ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

Incedo access management from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions is created for businesses on the move, who need a flexible security solution which grows with them. Now security managers managing an Incedo Business solution can work remotely, too — while maintaining complete control over their building’s access points. Incedo connects security software and hardware within a single, seamless platform. To accommodate the restless change and disruption of modern business life, Incedo enables scaling up or down on demand. And now, new Incedo Business Cloud management keeps security and facility managers in control of their premises from wherever they happen to be right now. Cost-efficient subscription Incedo Business Cloud solves many pressing daily challenges of access management. Managers no longer need to be on-site to handle day-to-day security. Incedo Business Cloud operates securely 24/7 from any PC with an internet connection. Installing the system is easy, with no complex integrations needed. Software updates are regular and automatic, with real-time reports and analytics available with a few clicks. Incedo Business Cloud works out of the box via a cost-efficient subscription service: no more waiting around for engineer callouts. Onboarding is fast and hassle-free. And security managers can feel confident about confidentiality: business and user data are safeguarded with an Information Security Management System certified to ISO/IEC 27001. Cloud-based management Recent report finds 78% of IT decision-makers anticipate growing their reliance on cloud solutions going forward According to the Wireless Access Control Report 2021, over a third of companies now use cloud-based management to power their access control. This proportion is likely to grow in the years ahead, as working practices become ever more mobile and the notion of being ‘at work’ describes a state of being, rather than a specific place. Indeed, another recent report finds 78% of IT decision-makers anticipate growing their reliance on cloud solutions going forward. A cloud solution makes access management easier and more convenient, helping companies to design security administration processes which are streamlined, location-independent and efficient. For any size of organisation, switching to Incedo Business Cloud implements this powerful access control with no high upfront costs and ongoing cost-effectiveness. Managing access control “A cloud software solution makes budgeting more predictable for facility and security managers,” says Kevin Hoare, EAC Product Unit Director at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEA. “It removes the need to hire additional in-house IT support and maintenance teams: you know ahead of time how much resource to allocate and can scale infrastructure up or down quickly. The business benefits of ‘managing access rights from anywhere’ drive ever greater demand for cloud solutions within security and beyond.” “Survey data shows the way companies manage access control will continue to be a mixed picture, with both locally hosted and off-site cloud solutions for Access Control as a Service,” he adds. “This is why, when launching our Incedo ecosystem, we give users the choice.” Migration between Incedo’s local and cloud management options is always seamless in any direction, ensuring total flexibility for any business. Appropriate management system Incedo Business Cloud makes access control more efficient for everyone, from installers to end-users Incedo Business Cloud makes access control more efficient for everyone, from installers to end-users. A modular, platform approach makes both procurement and operation simpler. Managers choose the security hardware and credentials they need together with the appropriate management system. Award-winning ASSA ABLOY wireless digital locks and wired ASSA ABLOY wall readers secure the doors. A choice of card and token credentials — or mobile keys on a smartphone — helps users enjoy safe and convenient access to, and movement around, the premises. New Incedo-enabled hardware from ASSA ABLOY and third-party providers will continue to be made available within the evolving Incedo ecosystem. Remote access management Add doors or locations, and switch between local and cloud management, as often as required. Incedo guarantees flexibility and scalability in every direction, to meet security needs today and in the future. “This latest enhancement of our Incedo solution makes comprehensive, real-time, remote access management into a reality. Incedo will keep premises secure and filter access intelligently, to manage the ever-changing movement of people across multiple sites — from anywhere. Your business is not static, and there is no reason why your security should be.” says Stephanie Ordan, VP Digital and Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEA. Incedo™ Business Cloud embodies ASSA ABLOY’s vision to create a safer and more open world, keeping everyone on the move together.

The world is constantly changing, with people, data and goods moving more fluidly than ever before. The security solution needs to move with it. New Incedo Business connects all security software and hardware within one platform. One can easily scale it up or down, based on one’s needs, to keep people moving and business growing. Together. People need different access times and entry points, and the access and security requirements change day to day – so, a static solution is no longer an option. Instead, a single, all-encompassing security platform should deliver connectivity, convenience and simplicity, keeping one’s premises secure and filtering access to manage the ever-changing movement of people. This is where Incedo Business comes in: a new solution for all types of premises, handling security while leaving one free to focus on growing the business. Incedo ensures employees, customers and goods are where they need to be. Incedo makes life and tasks easier and more efficient for everyone, from installers to end users. Facility managers enjoy more control and flexibility than they ever thought possible - maximising return on investment, with Incedo Business able to scale quickly when needed. System administrators can do more within available budgets: initiating, cancelling or amending access profiles, and monitoring movement around their site in real time. Building users, meanwhile, get the individual access times and entry permissions they need. They can move freely without compromising the security of other people and equipment. Integrators can upgrade connected technologies and systems quickly, minimising risk and meeting customers’ raised expectations of modern technology. Installers no longer need to wrestle with incompatible systems: easy interoperability is built into Incedo, meaning no more delays or unnecessary complexity. With Incedo’s modular platform approach, one simply chooses the security hardware and credentials one needs and the appropriate management system option. One can set exactly who can access which doors, and when, from the user-friendly Incedo Business software interface. When Incedo Business launches, one can pick the most suitable options from a growing range of Incedo-enabled security and access control hardware. Road-tested, award-winning ASSA ABLOY wireless digital locks and wired ASSA ABLOY wall readers secure all interior and exterior doors.  Also already available, a choice of card and token credentials helps users enjoy safe and convenient access to, and movement around, the premises. Incedo mobile keys add the flexibility to open doors with a smartphone. Incedo’s system management options, Lite, Plus and Cloud, scale from entry level up to cloud-based administration. One can manage multiple sites and third-party integrations, including security solutions like CCTV. Scale up and down, add or remove hardware and credentials on demand, or switch system management options, all within a single environment. Migration between Lite, Plus and Cloud options is always seamless in any direction, ensuring total flexibility for the business. Incedo moves with you, today and in the future However your business moves, an Incedo system moves along. Having a flexible platform, able to adapt as the organisation changes, reduces total cost of ownership: one never needs to retrain staff or start over from scratch. New Incedo-enabled hardware from ASSA ABLOY and third-party providers will continue to be connected to, and made available within, the evolving Incedo platform. One picks the hardware and software configuration one wants, and can change one’s mind as often as one likes. Incedo guarantees flexibility and scalability in every way, to meet the security needs today and in the future. And because the security and operational challenges at a university, small hotel or hospital are not the same as those faced by a public building or corporate HQ, the Incedo ecosystem will introduce new, advanced user interfaces for the specific industry. “Incedo Business transforms the experience of using and managing a building. It is also the seed from which our revolutionary Incedo ecosystem will grow in the months and years ahead,” says Stephanie Ordan, VP Digital and Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEA. “A future where doors are smarter, connectivity and movement are seamless, and access management is genuinely intelligent. This is our vision for Incedo and for those who will be using it.” Incedo™ Business embodies ASSA ABLOY’s vision to create a safer and more open world, keeping everyone on the move. Together. To learn more and download a free solution guide, visit https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/Incedo-business

ASSA ABLOY has acquired International Door Products (“IDP”), a US manufacturer of standard and custom fire-rated steel door frames. "I am very pleased to welcome IDP to ASSA ABLOY. This acquisition delivers on our strategy to strengthen our position in mature markets through adding complementary products and solutions to our core business,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.  "This acquisition marks an exciting milestone for ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas as we welcome International Door Products Inc. into our family," says Lucas Boselli, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of the Americas Division.  Broader range of solutions "This acquisition allows us to offer an even broader range of solutions to our customers. IDP’s premium product portfolio and rapid lead times complement our existing capabilities, ensuring we can meet the evolving needs of construction markets with speed and excellence," continued Lucas Boselli. IDP was founded in 1977 and has some 80 employees. The main office and factory are located in Southfield, Michigan, USA. Sales for 2024 amounted to about MUSD 29 (approx. MSEK 300) with a strong EBIT margin. The acquisition will be accretive to EPS from the start.

In today’s connected world, attacks are more likely to target digital than physical entry points. From ransomware and firmware tampering to remote hijacking, AI-driven phishing and automated vulnerability discovery, the nature of threats is evolving rapidly, and no industry can afford to neglect them. As our industry has moved from mainly mechanical to increasingly digital solutions, we have long recognised the importance of constantly monitoring and assessing the risks we face. This means not only meeting mandatory regulations but also voluntarily adopting international standards such as ISO 27001, which protects data and systems through a structured and independently audited framework. Today’s fast-changing risk environment is also why the EU introduced the Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) – to raise the bar for cybersecurity across Europe. But what do measures like NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) mean in practice? How does the rise of AI fit in? And most importantly, what should our industry be doing to stay secure in such an unpredictable digital landscape? The new regulations Compliance is not just about meeting regulations, it is also a competitive advantage NIS2 is reshaping cybersecurity expectations by setting higher standards to reduce risk, improve transparency, and protect data and services. Alongside it, the CRA introduces mandatory requirements for products with digital components. This makes “secure by design,” regular updates, and compliance checks essential before products can enter the EU market. For companies in our industry, responsibilities now extend well beyond internal systems. Organisations must also ensure that suppliers and service providers comply, with regular risk assessments forming a central part of the process. The consequences of falling short are severe, ranging from significant fines and audits to the potential withdrawal of products from the market. For our customers, the message is clear: security must be built in from the start. Compliance is not just about meeting regulations, it is also a competitive advantage. At ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA, security is part of our DNA.  We embed these standards into everything we do, giving customers solutions they can trust to be compliant and resilient.  The rise of AI  Artificial intelligence is transforming the digital security landscape and it cannot be separated from the regulatory framework shaping our industry. With AI advancing rapidly and new regulations coming into force, we have established a digital compliance framework to stay ahead of the curve and use AI as an enabler for improving security and achieving compliance. On one hand, AI brings powerful benefits, including more intelligent monitoring, faster anomaly detection, and smarter tools for operational efficiency. These capabilities directly support NIS2 and the CRA, particularly in the areas of proactive risk management and incident response.  AI and building cybersecurity standards On the other hand, AI introduces new risks. The attack surface is expanding and threats such as deepfakes and smarter phishing create serious threats that regulators are determined to address. Both NIS2 and the CRA emphasise continuous monitoring, transparency and accountability, principles that must now also guide the responsible use of AI.    At ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA, we see AI not just as a risk to mitigate, but as a capability to strengthen resilience and trust. That is why we are embedding strong governance practices around AI and building cybersecurity standards into every stage of product development. By doing so, we help our customers align with new regulations while ensuring AI serves as a tool for greater security and confidence. Trust and compliance Beyond our own operations, we are also committed to supporting customers on their compliance journey At ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA, we are taking NIS2, the CRA and the rise of cyber-threats seriously, ensuring compliance and enhancing trust with all our customers. We have reinforced supplier oversight, streamlined incident reporting, and embedded cybersecurity into every stage of product development and lifecycle management. Our teams also conduct ongoing risk assessments and post-incident reviews, ensuring that lessons are learned and improvements are made. By taking these steps, we not only meet regulatory requirements but strengthen the resilience of our supply chain and the trust customers place in us. Beyond our own operations, we are also committed to supporting customers on their compliance journey. Initiatives such as our recently released whitepaper “Enhancing Cyber–Physical Resilience with Digital Access Solutions” and a detailed NIS2 whitepaper developed in Germany last year provide clear, practical guidance. By showing what these regulations mean in practice and how intelligent access solutions can directly support compliance, we aim to make the path forward less complex and more achievable for our customers. Looking ahead The days when security threats to businesses and products were only physical are long passed. Today, we find ourselves in a world where the digital realm poses even more serious and constantly evolving challenges. It is therefore crucial that, as an industry, we take the necessary steps to meet the directives of NIS2 and the CRA and also constantly monitor the rise of AI. Only by doing so can we protect our customers, preserve our reputations, and build the trust that defines true leadership in security.

When it comes to protecting the environment, the security industry has historically been perched on the sidelines. For instance, the amount of electricity that physical security systems use is minimal when compared to the total energy usage in a typical building. However, as awareness of environmental issues has surged, and as some of the "low-hanging fruit" has been harvested, attention has come back to opportunities for additional, if small, savings. The lifecycles of security products are also being more closely examined, including the environmental impact of using plastics and other chemicals. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the security industry contribute to protecting the environment?

If you were to ask people outside our industry what door and access security entails, chances are their answers would reflect their common encounters with locks, security guards, cameras, and maybe metal detectors, badges, or automatic doors. But if they were curious enough, they’d probably be astounded to learn how extensive, intricate, and interesting the business can be and, of course, how vital it is to life safety, physical security, and cybersecurity.   Integrated, interoperable solutions They’d also discover that it’s not just about levers, deadbolts, and other products. Instead, it’s a system of many systems, integrated, interoperable security solutions that cover everything from access control, video surveillance, fire alarms, and communications to server rooms, IT networks, energy efficiency, and more.    Partnerships to keep up with changing needs A manufacturer’s support of their customers is how prepared they are to respond with high-quality advice Integral to the future success of the openings solutions industry is how well manufacturers and security experts keep up with the changing threat landscape and their customers’ evolving needs. Part of a manufacturer’s support of their customers is how prepared they are to respond with high-quality advice, service, and innovations that address the questions and concerns that arise.   That’s why more developers, designers, and end-users alike are leaning on partnerships with visionary manufacturing companies and systems integrators who proactively keep their ear to the ground and an eye on the future.  Caution: curves ahead  As we look toward that future here in North America, there will always be forces of change to contend with and the accompanying impact on people’s safety, security, health, and livelihoods that our industry will need to address. The forces range from the incessantly unfolding threat scenarios in our country and the world’s geo-political dynamics to climate change and a host of other shifting factors, including the ways we want to work post-pandemic.  Bypassing tailored approach Commoditisation poses risks to customised systems integration, good design, the environment Like many industries, ours has seen a change in the level of commoditisation in recent years. While this may give some customers access to cheaper door products in the short term, it usually means bypassing a tailored and more effective approach to security solutions that better meet risk assessment needs for the long haul. It can also get in the way of fulfilling a customer’s forward-thinking requirements for sustainable and aesthetic building materials.   In other words, commoditisation, with its tendency toward “sameness” and dependency on less sustainable, corner-cutting materials and processes, poses risks to customised systems integration, good design, the environment, and potentially security itself.   Change for the better  Fortunately, change has its upside, especially as it applies to innovation, the counterforce to commoditisation. It’s the primary reason why progressive architects, integrators, and security professionals in North America keep gravitating to manufacturers with the instincts and resources to make bold investments in people, new ideas, and processes that produce advanced, planet-friendly solutions.   From our view of the door security industry, sustainability will be a central component of innovation from here on out, where the development of new solutions and products is guided by practices and values that reduce their environmental footprint and increase their positive impact.   Sustainably-made solutions Transparency in the form of documentation and third-party certifications to back up sustainability claims Along with being a top-down priority for certain manufacturers, sustainably made solutions and products are in higher demand than ever from the design, building, security, and end-user communities. They want to know about the carbon footprint and health impact of product ingredients, their recyclability, and how responsibly things are being made, packaged, and delivered. And they expect transparency in the form of documentation and third-party certifications to back up sustainability claims.   Resilience Along with sustainability, a greater focus on resilience has emerged. Climate change is being looked at as a key contributor to the increase in wildfires and the intensity of windstorms and flooding. There will continue to be an expanding need moving forward for FEMA-rated storm shelters, fire- and water-resistive doors, and even blast-resistant openings for certain locations.  On the near horizon  Facial recognition has long been in use in government and other high-security applications The door security industry is also seeing a fusion of technologies, including newer touchless/contactless opening solutions that incorporate improved biometric access credentials like facial recognition.   Facial recognition has long been in use in government and other high-security applications, and we’re starting to see more adoption and willingness to use advanced biometrics devices for door access. Video sensing data and analytics Fortunately, there are new strides regarding the transparency of the algorithms relating to facial recognition. Reassurances about the prevention of bias will help further that adoption.   Voice and video will also soon become more prevalent for building and security management by using video sensing data and analytics to inform door security solutions. These developments often stem from the convergence of application engineering and systems integration.  Application engineering  It also advances the de-commoditisation of security and access control solutions Openings solutions innovators and manufacturers receive vital feedback and insight from both channel partners and customers about the characteristics of a vertical market and/or region. Not only does this partnership require trust and close working relationships, but it yields near and longer-term advantages to all participants. It also advances the de-commoditisation of security and access control solutions.  Serving underserved communities  Smaller businesses need to manage the security and safety of their personnel and assets just as larger operations do. The challenge has been how to offer the right fit of robust door security solutions that also fit these organisations’ budgets.   Historically, they’ve been caught between having to choose an enterprise system that would provide the security they need but comes with a high price tag or settling for mechanical locking doors and a fire alarm system that will at least satisfy a certificate of occupancy requirement.  Smart lock system Many small business owners want technology that’s simple to install, even DIY in some cases Many small business owners would like to add a smart lock system to enhance their company’s security which also gives them the flexibility to issue mobile credentials and manage employee and visitor access remotely. Ultimately, they’re looking for a higher level of functionality than what’s available at the low end but something with far less infrastructure and at a lower cost than what’s inherent with higher-end solutions. They also want technology that’s simple to install, even DIY in some cases.   Scalable electronic access control Supporting these underserved customers requires developing scaled solutions to match the fewer doors, employees, and amount of space that smaller businesses need. This unique approach to electronic access control is new, but it’s already proving to be successful in helping organisations better manage their time, resources, and security.  Training  The need for expanded solutions awareness, product knowledge, and installation training is also growing The need for expanded solutions awareness, product knowledge, and installation training is also growing. Retirements and other changes within the locksmithing, systems integration, and facilities management sectors continue to affect how our industry needs to recruit, develop, and retain talent. So do technological advancements in electronic access control and door security hardware overall.  Change, innovation, and learning A manufacturer or organisation that can offer comprehensive training led by seasoned professionals will go a long way toward expediting the onboarding of new hires and providing continuing education for experienced professionals at all levels and from all disciplines connected to safety and security.  Ultimately, door security experts and companies who embrace change, innovation, and learning will gain the extra edge customers are always looking for to add value to their investments in security.