. Door opening solutions ASSA ABLOY Booth #1353 will feature a new product showcase with all of these new products ASSA ABLOY Booth #1353 will feature a new product showcase with all of these new products, as well as the award-winning Medeco 4 (M4) high-security key system that offers the highest level of protection against physical attack and unauthorised key duplication. It will also feature the latest complete door opening solutions, such as the multi-solution blast and hurricane opening that is designed to provide extra protection against explosions and hurricane-force winds and the RITE Slide integrated barn sliding door system that combines a sleek profile with an STC 34 rating for maximum privacy. Vertical market solutions In addition, the booth will showcase vertical market solutions and a new virtual 360° tour that helps universities visualise how door security solutions can be used to address everyday challenges on campus. The Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2021 will take place September 27-29 in-person at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL and online via the GSX digital platform. ASSA ABLOY’s sister companies will also be onsite, including Ameristar (booth #1363), LifeSafety® Power (booth #1463), and Traka (booth #1147).

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas introduced its Safer2Open™ suite of hands-free solutions. Available across a variety of products, both mechanical and electromechanical, these solutions can reduce touchpoints without compromising functionality in a range of facilities, including healthcare, education, office buildings, and other high traffic spaces where decreasing the spread of germs is essential to public safety. “As the economy begins to reopen, there’s a surging need and demand for facilities to employ new approaches that enable healthier environments. From low-touch to completely touchless automated openings, ASSA ABLOY’s Safer2Open solutions include a range of cost-effective and low- to high-tech options for a myriad of facilities’ doors, from entrance to exit,” said Mark Duato, Executive Vice President, Aftermarket at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. Post-COVID Technology and the New Normal Many state and local COVID-19 protocols recommend reducing the number of touchpoints in a facility, along with additional cleaning and sanitising protocols. Safer2Open products offer quick-to-implement solutions that can withstand rigorous cleaning cycles to align with these recommendations and improve facility safety as organisations adapt to this new normal. ASSA ABLOY’s Safer2Open solutions include – Low-Touch Solutions Trim options, such as SARGENT ALP Push/Pull Trim, Corbin Russwin HPSK Paddle Trim and Adams Rite Push/Pull Paddle Trim, are low-touch solutions that allow doors to be opened with minimal contact and can be added to virtually any opening to enable hands-free operation. Rockwood Hands-Free Arm and Foot Pulls allow access and egress without grasping hardware. These cost-effective options for hands-free door operation can be implemented in new and pre-existing aluminium, metal or wood openings. Sargent Electrified Closer-Holders keep doors open during high traffic times to minimise contact on door handles. Exit devices with Motorized and Electric Latch Retraction, such as Adams Rite 8000 and 3000 Series, Corbin Russwin ED5000 Series, SARGENT 80 Series Exit Device with Electric Latch Retraction and Yale 7000 Series, enable remote lock/unlock of a door, making it easier for people to move quickly and hands-free through virtually any opening. No-Touch, Fully Automated Solutions Low energy door operators from Norton are compatible with wave-to-open switches to offer an easy, contact-free method of opening doors. Wave-to-Open Switches, from Securitron and Alarm Controls, can pick up hand gestures within four inches of the switch to trigger operation for swing doors. Exit Motion Sensors, from Securitron and Alarm Controls, are egress options that minimises contact in high traffic areas. HES Electric Strikes enable remote locking and unlocking of an automated door and are available for all frame types and applications, including low profile, outdoor rated, aluminium and glass. These types of hands-free solutions are essential to public health and safety, enabling facilities to quickly implement solutions now, with existing infrastructure, while setting up their space to meet today’s increased hygienic standards.

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.