Door access control

Gira, one of the global full-range suppliers of intelligent system solutions for building management, make light and blind control easy with the launch of its brand new and highly informative instructional video for the Gira System 3000. The Gira System 3000 is an advanced blind and light control system that one can control in their home with the touch of a button, conveniently controlled through the Gira App or Display timer. Smart technology in home has never been easier, more convenient or eco conscious: helping one to save on utility bills by lowering the blinds and minimising potential heat loss when needed. The System 3000 blind control customised time program is also available with an astro function for added convenienceWith the option to control either manually or automatically, one can store their own personal blind control settings at the push of a button: spanning movement times for all seven days or customised separately for weekdays and the weekend via the menu. Dynamically adapt to weather changes The System 3000 blind control customised time program is also available with an astro function for added convenience. The integrated astro function makes it possible to dynamically adapt to changes in sun position and light phase automatically: sunrise and sunset and the changeover between summer and winter season. Did you know that statistically, illuminated and/or lived-in properties are less likely to be burgled? Gira gives special importance to high levels of functionality with a view to increase build security with 21st century intelligence. For example, the Gira System 3000 makes it possible for one's home to mimic habitation by opening/closing the blinds: ideal when planning a long holiday, business trip or the property is a second home. Controlling the blinds via Gira App The Gira System 3000 operating top unit memory can store both an individual intermediate position and a time for raising and loweringIn addition, the Gira System 3000 operating top unit memory can store both an individual intermediate position and a time for raising and lowering. If Memory Mode is activated, both functions are repeated in a 24-hour cycle. In Night Mode, the status and function LED are not permanently illuminated: meaning a more comfortable, unbroken sleep! For even more user convenience, Gira recommends to download the Gira App so one can control the blinds and lighting from the comfort of their sofa or remotely, via a smart phone or tablet. The operating unit is bluetooth enabled, and the App has a clear display and a large screen that is perfect for keeping control of all the settings: as it easy to copy programmes from other units that have already been created. Making lives easier and convenient Mark Booth, Managing Director at Gira UK Ltd, comments “We have a notable aptitude for perfecting both form and function, but above all else, making lives a little easier, more convenient and safer for our customers. As a result, our highly intuitive and intelligent systems have been designed to create a working brain in your home so that it starts to enrich your lifestyle, personal preferences and daily routine.” All this can be achieved at the push of a button and features include: Illuminated digital display Five operating top units Touch sensitive display Blind timer for ease of use Separate program settings available Simple button controls Bluetooth enabled Personalisation Astro setting Memory mode

Johnson Controls announces the release of Metasys 10.0, designed to deliver more unified building management. This latest Metasys release provides facility personnel with smarter building automation, faster responses to critical alarms and new integrations with fire detection, security and lighting systems – all with visibility from a single common interface. Metasys 10.0 integrations Metasys 10.0 introduces a new and improved set of integrations. These include new integrations with C·CURE 9000 Access Control and victor Video Management Systems, and simpler integrations with SIMPLEX Fire Systems and with lighting systems from leading lighting providers. “Metasys has always delivered a strong integrations platform, but we’re really excited about how easy we’re making it for customers to integrate both HVAC and non-HVAC systems into Metasys 10.0,” said Chris Eichmann, vice president and general manager, Global Controls Products, Johnson Controls. “Providing our customers with access to critical system data from a single, intuitively-designed interface makes it faster and easier for them to do their jobs. We’re seeing some great early successes at sites like Georgia-Pacific in Atlanta.” Metasys Application Programming Interface Metasys API enables data to be securely extracted from Metasys 10.0 and integrated with Johnson Controls or third-party data visualisation tools for robust data analysis A new Metasys Application Programming Interface (API) enables data to be securely extracted from Metasys 10.0 and integrated with Johnson Controls or third-party data visualisation tools for robust data analysis and reporting. Several new hardware devices were also added to Metasys 10.0, including: Two new equipment controllers with removable screw terminal blocks for easy installation, high capacity memory and fast processing A new 4-in-1 network sensor series with the ability to sense temperature, humidity, CO2 and occupancy – all with one sensor A new TEC3000 thermostat controller with color touchscreen Metasys User Interface (UI) Another innovative feature is Ethernet ring topology support for Metasys IP equipment controllers. Delivered as part of Johnson Controls’ collaboration with Cisco, it allows controllers to be configured in a ring network, improving system reliability and resiliency. As part of the new Metasys release, the Metasys User Interface (UI) introduces several new features that reduce operators’ time on task. A key feature is the ability for users to schedule reports to be delivered via email and save and execute report templates on demand, reducing time spent configuring and providing reports. Efficient building management and automation For more than a quarter century, Metasys building automation has delivered consistent results to meet even the most complex building management needs. This new major release keeps today’s buildings on top of change, with all the Metasys benefits one expects, including: Operational savings through extended building management capabilities and enhanced productivity Energy savings through coordinated control, precise data and peak equipment performance IT and platform security through best-practice processes Faster troubleshooting and response through advanced diagnostics Greater occupant comfort, security and satisfaction

Live Earth, an advanced data visualisation platform for directing and monitoring complex business and security operations, has partnered with HERE, the Open Location Platform that provides advanced location intelligence, to improve operations and safety measures across indoor venues. Through this partnership, organisations will be able to integrate HERE Venue’s detailed floor plans with a variety of assets that include sensors, door access controls and security cameras. The ability to marry detailed maps and monitoring tools with the Live Earth platform will provide venues and building owners the ability to track resources throughout the premises with far greater accuracy than was previously available. Enhancing safety measures for organisations Live Earth and HERE Venue’s integrated system improves outdated surveillance and security systems by providing precise venue mapping“GIS technology has evolved and with the addition of HERE Venues, Live Earth’s platform capabilities now reach the indoors,” explained Craig Johnston, Live Earth’s VP of business development. “HERE Venue’s indoor mapping solution will add a critical layer to Live Earth’s visualisation platform, improving safety measures and monitoring for organisations.” Traditionally, venues have relied on surveillance footage and timestamps to monitor facilities. Live Earth and HERE Venue’s integrated system improves outdated surveillance and security systems by providing precise venue mapping layered with data that can be monitored within the context of a larger building. If unauthorised access should arise, for example, security personnel can immediately pinpoint an exact location and map the quickest way to address the threat. The combined technology enables faster response times during critical situations when every second counts. Improving building efficiency The integration offers building managers and maintenance teams the opportunity to improve building efficiency“It’s one thing to drop a pin in a map and call it a security camera. It’s quite another to drop that pin, then have the ability to access the asset that pin represents, understand its data and understand the context of what’s going in and around that pin’s space,” Jim Leflar, manager, Venues Marketplace at HERE said. “This is where HERE and Live Earth’s collaboration offers a powerful use case to customers and building owners.” In addition to security and public safety, the integration offers building managers and maintenance teams the opportunity to improve building efficiency. Building managers can set up alerts to a host of data including asset maintenance, grounds keeping, vandalism, Direct Digital Controls and fire alarms. The combined insight provided by Live Earth and HERE has the potential to reduce overall maintenance costs as well as protect valuable investments in the property.

ASSA ABLOY Electronic Security Hardware and ASSA ABLOY Group brand Adams Rite announces the release of the HES 9800 and Adams Rite 7800 Electric Strike. The HES 9800/Adams Rite 7800 Series is a low-profile, surface mounted electric strike designed specifically to work with the Adams Rite 8800 & 8700 Series Narrow Stile Rim Exit Devices and the EX88 Interlocking Rim Exit Device. As the only electric strike compatible with the unique Adams Rite Starwheel and Interlocking latching mechanism, the new HES 9800/Adams Rite 7800 easily electrifies openings on aluminium storefronts, commercial perimeter doors and high-occupancy commercial facilities, and provides an electrification option for the Adams Rite EX88. Dedicated power supply “As one product offered by both legacy brands, the HES 9800/Adams Rite 7800 Electric Strike extends ASSA ABLOY’s commitment to provide more electric strike solutions for more applications,” explained Matt Branson, Product Manager, ASSA ABLOY Electronic Security Hardware. “Customers loyal to either HES or Adams Rite can use the HES 9800 or Adams Rite 7800 as a cost-effective way to upgrade an opening from mechanical to electrical. With no need for door modification, a dedicated power supply or wire transfers, there is less labour time spent installing the hardware.” The HES 9800 Electric Strike expands the HES 9000 Family of surface mounted electric strikes to offer a new option to easily electrify a retrofit project HES products lead the access control industry with electric strikes for any type of lockset application. The HES 9800 Electric Strike expands the HES 9000 Family of surface mounted electric strikes to offer a new option to easily electrify a retrofit project that utilises Adams Rite Starwheel or Interlocking rim exit devices. Cost-effective solution Adams Rite is the Aluminium Hardware Authority, specialising in door and door hardware solutions for narrow stile aluminium applications. The Adams Rite 7800 Electric Strike is designed to offer an electrification option for narrow stile aluminium applications that require a life-safety rim exit device. The Adams Rite 7800 Electric Strike adds a no-cut surface mounted electric strike to the product portfolio, providing loyal Adams Rite customers with a cost-effective solution to electrify the Adams Rite EX88 Exit Device. The HES 9800/Adams Rite 7800 exceeds Grade 1 standards for strength and performance. All functions are performed within the ½” thick strike body, which is protected by a sleek stainless steel cover to conceal the mounting screws and provide the most aesthetic appearance. The HES 9800/Adams Rite 7800 is dual voltage, field selectable for fail secure or fail safe operation, and comes with one 1/16” and one 1/8” spacer plate to accommodate varying door gaps.

Professionals visiting Airport IT & Security 2018 are invited to attend a seminar on how to optimise data from disparate systems in order to boost efficiency, improve passenger experience, and maximise investment in technology. In line with airport digitisation and unified operational centre trends, the session (14:10, Wednesday 5th December, Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol) will look at how command and control software can be used to integrate and contextualise data from a wide range of systems, sensors, and devices, to deliver airport-wide situational intelligence. Learning automation software capabilities Delegates will learn how interoperability and automation software capabilities can be used to action intelligence more efficientlyDuring the ‘Keeping Pace with the Challenges of Security and Operational Efficiency’ seminar, delegates will also learn how interoperability and automation software capabilities can be used to action intelligence more efficiently. Leading the seminar will be Greg Alcorn, Divisional Director, Transport & Infrastructure at Synectics ‒ the global surveillance business responsible for developing integrated solutions such as the award-nominated security management platform employed by Terminal 3 at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Trialling and implementing new technologies He commented: “Airports have always been pioneers when it comes to trialling and implementing new technologies, from biometrics, video analytics, and security scanning, to automated check-in, and passenger information solutions. But these systems and devices are usually deployed and managed in isolation. “The problem with this approach is that it creates benefit gaps; data from individual systems that could potentially provide greater context and insight simply falls through the cracks. Ultimately, this means airports aren’t getting maximum benefit from the data generated from the technologies they invest in and could be missing out on the opportunity to improve processes key to safety, security KPIs, and ultimately passenger satisfaction. “It is an issue that can be solved by bringing everything together into an integrated and interoperable command and control environment ‒ that’s what this session will explore.” Synergy 3 command and control solution In most cases, what’s actually meant is IA (Intelligent Automation), which is good news, because this is being fully deployed right now"Synectics (Stand 14) will also be delivering live demonstrations of its Synergy 3 command and control solution. These will show how estate-wide insight gained from unifying data can be paired with software features such as dynamic workflows in order to help airports implement digitisation and automation strategies, though not necessarily artificial intelligence. Alcorn explained: “There’s a lot of talk about how AI can and should be adopted by airports to improve specific operational aspects – especially around security – and it is becoming a valuable tool for operational support. In most cases, however, what’s actually meant is IA (Intelligent Automation), which is good news, because this is being fully deployed right now. Auto-search video footage using analytics “For instance, by integrating live data sources – including responses from operators prompted using questions based on the specific circumstances detected – an interoperable command and control solution knows to automatically dispatch additional staff to check-in because queues are exceeding specific lengths and a nearby traffic accident is likely to result in a lot of last-minute arrivals. Automated procedures can be initiated to override access control doors and initiate area lockdowns" “In an alternative scenario where a child has been reported missing, the solution can recognise the distinguishing factors ‒ such as the colour of a jumper or backpack ‒ to auto-search video footage using analytics. It can then simultaneously present the live footage to control room operators for visual verification, alert the nearest security staff, and push the relevant footage and location to their mobile device.” Securing authorised personnel-only zone “From a security perspective, automated procedures can be initiated to override access control doors and initiate area lockdowns when facial recognition and ID used don’t match in an authorised personnel-only zone. This kind of intelligent automation is what’s possible when the right integration, interoperability, and rules are applied to unified data.” Visitors to the Synectics stand will also discover how platforms such as Synergy 3 can be used to help airports collaborate more closely with third parties, for example by supporting secure, real-time evidence sharing and automated communications with emergency services, government agencies, customs units, police, local authorities, and connecting transport providers. 

Matrix is gearing up for participation in the 12th edition of The International Fire & Security Exhibition and Conference (IFSEC) India Expo. The company will be launching their latest time-attendance and access control device COSEC ARGO, along with exhibiting the new people mobility management and video surveillance solutions. COSEC ARGO access control device At the event, Matrix will be unveiling COSEC ARGO, the company’s latest high performance, design and engineering wonder, equipped with an enhanced IPS LCD touchscreen for a visually splendid experience. The addition of Gorilla glass calls for enhanced toughness. This device has higher processing speed, wall and flush mounting options, and increased fingerprint and event storage capacity. It is specifically designed for serious time-attendance and access control applications. Furthermore, this device offers multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, PoE, and USB. Also, IP65 and IK08 certifications makes it suitable for challenging and outdoor installations. NETRA IP cameras and NVRX NVRs Matrix will be demonstrating their high-end, standalone access control solution and new aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system Matrix will be demonstrating their high-end, standalone access control solution and new aadhaar-enabled biometric attendance system. They will also be elaborating on their latest cloud-based time-attendance solution. The video surveillance solutions expert will also be talking about the latest parking management solution, which is fast developing a reputation to easily solve parking woes faced by multi-national organisations. The company’s flagship enterprise-grade IP cameras – NETRA will also be exhibited at the event. NVRX, the high-tech network video recorders, and video management software are also slated to be highlights of the event. “IFSEC is South Asia’s largest security, civil protection and fire safety show, which in turn provides us with a platform to expand our ties with industry experts and system integrators. The event also serves as a great stage for highlighting our well-engineered solutions. We aim to use this opportunity to expand our network and spread word about our technologically advanced Security solutions”, commented Ganesh Jivani, Managing Director, Matrix Comsec.

The basic principles of access control are well established: only authorised people should have access to secure areas, only at times that can be defined in advance, and only within a system that can identify exactly who went where, and when. Traditional mechanical lock-and-key systems cannot accomplish this — at least, not without loading a huge admin burden onto security staff. But modern, electronic wireless access control has the flexibility to achieve it. What criteria determine the right sort of access control for your organisation? It makes sense to assess what is desirable against what is affordable or available in the electronic access control market today. Asking yourself these 5 questions will lead to a wise investment in the right technology: Wireless locks like Aperio work seamlessly with existing systems from over 100 different access control providersDo you want to extend your existing system, or begin from scratch? You are not stuck with locks chosen by a previous management team. Security needs change. Wireless locks like Aperio, for example, work seamlessly with existing systems from over 100 different access control providers, integrated online or offline. You will save time and money extending your current system with a technology like Aperio and users can continue with their existing credentials. Going forward, it makes sense to choose locks built using open architecture, for added flexibility and to future-proof your next investment. Who are the site users and what kind of credentials suit their needs? In many industries, access to premises is required by permanent staff and short-term contractors: your access system needs to be flexible. Different systems offer credentials stored on cards and fobs, or on programmable, battery-powered keys. For example, the new Openow app for SMARTair wireless locking converts a user’s smartphone into a virtual key. You issue and revoke user keys using the intuitive software, an efficient, flexible mobile management solution. What is the structure of the site (or sites) you protect? You will need different locks for high-traffic and low-traffic doors, indoor and outdoor use. Almost everywhere, wireless locks are much easier to install and to maintain than traditional wired magnetic locks — and more cost-effective to run. Certified wireless security locks provide extra protection for sensitive areas needing stringent standards. If you have a mobile workforce or manage dispersed sites, consider the credential management practicalities. For example, programmable keys that are easy to update with a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app — like ASSA ABLOY’s CLIQ Connect solution — will save your staff time and money. For outdoor access points, you will need gate locks or padlocks certified for operation in extreme conditions Do you want to secure more than just doors? Some wireless systems have locks for cabinets, machines, windows and even server racks (handy if you want an extra layer of control over co-located servers). There will be workflow advantages in monitoring these ‘non-doors’ — medicine stores, for example, or car parks or lifts — from the same admin interface as your doors. Site users will appreciate the convenience of carrying one credential for every access need. For outdoor access points, you will need gate locks or padlocks certified for operation in extreme conditions. For example, CLIQ mechatronic padlocks are currently deployed outdoors at utility sites in Scandinavia and supermarkets in East Africa. Do you need real-time capabilities? Choose an Online system and you can manage and amend access control doors at any time and from anywhere, using the admin software. You can monitor sensitive areas like medicine stores remotely and in real time, and can revoke access rights if a user credential gets lost. In an emergency, remote locking or unlocking of an entrance could be critical. Aperio wireless locks, for example, are integrated with online electronic access and real-time monitoring systems in hospitals, manufacturing plants and student halls of residence. With some systems, including SMARTair, you can combine ‘Update on Card’ and Online updating for different doors within the same installation. The CLIQ Connect app and programmable keys make real-time control over remote sites or teams possible. Wireless access control offers a compelling mix of audit compliance, easy installation, cost efficiency, and seamless integration. It makes life easier for security managers, and is deployed in premises as diverse as power plants and co-working spaces; museums and care homes; banks, schools and skyscrapers.

Market dynamics are changing the U.S. residential security market, creating new business models that better appeal to the approximately 70% of households without a security system. Smart home adjacencies have helped revitalise the traditional security industry, and alternative approaches to systems and monitoring for the security industry are emerging, including a new batch of DIY systems. Growth in the residential security market and its position as the channel for smart home solutions have attracted numerous new entrants. Telecoms, cable operators, and CE (consumer electronics) manufacturers are joining traditional security players as they compete to fulfill consumer demand for safety and security. Connected products also provide a layer of competition as consumers must decide whether having category devices such as doorbell video cameras, networked cameras, and other products suffice for their security. Increasingly competitive landscape Smart home services can provide additional revenue streams for the security industry For instance, IP cameras are a highly popular smart home device rooted in security, and Parks Associates estimates 7.7 million standalone and all-in-one networked/IP cameras will be sold in the U.S. in 2018, with $889M in revenues. Product owners may feel their security needs are fulfilled with this single purchase, as such dealers and service providers are under increasing pressure to communicate their value proposition to consumers. Categorically, each type of player is facing competition uniquely—national, regional, and local dealers all have a different strategy for overcoming the increasingly competitive landscape. Smart home services can provide additional revenue streams for the security industry. In Parks Associates’ 2017 survey of U.S. security dealers, 58% report that smart home service capabilities enable extra monthly revenue. Almost half of dealers also note they have to offer smart home devices and services in order to keep up with their competition. While white-label devices are acceptable in some instances, dealers need to integrate with hero products whenever possible when those exist for a category. For dealers who have added smart home devices and services are all potential benefits and good for business Improved customer engagement That 2017 survey also revealed 36% of security dealers that offer interactive services report security system sales with a networked camera and 16% report sales with a smart thermostat. For dealers who have added smart home devices and services, enhanced system utility, increased daily value, and improved customer engagement with the system are all potential benefits and good for business. Security has served as the most productive channel for smart home solutions, mainly because the products create natural extensions of a security system’s functions and benefits, but as smart home devices, subsystems, and controllers expand their functionality, availability, and DIY capabilities, many standalone devices constitute competition to classical security. Particularly viable substitute devices include IP cameras, smart door locks, smart garage doors, or a combination of these devices. Products that are self-installed offer both convenience and cost savings, and these drivers are significant among DIY consumers—among the 6% of broadband households that installed a security system themselves, 39% did it to save money. Enhance traditional security Self-installable smart home devices may resonate with a segment of the market who want security While many security dealers believe substitute offerings are a threat, some dealers do not find such devices an existential threat but instead view them as another path to consumer awareness. They argue that the difference between smart product substitutes and traditional security is that of a solution that provides knowledge versus a system that gives one the ability to act on that knowledge. A common theme among professional monitoring providers is that a homeowner who is aware of events happening in the home does not necessarily have a secure and protected household. For example, a Nest camera, a DIY product, notifies a consumer via smartphone about events in the home when it detects motion, but only when the notification is opened and identified will a consumer be able to act on the related event. Self-installable smart home devices may resonate with a segment of the market who want security but are unwilling to adopt professional monitoring; however, providers can leverage these devices to enhance traditional security features and communicate the value of professional monitoring. Smart home devices and features, while posing a threat to some security companies, are a potential way forward to increased market growth Increased market growth A key counterstrategy for security dealers and companies is to leverage their current, powerful role as the prime channel for smart home devices. Many security dealers now include smart home devices with their security systems to complement their offerings and increase system engagement. For example, as of Q4 2017, nearly 70% of U.S. broadband households that were very likely to purchase a security system in the next 12 months reported that they want a camera to be included as part of their security system purchase. In response, many security system providers now offer IP cameras as optional enhancements for their systems. Smart home devices and features, while posing a threat to some security companies, are a potential way forward to increased market growth. Security dealers have an opportunity to become more than a security provider but a smart home solutions provider rooted in safety. Provide status updates Comcast has entered both the professionally monitored security market and the market for smart home services The alternative is to position as a provider of basic security with low price as the key differentiator. Comcast has entered both the professionally monitored security market and the market for smart home services independent of security. It has discovered that monetising smart home value propositions through recurring revenue becomes increasingly challenging as the value extends further away from life safety. Since the security industry remains the main channel for smart home services, security dealers are in a unique position to leverage that strength. Value propositions must shift from the traditional arming and disarming of a system to peace-of-mind experiences that builds off the benefits of smart devices in the home to provide status updates (e.g., if the kids arrived home safely) and monitoring at will (e.g., checking home status at any time to see a pet or monitor a package delivery). These types of clear value propositions and compelling use cases, which resonate with consumer and motivate them to expand beyond standalone products, will help expand the home security market.

Whether you are a veteran in the access control world or have never installed a card reader before, there are always ways to increase profits in the ever-evolving world of access control. The hope is that by considering a few key focal points, you can find ways to increase market share. Whether we are releasing an electronic lock through a simple intercom button or using biometric and multi-authentication based on a database; the tactics for bringing on more revenue is the same. Learning to focus on a few key items can help open up opportunities. Business access controls Understanding vertical markets is a strong strategy for success in increasing your profits with access controlIf you are new to access control, it’s important to determine the right product offerings for your business model and experience level of your team. Mistakes in estimating or installing can be costly and complex. Take advantage of manufacturer training both online and in the classroom for both your sales team and installation department. It’s important to understand the fire and building codes in your area to make sure you design the proper solution for your customers. Furthermore, understanding the products, components and proper wiring can save you money in labour and materials.  Today we will look at four focus points: vertical markets, cloud-based access control, technology upgrades, and preventative maintenance and service agreements. These four focal points are simple to implement and can be easily added to your current operation. Vertical markets Understanding vertical markets is a strong strategy for success in increasing your profits with access control. The concept is that understanding a certain vertical and their security needs can increase your sales team’s marketability. If you spend your time focusing on the healthcare industry, for instance, you will see that HIPA requirements open doors for selling access control. Getting to know the regulatory concerns of different verticals is a great strategy for more effective sales Having logs of who entered your HR files room or patient records storage is a crucial part of addressing privacy concerns. Getting to know the regulatory concerns of different verticals is a great strategy for more effective sales.  Another example could be apartment communities or other multifamily dwellings. In this competitive marketplace, these complexes are looking for ways to stand out in their market. Knowing this and being able to offer amenities like secured locks with Bluetooth credentials that tenants can open with their smartphones is a selling point for you and for your customer. Building on each customer you contact within a vertical is like free sales and marketing training. The more you learn from each potential client, the more you increase your conversation starters for the next potential client. Cloud-based access control With the growing cloud-based access control market, integrators can find more opportunities in small businesses and vertical markets that typically wouldn’t be on the radar of your sales team. A typical card access system often makes the move from the traditional lock and key systems to electronic card access cost prohibitive. This is due to the large upfront costs for a server, software and annual licensing. With cloud access, integrators can offer less expensive upfront costs with low monthly subscription fees that cover all software updates, database backups, security patches and more. The real benefit for the integrator is the reoccurring revenue. By helping our clients save money on server, software and IT infrastructure costs, we are securing reoccurring revenue for our companies that increase our profitability. Building reoccurring revenue not only provides cash flow but also keeps your name on the top of the minds of your customer and that leads to additional sales. By helping clients save money on server, software and IT infrastructure costs, we are securing reoccurring revenue for companies that increase profitability Technology upgrades Another often overlooked opportunity is technology upgrades. Training your sales staff and even service technicians to watch out for clients with older technology can reap major benefits. When you bring new technology to your clients, you show another value that you bring to the table. Even if your client isn’t ready to make an upgrade, you can easily plant a seed that will get their minds and budgets rolling. An easy example is a customer with an older intercom door access system An easy example is a customer with an older intercom door access system. This may have met their needs 10 years ago when it was installed, but the office has grown and perhaps an integrated card access intercom system is a great technology upgrade. Bringing this to the customer will once again show that you are the “subject matter expert” and your customer will be more apt to refer you to their friends and colleagues. Another easy way to find technology upgrades is to dig through your ageing client list and build a list of potential targets that you have not visited lately. If you keep records of what was installed previously, it will make it easier to plan ahead and bring solutions to your next visit, saving your sales staff time and again building confidence with your clients. Preventive maintenance and service agreements One thing that sales teams often miss is the opportunity to add service agreements and preventative maintenance agreements. Even if a customer already has an access control system, they may not have a service provider and may be interested in securing a service agreement. Typically, a service agreement can be written to cover all parts and labour or just labour for an annual feeShowing the value of a service agreement is paramount, adding annual or semi-annual preventative maintenance to your service agreement is one way to add value. Inspecting locking mechanisms, request to exit motions and buttons, door status switches, headend equipment, batteries and power supplies, can save your customer from a costly after-hours service call or the inconvenience of a non-functioning access control system during business hours. Additionally, checking computer hardware and software logs for errors can save a customer from a catastrophic failure.  Typically, a service agreement can be written to cover all parts and labour or just labour for an annual fee. It is helpful to come up with a percentage of the install value that makes sense so that your sales team can easily quote a service agreement for your customer. Offering several levels of service also opens the table for negotiations. You can offer an “all parts and labour 24/7” or a “parts and labour M-F 8AM-4PM”, as an example. Offering guaranteed response times can also be a marketing strategy. Critical area access management Checking computer hardware and software logs for errors can save a customer from a catastrophic failureA 24-7 facility that has 200 employees moving in and out of critical areas may be a great potential customer for a high-level service agreement with semi-annual preventative maintenance and a guaranteed 4-hour response time. Where a small office that is only open during standard business hours may be better suited for a labour only M-F with annual preventative maintenance inspection. The point is that a creative, intentional, and focused approach to access control can yield the fruit that brings long-term success to your team. Building a plan and learning from each prospect, sale, and installation will develop a process that brings results. Attending a trade specific expo like ESX will give you the opportunity to meet with manufacturers and other integrators that can help you implement a product offering and strategy for success.

One of the biggest recent security divestitures in the news was the sale of Mercury Security to HID Global, which occurred around a year ago. The seller in that transaction was ACRE (Access Control Related Enterprises), also the parent company of Vanderbilt and ComNet. We recently spoke to founder and CEO Joe Grillo, a 30-year industry veteran, about the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) market, ACRE’s future, and new opportunities opened up by the Mercury sale. Q: What’s new with ACRE? Grillo: We have an opportunity to have organic growth and to have some scale on a global basis to be a decent size player" ACRE is a company I founded in 2012, and since then we have had six acquisitions and one divestiture. We’ll never focus on ACRE as a brand, but we currently have more visibility of ACRE as a parent company with our two strong brands, ComNet and Vanderbilt. Last year was a very busy year [with the sale of Mercury Security to HID Global] because it takes as long to sell a brand as to buy one, maybe more so. Q: What’s next? Grillo: What you are seeing from us this year is that we are again in a buying mode. No announcement yet, but we expect one by the end of the year. We are well-funded, have great partners, and see an opportunity to continue to grow acquisitively as our highly fragmented space of access control continues to consolidate. From the standpoint of ACRE, with the ComNet and Vanderbilt brands, we are also doing more integration on the backside – not what the customer sees. We will continue to grow toward a $200 million business. We were there when we owned Mercury, and we will get there again. We have an opportunity to have organic growth and to have some scale on a global basis to be a decent size player. Because ACRE are owned by a private equity company, we are brought into every opportunity: ComNet is a good example" Q: Do you see the M&A market being more competitive – more companies looking to acquire? Grillo: There’s a lot of money chasing not-so-many deals, so evaluations can get expanded. But as interest rates creep up, it is definitely a challenge to find the right valuation, the right financing and the right strategic fit. It is a very strategic market. Q: There have been some big acquisitions lately. Were you guys involved at all in evaluating those opportunities? Grillo: Because we are owned by a private equity company, we are brought into every opportunity. An example of that was ComNet. I would not have been aware that the founder passed away two years ago and that there was this opportunity to own the business. So we look at everything; anything that’s out there we look at. The biggest recent announcement in our world was S2 (being sold to UTC/Lenel), and, yeah, we looked at that. It didn’t fit our profile – it was too expensive. Great business, and it’ll be interesting to see how it fits into the UTC environment. There was also Isonas [which was recently sold to Allegion], but the size didn’t add enough scale, but I like the technology. ComNet sells communication networking solutions and products, which is more attractive than video systems for ACRE Q: So what are you looking for in an acquisition? Grillo: It’s hard for us to find something that moves the needle, and you have to find that right balance. Is it something we can digest and have the financing for, and also is there room on the back end? We are private equity-owned, so we know there will be an exit for our investors, too. So we have to find the right balance, good valuations, the right size and digestible. If you look at our acquisitions, we have done two “carve outs.” The Vanderbilt name didn’t exist until we bought the business from Ingersoll Rand, and then we bought the [intruder] business from Siemens. That’s how Vanderbilt came about. You get a lot of value when you carve out a business, but there’s a lot of work. In the case of Mercury or Access Control Technology (ACT) that we acquired; they were growing and profitable but they stretch your finances a lot more. So you have to find the right mix in there. Q: Does video interest ACRE at all? Grillo: We have to find the right balance, good valuations, the right size and digestible"ComNet is our video play. ComNet sells communication networking solutions and products, and 70 to 80 percent of that is used for video systems. But unlike cameras, which don’t interest us, it’s actually good margins, highly specialised repeat business and with good channel partners. So where are we going to play? Cameras – no (because of commoditisation). We have some recorder technology (from the Siemens acquisition) and we have the communication networking technology (with ComNet). On the software side, we have looked at a lot of the VMS companies, and a lot of them have been on the market. But the valuation expectations can be high because they are software companies. And we really believe in partnering as a good thing, too. If we integrate to Milestone or Salient or some of these companies, we will never lose an access control client because they chose a particular VMS. Q: ACRE is also looking to grow organically, isn’t it? Grillo: From a technology perspective, we are a product company and we are continuing to bring new products to the market with the ComNet communication networking business and the access control business. And in Europe, we have a third leg of the stool, which is the very successful intrusion and burgular alarm business we acquired from Siemens (SPC products now sold under the Vanderbilt brand). That business continues to do well and is now one of the highest performing segments in our portfolio.The intrusion and burgular alarm continues to do well and is now one of the highest performing segments in our portfolio" Q: But you don’t have to own a company to make it part of your solution. Grillo: An important word is integration. We have to integrate to all the wireless locks. We have to integrate to the VMS systems. But we don’t have to own them. Q: How has the Mercury Security divestiture impacted the rest of your business? Grillo: It has opened up the opportunity for us to look at Mercury partners as possible acquisition targets without worrying about conflicts with the very good business of Mercury. We have more flexibility now compared to the Mercury era. Q: How will the economic cycle impact the security market? Grillo: Interest rates are a much bigger issue than the overall economic cycle. We talk a lot about it with our owners – clearly interest rates are tightening up. If you go out to do acquisitions or to borrow money to do something with your business, it will be tougher than it was two years ago, and it may get worse in the next two years. Security is less impacted by the economic cycle than some industries.

When Linus Yale Sr. invented the pin tumbler cylinder lock, it was the start of an iconic security brand that would eventually be known all over the world. What began in a lock shop in Newport, New York, would eventually evolve into the global presence of the brand “Yale” that we know today. The Yale brand was purchased in August 2000 by the Swedish lock manufacturer ASSA ABLOY Group, which expanded Yale’s global presence in the ensuing years and recently has led the way into smart locks and building automation. This year, ASSA ABLOY is marking the 175th anniversary of the Yale brand. Global home security brand “People all over the world trust the brand to protect what they love most in their homes,” says Kate Clark, Managing Director of Yale EMEA at ASSA ABLOY. Although Yale has a successful commercial sector business in the United States, in the rest of the world Yale is a residential brand. The Yale brand is well known in 130 countries from Australia to the Czech Republic to Colombia, and is popular in Africa, too. In the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) market alone, Yale has around 20,000 products; that’s without counting products sold in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions. Yale is familiar as a generic term for “lock” in some areas and is one of the largest home security brands in the world. Expansion into digital locks Good old-fashioned cylinder locks still look nice and cost the right amount of money, so they are in demand “I think we stand for safety, quality and reliability, and that hasn’t changed,” says Clark. “It’s as important now as ever. We have tried to pioneer new technology in the industry, new innovations. The rate of acceleration has increased, and there are so many technologies we have to understand and work with.” Growing beyond its heritage in mechanical locking systems, Yale is now expanding into digital locks that can protect homes with a high level of security synonymous with the Yale brand. The current selection of locks includes partnerships with tech brands such as Nest Labs (Google) and Alexa (Amazon). There is a rapid acceleration of growth in the electro-mechanical lock market. But even as the focus expands to smart locks and partnerships with tech companies, Yale continues to dedicate time and resources to the design of their core mechanical products. Good old-fashioned cylinder locks still look nice and cost the right amount of money, so they are in demand. Yale padlocks and bike locks also keep the name top-of-mind. There’s an ongoing education process as home locks expand beyond the use of mechanical devices and even personal identification (PIN) codes. Beyond mechanical locks and PIN codes “It’s important for people to know that we have been around a long time, and we want to celebrate that,” says Clark. “It’s a fantastic story around the brand and what we have achieved. Internally we have a lot of people doing a lot of great things with the brand. We inspire people working with the brand and show them that this is the pedigree, and it should be cherished. We are also raising awareness among younger people, so they know that we are still relevant.” We have an obligation to show people that the new technologies are just as secure as mechanical locks" There’s an ongoing education process as home locks expand beyond the use of mechanical devices and even personal identification (PIN) codes. “We have to take people on a journey,” says Clark. “We have an obligation to show them that the new technologies are just as secure as mechanical locks. If we eliminate PIN codes, we have to do it in a secure and safe way. Then suddenly access to your home can be made available by a company you trust.” Smart home security “We have a responsibility to do our best job with the new technology – it’s wonderful, but it needs to be used correctly,” says Clark. “I personally feel a responsibility to do that in the right way.” For example, in working with Amazon and Alexa to remotely authorise the delivery of a parcel to a home, concerns of security must be weighed carefully along with issues of convenience. “It’s important that we get the balance right,” says Clark. “We need to know the right person is giving the right voice command to lock a lock. We have to be true to our core as ‘security first.’” Will Yale be here another 175 years? Clark says she doesn’t expect to be around to find out but will do her best to preserve and promote the brand until she hands it off to a new caretaker.

The last day of Global Security Exchange (GSX) in Las Vegas proved to be the calm after the storm. But a slower third day could not undermine a largely successful 2018 show for exhibitors and attendees. Sometimes the success of a trade show isn’t measured by numbers of attendees (which were reportedly down again this year). Sometimes it’s the individual successes that make an impression. “Just learning about this made the whole trip worthwhile,” said one GSX attendee at the Johnson Controls booth, referring to the company’s new PowerSeries Pro intrusion devices. It’s the kind of feedback that makes the expense of exhibiting at a big trade show worthwhile. The new PowerSeries Pro is an extension of Johnson Controls’ existing line that is expressly designed for the commercial security market. The ‘hybrid’ (wired or wireless) device offers ease of installation and full cybersecurity including 128bit AES encryption with spread spectrum for no jamming or interference. It employs frequency hopping technology first developed for the Israeli defence force. Wireless technology for cybersecurity PowerG eliminates the need for wires by providing ‘invisible wired technology’, a marketing term that emphasises the cybersecurity of the product PowerSeries Pro uses PowerG wireless technology and expands the portfolio of PowerG devices from residential through commercial. For use in a wired solution, the main advantage is ease of installation; terminal blocks ‘pop out’ easily and can be wired and plugged back in. Alternatively, PowerG eliminates the need for wires by providing ‘invisible wired technology’, a marketing term that emphasises the cybersecurity of the product – wireless at the same level of cybersecurity as wired. Johnson Controls addresses three big factors with the product line: cybersecurity, user control, and easy installation and dependability. It’s part of Johnson Controls’ broader approach to provide ‘one-stop shopping’, enabling an end user to control their environments, video and access, and protect their contents, according to the company. Need for more security in K-12 schools In addition to reaching end users, lock company Allegion sees the show as an opportunity to meet with technology partners. “It’s great to bring together a concentration of people in the industry,” said Brad Aikin, Channel Led Business Leader, Integrator Channel. “We have had good conversations with technology companies here at the show in terms of partnering, both physical access control and OEM partners. We have also had good conversations with the integrator channel.” From speaking with education end users at GSX, Aikin sees a large unmet need for security in K-12 schools, more so than in colleges and universities. “K-12 is underserved,” he says. “They need to identify their priority of needs, and now they can serve needs they couldn’t before, both layering levels of security and phasing in implementation over time. Now things can be applied and tried out without disrupting the environment.” An example is the Von Duprin RU RM (Remote Undogging and Remote Monitoring) door exit devices, which are being integrated by access control partners Sielox, IDenticard and Vanderbilt. Intelligence is added to the door exit device to enable inexpensive monitoring of secondary, previously unconnected doors. The doors can be monitored and locked or unlocked at various points in the day. Lock company Allegion sees the show as an opportunity to meet with technology partners Bridging the gap between IT and physical security One exhibitor – ADT – noticed more information technology (IT) professionals accompanying their physical security counterparts at this year’s GSX exhibition. “They come along to kill dreams on the spot,” said Morgan Harris, Senior Director Enterprise Solutions, noting the IT department’s frequent hesitancy to add untrustworthy elements to the network. ADT is looking to transform and expand its 144-year-old brand in the commercial security space and has completed eight acquisitions in the last year to accomplish the goal. Some of the acquisitions build on ADT’s expanding cybersecurity initiative, which is both a fully-functioning stand-alone business and an effort to bridge the divide between IT and physical security. ADT is positioning itself to manage enterprise risk in the broadest sense. Combining IT and cybersecurity The Internet of Things (IoT) is fuelling convergence but are we missing out on how to talk to each other and communicate effectively between IT and security?" “The Internet of Things (IoT) is fuelling convergence but are we missing out on how to talk to each other and communicate effectively between IT and security?” asked Harris. “Projects have failed because information was lost in translation.” ADT seeks to have skillsets, experience and certifications on both sides of the issue. “It enables us to be the in-between,” says Harris. “We can blend the two together and be the translator. It’s great for both sides, advocating for security counterparts and for the network simplifies deployment and processes.” Harris sees a trade-off between cybersecurity and convenience in the industry. For example, if a manufacturer says they have a simplified process and only offers firmware updates once a year, cybersecurity suffers, he said. Lack of third-party testing is another way that manufacturers sometimes trade cybersecurity for convenience, at heightened risk to integrators and end users. Training courses for integrators and partners Milestone Systems is expanding its level of involvement with integrator partners, and now provides Partner Business Reviews (PBR) to assess an integrator’s activities, sales and training, pipeline and marketing initiatives. The partner reviews often uncover issues that can be easily rectified through additional training, says Megan McHugh, Milestone’s Training Marketing Manager, Learning and Performance. Milestone uses a dashboard to track each integrator’s completed training courses and can point out additional courses needed to ensure an integrator partner’s success. Milestone offers a variety of in-person, e-learning and YouTube video courses to train installing partners, systems integrators and self-integrators on best practices Milestone offers a variety of in-person, e-learning and YouTube video courses (in 12 different languages) to train installing partners, systems integrators and self-integrators on best practices. ‘Cloud Labs’ are instructor-led online classes. All courses are linked to a variety of support resources. Sometimes a simple checklist accessed on a smart phone can ensure that every aspect of an install is performed and can instil added confidence in customers. The open platform company’s new agile development cycle – releasing multiple versions of XProtect software throughout the year – creates extra challenges to keep learning initiatives up to date. Along with each new release, various existing courses are updated. The concepts of “training and certification” are being replaced at Milestone with “learning and performance,” says McHugh. Milestone is also looking to hire 170 new R&D staff and open a new centre in Barcelona (in addition to current R&D centres in Copenhagen and Sofia, Bulgaria). Making camera installation easy Hanwha Techwin is another company that is seeing more interest in cybersecurity, as well as concern about whether a product is supported professionally. They have doubled-up production in South Korea and added capacity in Vietnam to avoid manufacturing in China. Thinking about their integrators, Hanwha Techwin is putting more emphasis on making installation easy. Installation costs may be up to 50 percent of a job, so easier installation frees up money to buy more or better cameras. With a new design of their cameras, an electrical contractor can now install the camera base and conduit, and then the integrator can easily plug in the camera later. Camera bases are common across multiple models, so a customer could switch out a 5-megapixel for a 2-megapixel camera later on if they want to (same housing plate). ‘Skins’ allow the colour of cameras to be changed to match surrounding décor. “We are changing the idea of how people approach selling a camera, and it’s a whole new idea of how to install cameras,” said Tom Cook, Senior Vice President, North American Sales, Hanwha Techwin. Hanwha cameras can include a sound classification analytic to detect sounds such as gunshots Cameras with sound detection technology Hanwha offers more flexibility in the field – interchangeable parts are packed together to enable configuration on site. And there is no need to stand on a ladder to position cameras; stepper motors help with remote camera positioning. Multi-sensor cameras have modules (combining lenses and sensors) that can be switched out at installation. Hanwha Techwin cameras can also include a sound classification analytic to detect sounds such as gunshots, screams or glass breaks, especially useful in K-12 education environments. Unification and the customer journey were a key emphasis for Genetec at GSX 2018. Unification for Genetec means combining multiple functions on one platform, from one vendor and using one source code. The company approaches the market by analysing each customer’s journey as it relates to Genetec products. A typical customer journey involves (1) a company looking for standalone systems; (2) the need to centralise systems through integration and unification; (3) increasing automation and workflow; and (4) adding intelligence for more informed decision-making. “Genetec wants to get more in-depth with customers, be more comfortable with their business, and understand their challenges,” said Derek Arcuri, Product Marketing Manager. “We want to get naked with our customers.” Machine learning engine for crime prevention In the city of Chicago, Citigraf detects patterns in crime behaviour and determines where a crime is likely to occur There was a big crowd at the Genetec booth, and not because the comment was applied literally. Genetec has divided itself into multiple parts, each focussed on a vertical market such as retail or transportation. The approach is to operate as a ‘federation of startups’, with each market sector accountable to fill in the gaps in the portfolio to meet the specific needs of each vertical. For example, Genetec’s Citigraf is an unsupervised machine learning engine with an algorithm to detect anomalies and trends from a large pool of data in a municipal environment. In the city of Chicago, Citigraf detects patterns in crime behaviour and determines where a crime is likely to occur. The system alerts operators in a bureau or area that has a higher risk level and should beef up the number of first responders. Chicago has seen a 39 percent decrease in average response time of first responders as a result. In the retail market, Genetec leverages the security infrastructure to analyse shopping trends and provide data for merchandising and operations. “Each customer is getting a portfolio of products tailored to the industry they are in,” says Arcuri. Demonstrating IoT devices Axis Communications displayed its range of products at GSX, demonstrating its almost total transformation from an IP camera company to a supplier of a full range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices. “Axis is broadening its portfolio to include more solutions,” said Scott Dunn, Senior Director, Business Development Systems and Solutions. “Our success is driven by continuing to innovate our portfolio. The market is continuing to grow, and Axis is continuing to expand its market share.” Eight ‘Axis Customer Experience Centers’ around the United States help Axis stay close to their integrators, customers, partners and prospects. IP addressable audio speakers from Axis can provide music as a service, and then can be interrupted for audio messages on behalf of physical security Axis has offered access control IP edge devices since 2013, and now has a new A1601 door controller being sold with partner-only software (no embedded Axis software like previous A1001 devices). In audio products, Axis has a portfolio of speakers, intercoms, and public address systems. Acquisition of IP door intercom company Enhancing the audio line was acquisition in 2016 of 2N, an IP door intercom company headquartered in Prague, Czech Republic. In North America, the 2N team is now fully part of Axis. The line emphasises simple architecture, programmability, and the ability to integrate widely. The products use Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) to integrate through the cloud or peer-to-peer. IP addressable audio speakers from Axis can provide music as a service, and then can be interrupted for audio messages on behalf of physical security. Retail, education and enterprise customers are gravitating to IP audio. An IP bridge can tie existing analogue components into the IP system. For perimeter security, Axis offers a radar device to help eliminate false alarms, as well as thermal cameras.

Just a ten-minute walk from the city centre, the University of Leeds is upgrading door security in much of its student accommodation to keep pace with changing technology and customer demand. One of the biggest and busiest centres of higher education in the UK, the university has more than 34,000 students and over 8,000 staff, making it the third largest employer in Leeds. With such a large student population to house, its residence portfolio both on and off campus is impressive. It ranges from the Victorian architecture of Lyddon Hall to modern purpose-built apartments such as Storm Jameson Court, through to shared houses and a huge choice of flats and apartments run in partnership with the likes of UNITE and iQ Student Accommodation. Wireless electronic access control system The Residential Services team have chosen to upgrade their SALTO ProAccess management system to the latest versionStarting university is a really exciting time, and for many students it will be their first time living away from home so both they and their parents will want to know they will be living somewhere safe and secure. Starting in 2010, Residential Services swapped out its previous mechanical keyed system and since then has been using a wire free electronic access control system from SALTO across much of its student accommodation. This has proven reliable providing the versatility and efficiency to manage in excess of 1737 doors across the campus. But technology does not stand still, and many advances have taken place since the original installation. So, the Residential Services team have now chosen to upgrade their SALTO ProAccess management system to the latest version to take advantage of its increased functionality and features including the ability to use smart phones as access credentials. Benefits of SALTO solution Paul Carr, National Accounts Manager at SALTO Systems, says: “Our ProAccess SPACE Software is a powerful web-based access control management tool that enables users like the University of Leeds to programme access-time zones, manage different calendars and view audit trails from each door. ProAccess SPACE Software's user-friendly web-based interface is simple to set up and configure" “Its user-friendly web-based interface is simple to set up and configure, giving them the flexibility and control they need. It balances security with accessibility, and advanced technology with affordability. By embedding such a high-performance electronic access control solution into their infrastructure, the University can protect people – both students and staff – as well as their assets and buildings. Problems with key access control system “Student accommodation for instance, whatever shape it comes in, is usually busy with people moving from bedrooms to and from various facilities in and around the building. That means a lot of events for doors to deal with. If a room key is not handed in when one student leaves, is the room secure for its next occupant? If a key has been lost how do you cancel it and know the room is truly secure without changing out the lock? And regards to that lost key, has it been copied? “And for audit purposes, on a campus such as Leeds with such a massive choice of accommodation, how do you get an accurate security overview when there are literally thousands of keys in circulation? This is where ProAccess SPACE and electronic access control really scores. “And now, with changing technology, more people want everything to be accessed through their personal device. That should come as no surprise as today’s students are digital natives and they expect convenience to come as standard!” Delivering highest level of security It is important that students are safe and secure and that access to their accommodation is strictly controlled"Simon Mulholland, Residence Refurbishment and Development Manager at the University of Leeds comments: “Living in University accommodation is a great way to experience student life, make new friends and feel part of our student community. We understand how important security is and it is a responsibility we take very seriously. It is important that students are safe and secure and that access to their accommodation is strictly controlled. “The SALTO system we’ve been running since 2010 now has proven track record with us so upgrading was a fairly straightforward decision and the latest version of the ProAccess SPACE software enables us to continue to deliver the highest levels of security combined with the most convenient and enjoyable experience of the learning environment – all as cost-effectively as possible. “Mobile credentials are an exciting application, after all when do you see a student without a smart phone, so this together with a number of other functions gives us enhanced productivity and control in a familiar but more powerful package.”

ASSA ABLOY Access Control, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the provider of door opening solutions, has partnered with NetNodes to deliver assured and secure access to a huge new innovation centre in London. Based at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Plexal is a new £15 million project, acting as a base for an ‘innovation community’ that brings together startups, enterprises and academics all under one roof. Plexal sits within the larger Here East complex, which is transforming the former press and broadcast centres for the London 2012 Olympics Games into new spaces for technology companies, universities, startups and creatives. Aperio technology integrated with DoorFlow In total, 59 Aperio L100 wireless high-security door locks were installed across the siteThe innovation hub has been fitted with Aperio wireless, access card-based locking technology, which is fully integrated with DoorFlow, an online platform for managing and auditing building access created by NetNodes. In total, 59 Aperio L100 wireless high-security door locks were installed across the site. These lock solutions provide Plexal with the highest levels of physical protection and transmit comprehensive information on door status to DoorFlow in real time. A further 31 HiD R10 mobile access locks were also provided where wired solutions were necessary, such as for the main office entrances, and for elevators. For organisations looking to invest in a new access control system, Aperio is an effective, straightforward alternative to a wired, high-end solution. It was installed quickly and easily at the Plexal site without cabling and will drastically reduce the innovation hub’s maintenance costs and energy consumption going forward. Cost-effective security upgrade Aperio can upgrade existing mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connects them to new or existing access control systemsAperio can also upgrade existing mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connects them – online or offline – to new or existing access control systems. This can be achieved with minimal modification to doors and premises, offering a cost-effective and simple security upgrade. John Herbert, Facilities Manager at Plexal, said: “What really appealed to me about ASSA ABLOY Access Control’s products was the aesthetics. We have a futuristic-style open plan design here at Plexal – our offices are predominantly glass-fronted, so we needed an effective stylistic design which was not only robust but adaptable too. We foresee change in the not-too-distant future and are delighted at our options to modify.” Discreet and adaptable locking solution Stewart Johnson, Director at NetNodes, explains: “Aperio offers a hardware solution that is well-suited to our online platform, DoorFlow. Plexal required an adaptable locking solution for a range of different doors and, with no wiring required, it was quick and easy to install Aperio with minimal disruption. We are delighted to partner with NetNodes to deliver an easily integrated access control system for this new innovation centre in central London"“The open-plan layout of the space and the high glass doors installed throughout the site meant Plexal needed an access control solution that was discreet and adaptable, with Aperio perfectly meeting these demands. Should any additional doors need to be added to the system in the future, this can be done easily, without modifying or changing the aesthetics of the environment. This also minimises future installation costs, offering a cost-effective and straight-forward access control upgrade.” Integrated access control system David Hodgkiss, National Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY Access Control, adds: “We are delighted to partner with NetNodes to deliver an easily integrated access control system for this exciting new innovation centre in central London. With up to 800 entrepreneurs using the space to devise, create and launch new products and services, Plexal required a solution that was tried and tested. Aperio enables easy access around the site while providing assured security. “Aperio is a fantastic hardware partner to door security software, such as NetNodes’ DoorFlow. It has been great to work with NetNodes on this project, and we expect to work together on many more successful installations in the future too.”

In the booming workspace market, a professional welcome is crucial to success. At Barcelona’s Gran Vía Business Centre, 2,500m2 of offices and shared collaborative workspaces in the heart of the city, managers chose SMARTair wireless access control system — because it protects and manages their premises, and also projects the right image for a contemporary co-working environment. Gran Vía is a flexible and well-equipped home for companies from international corporates to local start-ups. Fibre optic broadband, LED lighting, an on-site restaurant and adjacent rental apartments are also part of Gran Vía’s high-end service. This is why, they sought an upgrade and replacement for an existing, out-of-date access control system. SMARTair access control locks SMARTair access control locks now control access to Gran Vía’s six floors of offices, meeting spaces and communal areasGran Vía needed more flexibility and control over access to their premises; a system to seamlessly manage diverse access needs of permanent versus temporary users, and that would cope with rapid personnel turnover. Locking devices must complement the professional, modern image of the workspace, which attracts high-profile, design-savvy business clients. On top of these demands, any new system would have to be fitted without disrupting day-to-day business. SMARTair access control locks now control access to Gran Vía’s six floors of offices, meeting spaces and communal areas. Access requirements change all the time at the business centre, and security managers now have a system where programming and reprogramming access rights is fast and easy. Thanks to the slick, flexible management software behind SMARTair, everything works in the background — keeping site users safe almost without anyone noticing. "SMARTair is an effective solution that is easy to use,” says Esther Portillo, Marketing Director at Gran Vía Business Centre. RFID operated wireless escutcheons SMARTair wireless door and wall devices complement Gran Vía’s contemporary aestheticOver 50 new SMARTair wireless escutcheons are operated with RFID smart-cards, so security is not compromised if an office user loses their credential. Security administrators simply cancel the lost credential’s access rights — much quicker, cheaper and more professional than replacing a traditional mechanical lock. The user gets their new smart-card validated at one of five SMARTair wall updaters: it is the perfect combination of contemporary image and efficient user experience for Gran Vía’s clients. Importantly, SMARTair wireless door and wall devices complement Gran Vía’s contemporary aesthetic. “SMARTair has a modern design and suits our installations perfectly,” confirms Esther Portillo. Bringing more doors into any installed SMARTair system is straightforward, because SMARTair escutcheons fit wood, glass, emergency exit and fire-resistant doors. Gran Vía now has an access control system they can reconfigure and expand to suit both their needs and their clients’.

Comelit has worked sensitively on site at Rathview Mental Health Facility, to supply door entry solutions to ensure a therapeutic and safe environment is created for the benefit of residents, staff and visitors. Comelit door entry solutions Situated on a rural greenfield site on the outskirts of Omagh, Rathview Mental Health Facility is a new c£2.8 million, 1169m² site that contains a twelve-bed Discharge Unit and a six-bed Recovery Unit, arranged around two central courtyards. With its innovative design, the unit aims to increase the range of community-based mental health services available in Northern Ireland. Owned by The Western Health and Social Care Trust and designed by award winning Todd Architects, Comelit worked sensitively with electrical consultants on site, WYG Belfast, from the tender process to project completion, understanding the full specification requirements from the entrance through staff stations and concierge resources. Healthcare security and safety Comelit was specified through evidence of its understanding of the site requirements, along with the system being IP based, hence highly flexible and configurable" Says Gary Hewitt, Consultant at Chubb NI Ltd, who worked on Rathview Mental Health Facility: “This was an incredibly sensitive works program, where the design of the building was not just important from an aesthetic perspective, but also to ensure a positive impact on the recovery process for residents; and for staff to operate in an environment where they feel safe and secure.” “Comelit was specified through experience and evidence of its understanding of requirements on site, together with the system being IP based, hence highly flexible and configurable. These elements came together to allow for residents to experience independence in a domestic environment, with autonomous access to their accommodation.” 316 Sense panels In total, Comelit was specified for the door entry systems for all four entrance points to the facility, and a total of four 316 Sense panels installed, along with two staff stations and a concierge unit. Each of the twelve apartments were fitted with a pull cord and emergency response button, cabled into Comelit’s Mini handsfree monitors. Designed to operate through Comelit’s innovative VIP system, it utilises the Security Systems Network and allows a priority call to the concierge in case of emergency. Patients, staff and visitors’ safety Mike Campbell, Business Development Manager at Comelit Group UK concluded: “Rathview is an important development in the context of provision of mental health facilities across Northern Ireland, where every part of the site is seen as potentially having therapeutic value. We have worked in partnership with the consultants on site to create a door entry solution that can ensure a balance of a welcoming, encouraging environment, whilst maintaining the safety and security of residents, visitors and staff.”

ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global provider of door opening solutions, has supplied the National Gallery of Ireland with security, ballistic and fire rated doorsets, for the refurbishment of a 150-year-old listed building. The National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin has had extensive refurbishment and modernisation of its historic wings on Merrion Square. The building also required an updated fire safety plan, from which followed the need to install new security and fire rated doorsets, complete with locking systems. The extensive refurbishment came in at close to €30 million, in order to restore the building to its former glory and meet today’s high fire safety and security standards. For this prestigious project, the doorsets were specified by Henegan Peng Architects and then ASSA ABLOY Security Doors worked closely with Modubuild, a specialist trade contractor, alongside main contractors John Paul Construction to fulfil the specification. Adherence to fire safety regulations For the first time, the gallery has an integrated system of lighting, heating and security"Approximately 30 steel doorsets, including a mixture of LPS 1175 security rating and fire rated glass doorsets, were delivered to the Dargan and Milltown Wings in Merrion Square in order to maintain maximum security as well as adhere to the strictest fire safety regulations. Logistically, the delivery of the doorsets presented some challenges as the National Gallery of Ireland is in Dublin’s busy city centre. Similarly, solutions had to be carefully chosen to meet the unique demands of the listed building. However, these needs were taken into consideration at an early stage to ensure the project ran smoothly. Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, explained: “For the first time, the gallery has an integrated system of lighting, heating and security. It’s very much state of the art; we’ve been able to specify really good technical equipment.” High-security compliant doorsets Doorsets for this project had to be fully compliant to achieve the latest standards and meet the specialist needs of each situation"James Blanchfield, Pre-Contracts Manager for Ireland and Mainland Europe at Modubuild, a Trade Partner of ASSA ABLOY Security Doors said: “We pride ourselves on working very closely with our customers to understand their specific requirements and to provide specialist and tailored solutions. “Doorsets for this particular project had to be fully compliant to achieve the latest standards and meet the specialist needs of each situation. Factors to consider included fire, acoustics, air tightness, high-security and pressure resistance.” Stephen Wilkinson, Area Sales Manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Doors, added: “We had to ensure that the doorsets we were supplying were of the highest security rating as per the customer’s specifications. In addition to this, doors had to be certified to meet strict fire standards and our locking solutions had to include panic hardware as well as access control systems.”

With a mission to provide and maintain good quality homes for Blackpool Council’s tenants and leaseholders, BCH has won a number of awards and accreditations for housing, repairs, customer services and community projects. The safety and security of residents is a high priority for BCH, which is why it has used products from STANLEY Products & Solutions for many years. During this time the primary system was made up of a GDX5 door entry system, along with an Indigo 1000 access control system, which were fully integrated. “We have a policy of continual improvement in the service we provide,” explains Anthony Walker, Mechanical & Electrical Officer at BCH. “Although the previous configuration performed well, I was convinced that the business and operational benefits of remote monitoring and the cloud could be utilised by upgrading the Indigo 1000 with a PAC 512 access control system.” Innovative remote monitoring platform The PAC 512 devices control all aspects of two secure doors, with up to two card readers installed as entry and exit readers on each doorAn upgraded system was specified for a BCH site comprising 80 blocks. It utilises the existing GDX5 front panels, which have been integrated with the PAC 512 controllers to create a highly innovative remote monitoring platform that can be accessed via a PC, tablet or smartphone. This is achieved using a general packet radio service (GPRS) platform, which is a faster and cost-effective means of connecting remote sites via a mobile network. It provides an enhanced service over traditional mobile/landline telephone connections and makes administration of the system more flexible. The PAC 512 devices control all aspects of two secure doors, with up to two card readers installed as entry and exit readers on each door. Each door also has a programmable auxiliary input that may be used for alarm system integration, and an auxiliary output that enables a buzzer or strobe to activate when security is breached or a door is left open. Email alerts during equipment failure In the event of communication loss, the PAC 512 allows all local functionality to continue until the server connection is restored, while the system features an auto-dial or email alert program that, in the event of an equipment failure at one of the locations, sends a notification so that the issue can be quickly rectified. In the event of communication loss, the PAC 512 allows all local functionality to continue until the server connection is restoredExplaining the benefits of using PAC 512, Andrew Burton, area sales manager at STANLEY Products & Solutions, says, “The cloud revolution has had a dramatic effect on the physical security equipment industry. Its development into access control technology means that not only can a system be managed remotely, specific personnel can even be granted or denied access to certain areas at different times, making it not only good for security but also for health and safety. “Furthermore, in the event of a theft or antisocial behaviour, it is possible to pinpoint exactly who was where and initiate appropriate action, using the live events and reporting.” Remote diagnostics and servicing BCH can also access information via the PAC Residential Cloud – helping to further enhance its remote monitoring operation. Remote diagnostics, technical issues and servicing can be carried out, and it’s also possible to remotely view status, set and unset a system and access an event log. For instance, if someone loses a key fob, BCH can access their information, carry out an authorisation check, let them into their abode and, if necessary, deactivate the missing device. It also allows the incumbent installer to remotely access the system’s software to physically input any special information such as extended door release times for specific residents. Programming key fobs remotely BCH worked with STANLEY to generate reports which show when a key fob hasn't been used for a specific period of timeWith a number of vulnerable residents, BCH worked with STANLEY Products & Solutions to generate reports which show when a key fob hasn't been used for a specific period of time. Anthony Walker comments, “If the report indicates non-use of a fob, we can take measures to deactivate it, and/or can send someone over to check on the person concerned and, if necessary, notify next of kin or the relevant authorities. “In extreme circumstances, we can also remotely open doors to allow access to the emergency services. Having the ability to immediately and remotely program fobs has been particularly beneficial to our customers who previously would have had to travel to our offices for this to be completed - saving both time and money and making best use of our resources.” Seamless migration to cloud With a large number of residents, each with their own key fobs, Anthony Walker was keen to avoid any disruption during the upgrade and wanted to ensure that the process was achieved as seamlessly as possible. Configuring the physical hardware was helped by the installation team’s existing knowledge of STANLEY Products & Solutions’ technology. On-site training was also provided by experts from STANLEY Products & Solutions and, on the very rare occasion when there was a problem, a full support and advice package was available. The use of the PAC Residential Cloud meant that the migration of tenant fob information into new system was straightforwardInstalling a new access control system can often result in replacing existing key fobs with new ones – not only is this costly and inconvenient but there is also an administrative burden associated with transferring all the information to the new devices. However, all these issues were circumvented, as the use of the PAC Residential Cloud meant that the migration of tenant fob information into new system was straightforward – so much so that tenants didn't even realise any change had taken place. In addition, having access control data in the cloud means that it is always backed up. Enhanced safety and security BCH’s Anthony Walker considers the installation a total success and concludes, “I initiated this upgrade project because I firmly believed that it would improve tenant satisfaction and make our overall operation more efficient.” He further added, “I’m delighted that both of these objectives have been achieved and that STANLEY Products & Solutions’ access control technology has improved security, safety and protection across our estate.”