Chris Bone

According to ASSA ABLOY the market knows less about wireless locks Let’s begin with something that’s hardly front-page news: the market potential for wireless access control is huge. At January’s Intersec exhibition forecasts of 15% annual growth in the Middle East region alone were suggested. ASSA ABLOY’s own data predicts that wireless locks could make up 30% of the total market within a decade. The potential is there. Market knows less about wireless locks But when ASSA ABLOY worked with IFSECglobal.com last year on a major market survey of security managers, industry insiders and decision-makers, we encountered some big surprises. The conclusion: our market knows less than you think about wireless locks. Wireless access control system can be fully integrated For starters, almost two-thirds of those we surveyed thought that fitting a wireless access control system would be disruptive to an already fitted traditional system. In fact, wireless access control systems—including our own battery-powered Aperio® locks — can run fully integrated with an existing wired system, even if it incorporates CCTV or energy management functions. Integrations have been exhibited, by ASSA ABLOY and other leading access control manufacturers. Installation is quick and easy. Wireless systems use much less energy Around a third of our respondents using wired access control had no idea that wireless systems use much less energy. Because wireless locks are battery powered and only “wake up” when a credential is presented, they consume a tiny fraction of the power used by always-on wired mag locks. And battery life? Not a problem—that’s another market myth shared by close to 100% of our research group, who expected wireless lock batteries to drain too quickly. In fact, our own Aperio® or SMARTair™ locks run for approximately 2 years on a new battery.  Wireless locks can support multiple credentials Products that offer multi-authentication via PIN, smart card or mobile phone are out there If you thought wireless locks don’t support multiple credentials, sorry, you’re wrong. Products that offer multi-authentication via PIN, smart card or mobile phone are out there. What about the fact that wireless locks are not secure? Another myth: there are CE and EN certified, or even fire-rated products available, including for security doors. Wireless locks are cost-effective Most ironic of all, over half of those we surveyed cited “fear of the expense” as a reason not to upgrade to wireless. In fact, when you factor in major savings on energy costs and maintenance bills, even a fairly small facility could save thousands of euros by making the switch to wireless locks. ASSA ABLOY campaign - “Busting the myths about wireless access” The challenge is there. Potential is huge, but the market is suffering from some serious misconceptions. As a global industry leader we have begun a game of knowledge whack-a-mole, and all of us with a stake in the future of wireless access control need to get involved. There are so many myths about what wireless locks can and can’t do. Our solution? ASSA ABLOY has launched a true facts campaign—“Busting the myths about wireless access”—aimed at professional end-users. Not specifically about our locks, but wireless locks in general. 

Open standards for access control and integration will offer end users far greater levels of choice ASSA ABLOY 2014/2015 Review and Forecast: Editor’s Note: This article is based on Mr. Bone’s answers to several questions about the 2014/2015 Review and Forecast posed by SourceSecurity.com.  We will continue to see a two-speed economy in general terms in Europe in the New Year, with the northern countries doing well and the southern countries continuing to be difficult. Having said that, in the access control industry we have seen quite good growth in “e-locks” across all of Europe, and this trend continues from previous years and appears to be accelerating as the market seeks new and innovative solutions for access control at a reasonable cost during these testing economic times. Open standards for access control and integration will play a major role in the New Year. They will offer end users far greater levels of choice and independence into the future and will ensure that they can have real choice in the selection of the products that they want to use rather than being locked in due to proprietary or communications technologies – all while achieving higher levels of security management for their facilities. For sure, it is not an easy market in Europe or in fact in most of the global locations that ASSA ABLOY operates; competition locally is always strong and has new entrants. However, many areas of our business have done well so far in 2014, and we are hopeful of continued growth in 2015 and beyond. The critical issues are to offer the market innovative solutions, an area we are proud to be investing in continuously. Just as important is to make sure your business is easy to work with and to understand partnership – we will continue to work very hard on all these areas in 2015 and beyond. Opportunity in the security market comes from one word – innovation! Much of the security market has seen moderate levels of innovation in the last couple of decades, but there is a real pace to it now. I am certain customers will see real benefit to not only the security of their premises but also to the economics and performance of running their business. See the full coverage of 2014/2015 Review and Forecast articles here

At this year's IFSEC 2013, ASSA ABLOY willoffer a complete range of door solutions focusing on the slogan "Access Your World" In a wide-ranging interview with SourceSecurity.com, Chris Bone, VP Access Control, ASSA ABLOY EMEA, discussed ASSA ABLOY’s product roadmap and outlook on technology trends in access control. Besides shedding light on the main product lines that it will be showcasing at IFSEC 2013, including the Seos ecosystem and Aperio range, he indicated that digital keys are likely to witness an uptake by next year with greater availability of NFC-enabled mobile phones. He also mentioned that the company will have greater focus on escape route management in access control. At this year's IFSEC 2013 show, ASSA ABLOY, the world's leading lock group, is preparing to offer a complete range of door opening solutions focused on the needs of its customers adopting the slogan "Access Your World". Keen to retain its position in areas such as access control, identification technology, entrance automation and hotel security, it will be showcasing forward thinking solutions from leading brands HID Global, ABLOY, Yale, Mul-T-Lock, Traka and effeff in an exhibit area double the size of its previous stand. Chris Bone said: “We continue to expand the technology that we can apply to a number of applications and the depth of the product range for the different mechanical applications." In the interview, Chris highlighted a number of specific products to be showcased at IFSEC 2013 which he feels will draw much attention from visitors at the show. One of these was ASSA ABLOY's Seos ecosystem. With NFC (near-field communication) being one of the hottest topics within access control, the award winning Seos™ ecosystem of interoperable products and services for issuing, delivering and revoking digital keys on NFC mobile devices so that they can be used to open doors in a number of applications, stands out amongst all the NFC solutions currently on the market. Uptake of digital keys over mechanical ones with more NFC-enabled phonesAs the NFC topic continues to gain momentum, SourceSecurity.com asked Chris when there was likely to be a large uptake of digital keys over mechanical ones. He said that there were two key factors which would be driving this. Firstly, there needed to be an increase in the availability of NFC -enabled mobile phones in use and secondly, people would need to change their mindset on buying virtual keys, in the same way that people adapted to buying MP3 instead of physical CDs. Potentially, he said that we could see a shift beginning to take place in the second half of 2014.Growth of Aperio technology: wireless integration into access control systemsAnother key product which Chris mentioned was of course ASSA ABLOY's long standing Aperio product range. Since its inception there has been rapid growth within the product family. In 2011, ASSA ABLOY added 6 products to the offering; in 2012 22 products were added and so far this year it has added 4 products to the offering. As a smart wireless technology that enables mechanical locks to be wirelessly linked to a new or existing access control system, Aperio now allows a wide range of access control providers to cost-effectively integrate non-wired doors with mechanical locks into access control systems. One of the new products within the range which Chris was most excited about is the Aperio™ L100 Lock. This sophisticated solution, the latest in wireless access control technology for security doors, provides a highly cost effective, straightforward alternative to a wired high-end solution as no cabling or alterations to the doors are required during installation. Residential solutions from Yale on showFor the first time at IFSEC, ASSA ABLOY will also be showcasing residential solutions from Yale, the leading global residential mechanical locking business. Chris Bone said: "We will have our digital door locking range (DDL) featured at IFSEC this year which is like Aperio for residential applications. The range has provided huge growth for us in the UK, Scandinavia, the Americas and many other countries. So, the future of using mechanical keys at home is certainly in question as that gets a lot of market take up." Also on the stand will be Traka Touch - a standalone key management solution that operates independently of a company’s IT system via an embedded Windows software and SQL Server database. No server is required to maintain its database. HID will be showcasing its award-winning iCLASS SEO platform for mobile access and highlighting its broad portfolio of physical access control, secure issuance and card personalisation solutions.Product development roadmapBeyond the IFSEC 2013 show, Chris gave a view on what ASSA ABLOY's product roadmap for the next 12 months would look like, with a particular focus on the expansion of the Aperio range: "We will continue to expand the mechanical depth of the product range to take those technologies and apply them to different mechanical locking solutions. We started off with a cylinder and an escutcheon now, we have a mortise lock and in development we have lots of other mechanical devices which will have Aperio technology embedded in them.The primary focus over the next twelve months is to continue to expand the range because when a customer moves away from mechanical keys, he does not just want to do it for his office doors, he wants to do it for his cabinets, lockers, IT racks and whatever the mechanical locking problem that he might have. We will continue to do this and increase technology breath with additional RFID technology and improved battery life functionality and things like that."New focus on escape route management in access controlHe also noted that over the coming year, particularly in Europe, there would be a renewed level of importance in escape route management. "What used to be an ignored area of the building, where it had a mechanical crash bar and virtually no monitoring or controlling, with the EN standards which are being ratified at the moment, this is going to change completely. It will become very important for access control security systems integrators to provide a fully compliant, controlled and monitored escape route system. At the IFSEC show we will be highlighting a new solution for that as well. I think it is really important because it will bring not only additional monitoring but additional security to escape routes which is not there at the moment." "IFSEC is not about the UK anymore; we see IFSEC as a truly global show, and the international visitor counthighlights that. A major strategy for us is to grow our global presence especially in the emerging countries" IFSEC investment in line with ASSA ABLOY global growth strategy   When asked about his thoughts on IFSEC, Chris said: "IFSEC is not about the UK anymore; we see IFSEC as a truly global show, and the international visitor count highlights that.   A major strategy for us is to grow our global presence especially in the emerging countries. We expect to see a lot of visitors at IFSEC from emerging or emerged, as they sometimes are, global countries to show our products as well."IFSEC 2014 move to LondonAs IFSEC will be changing locations and adopting a 3-day format, we asked Chris for his take on it: "I think time will tell. I do think it makes a lot of sense. There are a huge number of decision makers based in the Southeast, I think you will get a lot more end users and security consultants attending and there will be more international visitors attending. From that perspective it is probably a good move. From the more traditional side, the NEC has always been a good location as it is so central in the UK but I think it is well worth exploring what we can do from a London base.”  

After eight years as an Engineer in the Royal Australian Army, I briefly worked at Telstra before joining Honeywell Australia. In 2000 I moved with Honeywell to Europe, and in 2010 took a position at ASSA ABLOY. My current role is global CTO for the ASSA ABLOY Group. During my career I have developed extensive knowledge of the global residential and commercial security industry, and of all aspects of building automation. I have had responsibility for sales leadership, project and product management, R&D, marketing and general management, in both Australia and Europe. How did you come to work in the security industry? At Honeywell Australia in the early 1990s, I was working on the design and installation of medium- to large-sized projects with a mix of building automation and security. I felt a natural inclination towards the security products, which were undergoing important technical changes at the time — integrated solutions, RFID technologies, graphic displays and more. I found this interesting and ended up specialising by taking on the role of Product Manager for security products in Australia. What is the best professional advice you have received (and from whom)? A very good boss of mine once told me that it is fine to rush ahead and try to change the world, but it is critical to ensure your team is standing beside you: you can’t do it alone. What's something few people know about you? I am a rather poor but passionate fisherman. I enjoy an occasional fishing trip with friends and would like to do it much more. Quick Facts Film or TV? Both. Film for drama; TV for information, especially documentaries on technology and science. Biggest hero My wife. How she tolerates me sometimes I don’t know! First job My first “real” paid job was as a jig fitter making roof trusses and frames for homes. Ideal holiday Fishing from a boat in a sunny location like the Mediterranean. My wife would be very happy, and that is very important firstly, plus I might even catch a fish! Favourite album ELO, “Out of the Blue”. What's the most rewarding thing about what you do for a living? Without doubt the people I get to work with, both colleagues and customers. The opportunity to learn from them, to understand challenges they face or ideas they have, and then work with them and others on solving them. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning. What are your interests, hobbies and passions outside security? Aside from poor attempts at fishing, I love walking (“rambling,” as the English call it) through wonderful countryside around my home in South Oxfordshire. I also love to cook — and tend to take over the kitchen come weekends and the BBQ in summer (I am an Aussie, after all). And I love to read and learn about technology and science in general, not as an expert but more a collector of interesting facts. Where was your last vacation? Would you recommend it to others? This summer I was truly lucky to spend two weeks in the Greek Islands, a week on land at a hotel and a week sailing on a catamaran with friends. Would I recommend it? Absolutely, especially the sailing part. Being with good friends on a small boat gave me a great perspective on island life.

Stephanie Ordan has joined ASSA ABLOY as Vice President, Digital and Access Solutions EMEA. She succeeds Chris Bone in the post, who became ASSA ABLOY Group Chief Technical Officer earlier this year. Stephanie’s role will focus on continuing to strengthen ASSA ABLOY’s position as a global access control solutions provider across EMEA. She will oversee continued efforts in market education and exciting product developments from ASSA ABLOY’s stable of brands across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. ASSA ABLOY’s access control solutions are trusted in multiple sectors including education, healthcare, multi-family housing, offices, public institutions, critical infrastructure and many more. Cloud-based access control Stephanie brings with her extensive international experience from leading technology companies. She previously worked at power management multinational Eaton, where she was Head of Energy Storage business EMEA prior to joining ASSA ABLOY. She has also worked at General Electric and STMicroelectronics. “I’m thrilled to be joining ASSA ABLOY EMEA at such a pivotal time for the industry,” says Stephanie. “As security becomes increasingly electronic and technologies like wireless locks and cloud-based access control continue to take off, ASSA ABLOY’s trusted brands and solutions are well positioned to lead these markets — just as we have for decades, and continue to do, in mechanical security.”

ASSA ABLOY demonstrated its journey from mechanical to digital security at IFSEC 2016 ASSA ABLOY generated a ‘buzz’ at IFSEC 2016 through exhibiting its journey from mechanical to digital security. Range of brands ASSA ABLOY’s stand was the busiest to date, with its leading brands, including, Yale, ASSA ABLOY, Abloy and Traka, showcasing their product breadth that comes from years of expertise in the industry. The group’s pioneering, innovative and digital solutions were showcased, including Yale’s Smart Living range for the residential market that included a variety of standalone security products, such as smart locks. Journey from mechanical to digital Chris Bone, Vice President of Digital Access Solutions EMEA at ASSA ABLOY, said: “The ASSA ABLOY stand created a real buzz at IFSEC 2016. Our product innovation demonstrated how ASSA ABLOY has successfully navigated the journey from mechanical to digital security to create a connected future. “Visitors to our stand were really enthusiastic about how ASSA ABLOY is helping to drive the digital revolution that the security industry is experiencing. We took the opportunity to almost double the amount of leads from last year’s IFSEC. Since the show, many visitors have expressed enthusiasm about our digital offering, particularly our Smart Living range. “The emergence of connected living and smart homes as part of the Internet of Things development has been a major catalyst for the creation of smart door locks and accompanying products. At ASSA ABLOY we believe a smart home should always start with a smart door and are excited to continue our journey from mechanical to digital security.” Close partnerships Jason Boyce, Strategic Business Development Manager at Gallagher Security, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed exhibiting alongside ASSA ABLOY at IFSEC 2016 and were able to demonstrate how the Aperio® access control solution benefits us. We are committed to a close, working partnership with ASSA ABLOY as an OEM partner, enjoying trust, transparency and shared growth. This close relationship helps us to adapt and innovate in the midst of the digital revolution the security industry is currently experiencing.”

  The integrated solution allows for management of wired and wireless doors Axis Communications, the market leader in network video, will be demonstrating its AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller, alongside ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® wireless lock technology, at IFSEC International 2016. The new, seamless integration makes use of Aperio® battery-powered cylinders, escutcheons, locks and server rack solutions and enables IT administrators to manage an entire AXIS management system from a single, easy-to-use interface. The integrated solution allows for management of wired and wireless doors, with real-time monitored access and detailed audit trails. Integration for flexible access control ASSA ABLOY will be on hand with its partners Axis at stand E1000 to showcase how Aperio® wireless lock technology and AXIS Entry Manager provide businesses the flexibility to add access control features to almost every opening in any location. Aperio® locks with integrated RFID-readers are wireless, meaning there’s no need for expensive or time-consuming cabling during installation. The AXIS A1001 uses Power over Ethernet, also eliminating the need for power cables to the controllers. If requirements change at a facility, such as managers wanting to control access to additional doors, an installer can rapidly and easily fit additional Aperio® locks and integrate the doors with the AXIS Entry Manager control panel. Live integration at IFSEC "Alongside the Aperio® wireless access technology, AXIS Entry Manager is a complete, scalable, fully integrated and future-proofed access control system" “The key advantage of Aperio® wireless lock technology is it can bring access control to more doors without breaking the bank and without disruption to major installation works,” states Chris Bone, Vice President Digital and Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY EMEA. “Because Aperio® is built on open architecture, online integration with the AXIS 1001 Door Controller is seamless. Administrators continue to operate the access management system for wired and Aperio® wireless controlled doors from a single interface, as IFSEC visitors will see demonstrated via a live integration on stand E1000.” Chris Bone continues, “Aperio® locks are also extremely energy efficient. They run on standard batteries, and only ‘wake up’ when prompted by a smart card or other user credential. They are not connected to the mains and use no power when inactive.” Stephanie Hensler, Director Business Development at Axis Communications, states, “The joint solution fills a market need for smaller installations that require wireless devices. With the AXIS A1001, this allows for the easy installation and management of wired and wireless doors within the same solution. Alongside the Aperio® wireless access technology, AXIS Entry Manager is a complete, scalable, fully integrated and future-proofed access control system.” One AXIS 1001 Door Controller can manage one wired door and Aperio® hub, managing up to nine doors per hub, with AES 128-bit encryption ensuring secure communication between lock and system. Aperio® locks are compatible with European, French, Finnish, Scandinavian and Swiss door profiles. To learn more, ASSA ABLOY and Axis experts will be available on stand E1000 at IFSEC International 2016.

The AXIS A1001 network door controller operates on a flexible platform, built to easily adapt as security needs at a site change. Now with seamless integration of Aperio® wireless cylinders, escutcheons, locks and server solutions, administrators can manage an entire AXIS access management system from a single, easy-to-use interface, controlling standard wired locks alongside Aperio® battery-powered locks from ASSA ABLOY. AXIS and Aperio integration offerings Once installed, an Aperio® RS-485 Hub can coordinate up to 8 Aperio® locks within a typical range of 15 to 25 metres, communicating with the admin system via a powerful AXIS A1001 IP network controller. One AXIS A1001 door controller can manage one wired door and one Aperio® hub, managing up to a total of 9 doors per hub. 7777AES 128-bit encryption ensures communication between lock and system is secure. Online Aperio® integration gives facility managers real-time status information about their premises. Aperio® locks are wireless, so there’s no need for expensive or time-consuming cabling during installation. The AXIS A1001 uses Power over Ethernet (PoE), which eliminates the need for power cables to the controllers, too. If needs change at a facility — perhaps managers want to control access to more site doors — it’s quick, efficient and easy for an installer to fit Aperio® locks and integrate the doors with the AXIS Entry Manager control panel. Aperio® components are compatible with Euro, French, Finnish, Scandinavian and Swiss door profiles. Aperio wireless locks “Aperio® locks are also extremely energy-efficient,” says Chris Bone, Vice President Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY EMEA. “The locks run on standard lithium-ion batteries, and only ‘wake up’ when prompted by a smart card or other user credential. They are not connected to the mains, and use no power when inactive.” Aperio® locks enable facility managers to bring monitored access and detailed audit trails to more doors in a facility than would ever be desirable or affordable with standard wired access control. Users experience no disruption to their routines. They open both wired doors and Aperio® wireless controlled doors with the same card, using standard RFID technology. The newly integrated locks run the latest Aperio® V3 technology, ensuring remote unlocking commands pass from system to an Aperio® equipped door almost instantly. Easy installation and management “The joint solution fills a market need for smaller installations needing wireless devices,” says Stephanie Hensler, Director Business Development at Axis Communications. “With the AXIS A1001, this allows for easy installation and management of wired and wireless doors within the same solution.” Integrated access control system With Aperio® wireless access technology, AXIS Entry Manager is a complete, scalable, fully integrated and future-proofed access control system.

On display at the ASSA ABLOY stand will be the latest Aperio® hardware with V3 electronics ASSA ABLOY brings more speed, expanded interoperability and upgraded wireless hardware to Intersec 2016. The global leader in door opening solutions presents customers with the concrete benefits of faster, better integrated products from Aperio® wireless access control and Traka intelligent key management, in Hall 2, Stand G12. V3 platform to be showcased Highlights of the ASSA ABLOY showcase include new V3 platform for Aperio® wireless locks. A significant upgrade on the previous platform, the new V3 generation of battery-operated locks packs more powerful electronics and guarantees faster response times—which means users waste less time hanging around at the door. The V3 performance boost comes without sacrificing Aperio® class-leading energy efficiency. With Aperio® wireless locks running the V3 platform, high-security entrance doors still run for 2 years on a standard lithium-ion battery, maintaining remote opening with a typical heartbeat time of 5 seconds communication time between lock and system throughout. “With the V3 platform, remote unlocking commands pass from system to door almost instantly,” says Gareth Ellams, Aperio® Business Development Director at ASSA ABLOY EMEA. “It represents a major upgrade in Aperio® processing power and memory, and offers improved RFID performance.” On display at the ASSA ABLOY stand will be the latest Aperio® hardware with V3 electronics, including a full range of Aperio® online escutcheons, cylinders and locks; the new Aperio® KS100 server cabinet lock, designed for companies keeping servers and sensitive data in colocation data facilities; the Aperio® L100 certified security lock for security doors. Integrations between Aperio wireless locks and Traka The ASSA ABLOY team—in Hall 2, Stand G12—will demonstrate two live system integrations between Aperio® wireless locks and Traka, the intelligent key and asset management specialist from ASSA ABLOY. These integrations showcase the efficiency and functionality benefits of choosing open-platform technologies that share data and work together seamlessly. Chris Bone, Vice President Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY EMEA, says: “Our customers increasingly expect that multiple security and building management functions will work together smoothly, without creating double workloads for facilities staff. These integrations with Lenel and Nedap show Aperio® and Traka technologies integrated with leading access control systems, boosting site security while streamlining management workflows.” To see all the latest technologies from ASSA ABLOY—including Aperio® wireless access control and Traka intelligent key management—visit Intersec Dubai 2016, Hall 2, Stand G12.

The Aperio® integration brings latest wireless access control technology to AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller ASSA ABLOY have sealed another major access control partnership. Across Europe, around 70 percent of the access control OEM market has integrated at least one ASSA ABLOY component. The latest is the global market leader in network video Axis Communications, a new official Aperio® integrator. Aperio® battery-powered locks enable a facility to add wireless access control without breaking the bank. Aperio® locks can extend an installed or new access control system, bringing enhanced security to more doors at a site. Aperio® wireless locks are easy to install and cost-effective to run, and make the perfect step up from mechanical locks and keys. Integration supports multiple RFID technologies The A1001 Network Door Controller from Axis now incorporates several Aperio® components, including wireless escutcheons and the 1-to-8 RS485 Aperio® Hub for controlling access to multiple doors. Online system administration is straightforward with the bundled access control system software. The Axis Network Door Controller integration supports multiple RFID technologies, including iCLASS®, MIFARE, MIFARE DESFire, HID Prox/EM410 and Seos®. “The access control market increasingly demands open architecture, which makes possible integrations like this new one with Axis,” says Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control Solutions at ASSA ABLOY EMEA. “With online Aperio® integration, customers installing this IP-connected device can be sure they have future-proofed their organisation’s access control hardware.” The A1001 Network Door Controller is designed to meet the needs of advanced enterprise systems, as well as smaller access control installations. With Aperio® installed, Axis customers can cost-effectively integrate non-wired doors and battery-powered locks with RFID readers into the AXIS A1001 Network Door Controller open platform for access management. “The Aperio® integration brings the latest wireless access control technology to our leading door controller,” says Pia Hantoft, Product Manager—Physical Access Control at Axis Communications in Sweden.

Company nurtures technological development, deliverable & accessible for customers Exhibiting alongside many of its integration and OEM customers, ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, will be using its presence at this year’s IFSEC to explain why open communication platforms are the way to win business and create long term partnerships. As a Forbes top 100 innovative company, ASSA ABLOY recognises the need to nurture technological development that is deliverable and accessible for all types of customer and end user application, which is why it’s a strong advocate for open communication platforms. Flexible approach to communication platforms Across Europe approximately 70% of the OEM market has integrated one or more of ASSA ABLOY’s product lines. On a global level, in excess of 100 leading access control OEMs have integrated an ASSA ABLOY product or solution and this is, in part, thanks to its flexible approach to communication platforms. Chris Bone, Vice President of Access Control Solutions, ASSA ABLOY EMEA, explains: “As the Internet of things continues to gather pace, we see security as an integral part of this trend and crucial to the future and professionalisation of the industry. One of the biggest threats to the security industry is not the failure to recognise this but the inability to provide products that allow everyone access to the best in this field of technology.” “The myth that electromechanical locking and access control solutions are complicated and expensive is often because end users and OEMs are unaware of the flexibility provided by open communications systems.” Extend & upgrade without complete replacement “Unlike proprietary software, open platforms allow customers with existing access control or security systems to extend and upgrade without the need for a complete replacement. This ‘plug and play’ approach is not only more cost effective but also easier to install and manage. Integrating seamlessly into existing systems, including CCTV and key management, open communications allow access and security throughout a building to adapt with the building’s growth and changing use.” "Unlike proprietary software, open platforms allow customers with existing access control or security systems to extend and upgrade without the need for a complete replacement" “For OEMS and system integrators we see this as a real benefit for their customers, saving time on the installation and providing more flexibility for building owners.” In addition to the Integration Zone, products from ASSA ABLOY, Abloy, Mul-T-Lock, Traka and Yale will also be on display during the IFSEC exhibition. For more information, please visit stand D1700 in Hall S17 at IFSEC 2015, taking place 16 – 18th June at Excel, London.

The company will demonstrate how this can benefit building owners and facilities managers With plans to announce new integration partners at this year’s IFSEC exhibition, ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, will be using the event as a platform to showcase its unrivalled integration and global capabilities. Integration Zone to highlight collective brands & technology As a Forbes top 100 innovative company ASSA ABLOY is taking a new approach to IFSEC this year. Using its on stand Integration Zone (D1700, Hall S17) to highlight the collective strength of its brands and technology, the company will demonstrate how this can benefit building owners and facilities managers.  Chris Bone, Vice President of Access Control Solutions, ASSA ABLOY EMEA, explains why integration and the strength of the group is such a key message for ASSA ABLOY this year: “Across Europe approximately 70% of the OEM market has integrated one or more of our product lines, this highlights the trust and experience that OEMs have in our products. “As the market leader, this year at IFSEC we wanted to focus on our integration capabilities and look to demonstrate why so many companies choose to work with ASSA ABLOY. Benefit from flexible open communication systems “Aside from our broad portfolio, building and facilities managers can benefit from our flexible open communication systems, which work with existing access control facilities and can be easily extended at any time, making them entirely future proof. They can also benefit from the extensive investment we make to ensure our technology is the most advanced in its field. "This year at IFSEC, we wanted to focus on our integration capabilities" “Integration extends beyond the technical reach of our products, it also stands for the collective power of our brands and the combined breadth and range of our products and solutions, to offer one point of contact for end users. Traditionally known for our extensive range of electronic strikes, maglocks and high security mortice locks, IFSEC is an opportunity to show that there’s more to ASSA ABLOY than most may realise. Through our world leading brands we a range of electromechanical door locking devices, from “smart key” products, like the CLIQ product range, to electronic cylinders and escutcheons for integration into 3rd party OEM systems with our Aperio range or systems for smaller stand alone applications using the SMARTair range. Unparalleled market capability “Importantly we have a history of developing and delivering these products across a range of different sectors. This unparalleled market capability is evident in our solutions from single residential applications to high profile commercial buildings, campus environments right through to utilities or even military applications. “Moving on from access control systems, we also offer the most comprehensive product range of intelligent key and asset management solutions from our Traka business, which can be combined with our access control systems, whilst Yale provides a comprehensive range of digital and smart living products, which are suitable for residential applications. “Put simply, the combination of our brands’ portfolios and the experience in a wide range of markets is an advantage for any organisation and through working with OEMs we want to help facilities managers and building owners benefit from our products and services to their fullest potential.” In addition to the Integration Zone, products from ASSA ABLOY, Abloy, Mul-T-Lock, Traka and Yale will also be on display during the IFSEC exhibition.

ASSA ABLOY products are shaping customer demands & setting out to change perceptions Access control is changing. At IFSEC 2015 (D1700, Hall S17), ASSA ABLOY showcases the products that are at the cutting edge of the latest trends in the industry. “One key market trend is the move from wired to wireless access control, especially IP-enabled wireless devices,” says Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control Solutions EMEA at ASSA ABLOY. “Our data suggests wireless locks could make up 30% of the total market within a decade, up from around 15% right now. Customers increasingly demand flexibility from their access control systems, but don’t want to compromise on security.” Quick and easy to install - Aperio wireless locks Market-leading ASSA ABLOY products on show at IFSEC are shaping those customer demands. Quick and easy to install, Aperio® wireless locks are compatible with the RFID card technologies that existing access control systems use. “Standards are becoming increasingly important,” adds Chris Bone. “Customers demand compatibility between new and legacy technologies. They want wireless products, like Aperio®, that can plug right into a range of leading access control systems.” The Aperio® portfolio includes certified locks for a variety of openings, including security doors. Aperio® locks consume much less energy than traditional wired locks, require very little maintenance—a new lithium battery every 2 years, on average—and are the smart choice for any business looking to upgrade its access control system. "Customers want wireless products, like Aperio®, that can plug right into a range of leading access control systems" Standalone wireless access control system - SMARTair SMARTair™ is a simpler, standalone wireless access control system that offers an easy step up from mechanical keys. It’s proven in the field, serving locations as diverse as a prestigious Brisbane school and a small hotel on the Devon coast. The SMARTair™ Pro package is aimed at small to medium-sized premises, and offers four ways for facilities managers to update site access rights — Standalone, Offline, Update on Card and Wireless Online. Administrators can pick a method to suit each door and combine them in a single installation. SMARTair™ Genesis offers small facilities an out-the-box access control system which is affordable and easy to install. Based on the Update on Card offering, the system allows businesses to manage up to 30 doors in a secure, wireless electronic access control system. Cylinder-type locks - CLIQ CLIQ® technology combines electronic and mechanical security in a wide range of cylinder-type locks. CLIQ® locks are wireless, and powered by a battery inside the programmable CLIQ® key. Ideally suited to premises where security is critical, CLIQ® has proven its value in small offices, National Health Service hospital wards, and public utilities with thousands of cylinders—from Helsinki to Heidelberg. ASSA ABLOY is also setting out to change perceptions. Research conducted last year in conjunction with IFSEC uncovered several common misconceptions about wireless access control. Several survey respondents believed that switching to wireless would be disruptive to current systems, or expensive to implement, for example. “The joint research with IFSEC convinced ASSA ABLOY to launch a campaign to educate the market this year,” says Thomas Schulz, ASSA ABLOY’s EMEA Marketing and Communications Manager, Access Control Solutions. “IFSEC 2015 is the perfect forum for getting the right information to customers and for dispelling some all-too-common myths about wireless access control. We have interactive media on our stand to show customers our wireless technologies in action.”

Aperio Offline cylinders and escutcheons with MIFARE Classic and MIFARE DESFire RFID readers now support SOAA As the technology behind wireless locks becomes faster and more widespread, customers need to know their locks are future-proofed and compatible. That’s why leaders in the access control industry developed the Standard Offline Access Application (SOAA) for battery-powered locks. ASSA ABLOY’s Offline Aperio® cylinders and escutcheons with MIFARE Classic and MIFARE DESFire RFID readers now support these robust, open standards. SOAA-compatible locks use multiple wireless lock Offline access control systems store access rights directly on a card, rather than relying on a database to approve or deny access. Sites with SOAA-compatible offline locks can now run a single access control system using multiple brands of wireless lock without problems, including Aperio® from ASSA ABLOY. The result? More flexibility and choice for customers—as long as they choose SOAA-compatible products to meet their security needs. SOAA-compatible locks are already proven in the field, including at Ghent’s new Hospital Maria Middelares, in Belgium. Working in partnership with leading technology provider Nedap, ASSA ABLOY fitted approximately 700 doors with Aperio® offline locks supporting the SOAA. “In such a fast-moving market, industry standards are vital,” says Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control Solutions EMEA at ASSA ABLOY. “The SOAA stamp gives Aperio® customers the confidence to choose the best offline lock for the job, even if it is supplied by a different manufacturer to their current system. Customers demand compatibility, and industry leaders working together can provide it.” SOAA-compatible Aperio at IFSEC At IFSEC 2015, ASSA ABLOY partner ACS is exhibiting SOAA-compatible Aperio® offline locks integrated with their PLAN access control system. To see the integration in action, visit the ASSA ABLOY stand (D1700), ExCeL London, June 16–18, 2015. About Aperio®: Available on the global market place, ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® Technology enables a wide range of access control providers to cost-effectively integrate non-wired doors with mechanical locks into access control systems. Securing Maria Middelares About Hospital Maria Middelares: A major infrastructure project is upgrading Ghent’s Hospital Maria Middelares, which plays a vital role in health provision for Belgium’s second city. EGM Architects developed the project in cooperation with Belgian partner LLOX. The first building at the new facility opened in 2014.

Offline access control systems store access rights directly on a card, rather than relying on a database to approve or deny access. Sites with SOAA-compatible offline locks can now run a single access control system using multiple brands of wireless lock without problems, including Aperio® from ASSA ABLOY. The result - More flexibility and choice for customers—as long as they choose SOAA-compatible products to meet their security needs. SOAA-compatible locks are already proven in the field, including at Ghent’s new Hospital Maria Middelares, in Belgium. Working in partnership with leading technology provider Nedap, ASSA ABLOY fitted approximately 700 doors with Aperio® offline locks supporting the SOAA. “In such a fast-moving market, industry standards are vital,” says Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control Solutions EMEA at ASSA ABLOY. “The SOAA stamp gives Aperio® customers the confidence to choose the best offline lock for the job, even if it is supplied by a different manufacturer to their current system. Customers demand compatibility, and industry leaders working together can provide it.” About Aperio®: Available on the global market place, ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® Technology enables a wide range of access control providers to cost-effectively integrate non-wired doors with mechanical locks into access control systems. About Hospital Maria Middelares: A major infrastructure project is upgrading Ghent’s Hospital Maria Middelares, which plays a vital role in health provision for Belgium’s second city. EGM Architects developed the project in cooperation with Belgian partner LLOX. The first building at the new facility opened in 2014.

Across Europe 70% of the OEM market has integrated one or more of ASSA ABLOY’s product lines With plans to announce new integration partners at this year’s IFSEC exhibition, ASSA ABLOY will showcase its unrivalled integration and global scope. The Integration Zone (D1700, Hall S17) highlights the collective strength of ASSA ABLOY technologies, and demonstrates how this can benefit system integrators and OEMs. Across Europe approximately 70% of the OEM market has integrated one or more of ASSA ABLOY’s product lines. On a global level, in excess of 100 leading access control OEMs have integrated an ASSA ABLOY product or solution. “This highlights the importance of our partners and OEM customers to us, as well as the trust OEMs have in our products and service,” says Chris Bone, Vice President of Access Control Solutions, at ASSA ABLOY EMEA. “As the market leader, this year at IFSEC we wanted to focus on our integration capabilities and to demonstrate why so many companies choose to work with ASSA ABLOY.” Dedicated point of contact Several factors give ASSA ABLOY the edge. ASSA ABLOY offers OEM partners a dedicated point of contact to support them in servicing their customers, rather than selling directly to end users. ASSA ABLOY technologies are proven in the field, all over the world, securing single residences and high-profile commercial buildings, university campuses, utilities, and even military sites. ASSA ABLOY also has vast product portfolio. Not just electronic strikes, maglocks and high-security mortice locks, but electromechanical and electronic locking devices at the cutting edge of security technology, including the CLIQ® electromechanical locking systems, wireless Aperio® locks designed for 3rd-party integration, and the SMARTair™ access control system for small and medium-sized premises. "The combination of our brands portfolios and our experience in a wide range of markets is an advantage for our OEM customers" Comprehensive product range The Traka brand has the most comprehensive product range of intelligent key and asset management solutions, and can work in tandem with ASSA ABLOY access control systems. Yale offers a comprehensive range of digital and smart living products suited to residential applications. “Put simply, the combination of our brands portfolios and our experience in a wide range of markets is an advantage for our OEM customers, and one which we are able to help them access to its fullest potential,” says Chris Bone. Alongside the Integration Zone, products from ASSA ABLOY brands Abloy, Mul-T-Lock, Traka and Yale will be on display during IFSEC.

ASSA ABLOY will feature Aperio wireless locking technology run on the new high speed V3 platform ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, will be showcasing integrated security and access control technology from its leading brands at IFSEC 2015. Recently named by Forbes as one of the world’s 100 most innovative companies, ASSA ABLOY will exhibit its unrivalled breadth of product choice on stand D1700 in Hall S17 at Excel, London, from 16-18 June. ASSA ABLOY will reveal its future-proof solutions ASSA ABLOY will reveal how its future-proof solutions, enable customers the correct level of access across a wide range of end user markets, including the commercial, education, health, transport, retail and residential sectors. As well as, demonstrating how its wide choice of solutions and “open” communications can provide flexibility. Products from ASSA ABLOY, Abloy, Mul-T-Lock, Traka and Yale, will be showcased, making ASSA ABLOY’s presence at IFSEC 2015 greater than ever before. Stand will feature integration zone The stand will also feature an integration zone, presenting how the group’s access control products offer an unrivalled proposition through the use of open communication protocols that are easily scalable and integrate with most security systems, as well as being compatible with all major OEMs. The integration zone will showcase the group’s breadth of product offering and global capability. ASSA ABLOY will feature the world’s most comprehensive wireless lock range for security doors, using the revolutionary Aperio wireless locking technology, run on the new high speed V3 platform. Abloy will present Abloy Protec2 CLIQ solution Abloy will present its Abloy Protec2 CLIQ solution, designed to enable the full administration of security management centrally via web-based software, reveal the environmental advantages of electromechanical locks with the launch of their new range of low energy electric locks, for a more sustainable security solution. "As the global leader in door opening solutions, the breadth of our product offering is unmatched from any other single source" Mul-T-Lock will showcase ENTR, SMARTair & Traka 21 Mul-T-Lock will showcase ENTR, the latest advancement in convenient, smart locking for the home market, the SMARTair wire-free access control portfolio and Traka 21, an innovative plug n’ play intelligent key management system. Traka will present its solutions as part of the integration hub and will also be highlighting its Traka Web and Traka Touch technology in both key and asset management systems. Yale will showcase integration-ready digital door locks Yale will showcase its range of integration-ready digital door locks for the residential market, with several live demonstrations on the stand and within the integration zone. Yale will also unveil ENTR, the latest advancement in convenient, smart locking for your home. Chris Bone, Vice President of Access Control Solutions EMEA at ASSA ABLOY, said: “As the global leader in door opening solutions, the breadth of our product offering is unmatched from any other single source. This enables us to offer OEMs, specifiers and professional end users one point of contact for specialist advice and support on sourcing the best products to suit their security needs.” "Our integration approach is already in place with leading OEMs and system integrators, showcasing how working with ASSA ABLOY can add value to businesses" Range of locking & management solutions - cost effective & flexible “Importantly for customers we believe our global capability and massive range of locking and management solutions will save them time and money in shopping around to find the right solution. Our technology is run on open communication protocols, enabling seamless upgrades of existing systems or installations of new systems, which is cost effective and flexible for building managers and simple to install.” “Our integration approach is already in place with leading OEMs and system integrators, showcasing how working with ASSA ABLOY can add value to businesses. At IFSEC 2015, we aim to showcase our range of innovative solutions that can be combined to create powerful, integrated security systems for any requirement.”

Wireless access control from Aperio, SMARTair and CLIQ will take centre-stage at the event The global leader in door opening solutions, ASSA ABLOY, will be exhibiting the latest wireless access control innovations from Aperio®, SMARTair™ and CLIQ® in Hall 2, Stand G12 at Intersec Dubai 2015. Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control Solutions at ASSA ABLOY EMEA, says: “The key advantage of wireless access products is that they allow you to get farther into a building, adding more locks throughout. Our SMARTair™ product line is built for standalone, smaller projects. Aperio® integrates with other installed security technologies, such as CCTV or an energy management system. The CLIQ® electromechanical locking cylinders range is as extensive as its many areas of practical use, from lifts and entrance gates to mailbox systems and filing cabinets. Each product range targets improved site security and a better user experience.” ASSA ABLOY product showcase in Hall 2, Stand G12 include: Aperio® The global Aperio® range, which now features battery-powered locks, cylinders, and escutcheons for online or offline integration into new or existing access control systems. Over 12 leading access control manufacturers will showcase successful Aperio® integrations at their own stands, including S2, RS2, Tyco, Galaxy, Gallagher, G4S, Nedap, Genetec, Tdsi, ACS, and Pacom. SMARTair™ SMARTair™ Genesis from ASSA ABLOY’s TESA brand, an affordable, out-the-box wireless access control system designed for small premises. SMARTair™ enabled organisations can secure and manage up to 30 doors in a wireless access control system via update-on-card. With the new SMARTair™ Web manager, facilities managers can configure an access control system, remotely unlock doors, view what is happening in the facility and much more, from wherever they are in the world. CLIQ® The latest CLIQ® system eCLIQ from ASSA ABLOY´s IKON brand, with battery-powered keys and electronic cylinders that can be fitted to doors without making extra alterations, and are maintenance-free for up to 200,000 operating cycles. The system offers a very high security standard, accelerated communication speeds, and improved energy management, which reduces business overheads considerably. Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control Solutions at ASSA ABLOY EMEA, adds: “ASSA ABLOY remains at the forefront of the wireless access control industry by meeting customer demands for enhanced security, delivering cost and energy savings with our ranges of battery-powered devices, and ensuring our wireless locks are always easy to install.”

Security Essen 2014 attendees can see live Aperio® integrations running on the floor at multiple ASSA ABLOY partner OEM stands Innovation in wireless access control is on display at Security Essen 2014, thanks to ASSA ABLOY. The global leader in door opening solutions showcases Aperio®, SMARTair™ and eCLIQ™ in Hall 11, Stand 304. According to a recent survey by ASSA ABLOY and ifsecglobal.com, almost 80% of security managers say reducing energy consumption is important for their business. Here ASSA ABLOY´s Aperio® wireless access control delivers big savings, because Aperio® locks are powered by standard batteries, rather than an always-on mains connection. “At a time when electricity prices are rising and sustainability is high on the global agenda, energy efficiency should be a key consideration when upgrading to any electronic access control solution. Aperio® both minimises installation and maintenance costs and shrinks life-cycle costs and energy consumption,” says Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control Solutions at ASSA ABLOY EMEA. The Aperio® range now features battery-powered locks, cylinders, and escutcheons for online or offline integration. It includes the new Aperio® L100 lock with PINpad, which offers optimum protection for security doors, transmits door status information to the access control system, and provides multi-level authentication via a card reader and PINpad. Security Essen also sees the launch of the next generation of Aperio® electronics. The new release delivers multiple innovative features—including faster communication speeds from hubs and locks to the access control system in real-time—without cutting the 2-year lifetime of lock batteries. Also according to the recent ASSA ABLOY survey, ease of integration with existing access control systems is among the most common motives for businesses switching to wireless. Security Essen 2014 attendees can see live Aperio® integrations running on the floor at multiple ASSA ABLOY partner OEM stands, including Siemens, Nedap, Axis, Datasec, and Keyflex among others. ASSA ABLOY are also showcasing the latest innovations by SMARTair™ from KESO, an affordable, out-the-box wireless access control system designed for small premises. SMARTair™ enabled organisations can secure and manage up to 30 doors in a wireless access control system via update-on-card. "Aperio® both minimises installation and maintenance costs and shrinks life-cycle costs and energy consumption” Locksmiths looking to switch from traditional mechanical key systems to wireless access control can join the SMARTair™ Genesis program. On joining, each locksmith receives a SMARTair™ access control system complete with a training package to help them sell, install, and maintain the latest in wireless access control from KESO. The new IKON eCLIQ™ system with battery-powered keys and electronic wireless cylinders is also on display. IKON eCLIQ™ cylinders can be fitted to doors without making any extra alterations, and are maintenance-free for up to 200,000 operating cycles. Thanks to a newly developed, pioneering chip generation with 128bit AES encryption, eCLIQ™ offers a very high security standard, accelerated communication speeds, and improved energy management, which reduces overheads considerably. Power is supplied from an easy-to-replace standard battery in the key, which is waterproof as per IP67.

Aperio® ensures that customers have a choice in selecting the best solution for their wireless access control needs With Aperio® battery-powered locks, a full range of integration options comes as standard. Access control manufactures choosing to integrate with Aperio® can pick between multiple online and offline possibilities. Recent data published by IMS Research suggests that sales of electronic locks will increase by more than 10% between 2010 and 2016. “This represents a major change in the scope of the access control industry. With its Aperio® wireless range, ASSA ABLOY offers integrators an easy way to enhance their product portfolio with the latest electronic locks,” explains Chris Bone, Vice President Access Control Solutions EMEA at ASSA ABLOY. Online Aperio® integration provides a link from the system via a communications hub to the wireless access controlled doors. It is supported by three different hub varieties. The Aperio® RS485 hub connects up to 8 doors per hub. The IP hub connects up to 8 doors via a high-speed, encrypted TCP/IP connection. A Wiegand interface hub provides a single door connection to the access control system. "Aperio® gives their customers the maximum possible variety of choices to upgrade their doors wirelessly in the most efficient and flexible way" Chris Bone says: “Aperio® online integration allows our integrators to select the right hub for their system and user requirements. And, ultimately, Aperio® gives their customers the maximum possible variety of choices to upgrade their doors wirelessly in the most efficient and flexible way.” Offline Aperio® integration supports both the Aperio® “data on card” model and the Standard Offline Access Application (SOAA), an open standard developed by ASSA ABLOY and other industry leaders. “Our wide range of integration options for Aperio® ensures that customers have a choice in selecting the best solution for their wireless access control needs. This range of choices includes both online and offline technologies, which of course can also be mixed on a single system for maximum flexibility,” adds Chris Bone. With the future growth forecasted for this market, ASSA ABLOY has appointed Gareth Ellams as Aperio® Business Development and Key account Director, EMEA. His industry expertise makes him the perfect fit for managing ASSA ABLOY's vital OEM relations.