Electronic security systems

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Money as Distribution Channel Manager. In his new role, Richard will be a central point of contact for TDSi’s Distribution Partners including ADI, Norbain, EET Europarts, Advanced Access, Enterprise Security Distribution and Anixter. Reflecting upon his new role, Richard commented, “I am excited to be joining the TDSi team. The company has a fantastic range of products that will suit any environment, and all budgets so there is tremendous scope to work with our distributors and grow our mutual business.” John Davies, Managing Director of TDSi also commented, “We are delighted to welcome Richard to this highly pivotal role. TDSi’s products are exclusively sold through our partners and we are committed to ensuring we offer the best support and assistance to facilitate this. Richard is the prime point of contact for our distribution partners - be it for stock enquires, pricing or connecting them with our vast network of expert installer customers.” Richard has over 20 years’ worth of security experience, having joined the industry in 1997 Veteran in the security industry Richard has over 20 years’ worth of security experience, having joined the industry in 1997 working at Clarke Instruments Ltd promoting and selling medium to high security electric strikes, turnstiles and barriers. In 2001, he joined Gardiner Security in its access control division and stayed there for 10 years, during which time the company was bought out by ADI Global (part of Honeywell) and Richard became an Account Manager selling access control, intruder and CCTV products. In 2011, Richard moved to ACT (Access Control Technology), an Irish manufacturer of access products, as a Senior Account Manager. He worked with ACT for seven years until he made the move to Inner Range before joining TDSi. Richard concluded, “I have gained a broad experience of the security sales industry during my career and look forward to sharing my expertise that with TDSi’s distribution partners. The UK market is an energetic one, so I am available to help our distributors fully meet the demands and needs of our customers from TDSi’s extensive range of products.” 

Having returned from Security Essen, Traka’s International Sales Director, Martin Woodhouse, reflects on the show and why it was so important to attend for the industry leader in innovative key and equipment management systems. Q: How was the show? Martin Woodhouse: Security Essen was great in allowing us as a global brand, and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, to demonstrate how we are listening to our customers (new and existing) and responding with latest advances in intelligent solutions for keys, lockers, software and dedicated products. Q: Why did you think it was important to attend? Martin: Security Essen is an established exhibition for the European market but even more important for the German one. It continues to lead the way as an important global event for the world security market to come together, to tackle the latest security challenges and share new and innovative ideas. This year, particularly, concerns were cited about the impact of Brexit and its influence on the market, together with more intricate security issues such as cybersecurity and data protection. It was really important for Traka to attend, not only to display its latest solutions and services but also to be part of these important conversations, so that together as an industry, we can pull together and have the solutions and answers ready. Q: Did you pick up on any particular trends at the show? One of the main themes of the show was the focus on smart security and integration Martin: One of the main themes of the show was the focus on smart security and integration. We are increasingly living in a far more connected and online environment, where the speed of data and the cause and effect on how to manage situations is becoming faster and simpler to instantly analyse a situation, with the necessary reports required available. From a security and data perspective, both on and offline, clients expect more, they do more research and they know what they are trying to achieve. They want to choose a partner that can provide integrated, all-encompassing bespoke solutions and achieve compliance as standard. It’s something Traka certainly has focused on to deliver bespoke solutions, integrated to suit a specific customer environment. Q: Was there a specific focus for Traka at Security Essen? Martin: For Traka, Security Essen was an opportunity to demonstrate how we can help businesses operate to minimise operational costs, increase productivity and ensure the efficient use of company assets. We demonstrated how our latest solutions can make sure every part of an organisation is protected, right through to critical data facilities, an increasingly integral part of any security remit in today’s world. And due to the open nature of Security Essen, it was the perfect opportunity for Traka to discuss bespoke customer requirements across a number of different vertical sectors; from education to healthcare, hospitality to transport. Finally, Security Essen was the right international platform to present our proven integrated solutions. We wanted visitors to see for themselves how easy, intuitive and comprehensive our systems are, and with full audit capabilities, how they can present an all-encompassing safe and secure solution with tangible ROI benefits. Q: Could you tell us more about the products displayed at Security Essen? Our latest Traka Web central software management was at the heart of our display as an enterprise class web-based administration software platform Martin: At Security Essen, the range of products and services on show was focused on our core capability to secure, manage and audit the use of almost any physical asset, including: premises, devices, secure areas, data centres, equipment, machinery and vehicles. Our latest Traka Web central software management was at the heart of our display as an enterprise class web-based administration software platform, enabling complete management of Traka Touch key and locker systems from any device, even remotely. We presented live demonstrations of our integrated solutions, including our popular Rack Manager, which offers electronically controlled access to every server rack door in a data centre, with the ability to scale up to suit evolving infrastructure environments. We displayed Traka’s new V-Touch compact key management system, designed to offer controlled access management for critical keys at locations where space is limited and up to 5 keys need to be managed. Q: Could you tell us more about your integration capability? Martin: At Security Essen, we were lucky enough to be able to be able to demonstrate on our stand, Traka’s integration capability with Lenel and Nedap. We are extremely proud of our track record of integrating with third party systems with such leading companies. We believe it goes a long way to ease the burden of administration for our customers and present unique opportunities for controlling critical processes. Traka International and ASSA ABLOY exhibit solutions at Security Essen The Traka integration ‘engine’ ultimately allows for real-time, two-way communication with access control platforms, HR databases, time and attendance, and many other user systems. And there are a host of further benefits: The Traka integration ‘engine’ ultimately allows for real-time, two-way communication with access control platforms User profiles and access permissions can be easily populated and managed on an existing database. Automatically enrol users and define security settings based on employee status or department assignment Custom workflows can be tailored to the needs of an organisation to generate actions, notifications or access restrictions based on the status of important assets ensure valuable assets and keys don’t leave site. Q: What are your aims on an International basis for Traka? Martin: Traka was the manufacturer of one of the first electronic key management systems – and we are now considered as world leaders in innovative technology for sophisticated, intelligent key and equipment management solutions to manage and control access to important assets. Even in such an industry leading position, recognised on a global basis, in the UK and in over 40 countries worldwide, we are far from complacent. We continue to evolve our solutions and professional services and continue to not only meet but exceed the requirements of our customers. This is not only from a product perspective, but also our service capability to offer advice right from initial design and specification stages to installation, project completion, handover and ongoing maintenance, across every sector. Naturally, we want to grow and evolve into more countries and increase our network of certified channel partners; but we can only do this if we continue to listen to the demands of the different market needs. Q: And what about Traka in the UK? We believe the transition to more intelligent systems, such as Traka solutions, will be more aligned with everyday life Martin: It’s surprising how many business and commercial owners still rely on manual processes and paper recording, for key and equipment management and control. Our aim is to prove how simple measures can make a difference. It’s not only the security of a business’ assets but also to reduce the cost to an organisation through accidental damage, theft, personal injury and downtime. It also helps enforce business processes and ensure health and safety compliance. Ultimately, it’s a mindset. We believe the transition to more intelligent systems, such as Traka solutions, will be more aligned with everyday life. Q: How important is it to be part of ASSA ABLOY Group? Martin: Being part of the global leader in door opening solutions is a massive advantage for Traka. ASSA ABLOY’s products and solutions serve just about every conceivable application around the globe. The real credit to the group is its ability to understand Traka is a bit unique within ASSA ABLOY, because we provide different types of solutions to its traditional core. So, we’ve continued on as a separate business both in the UK and on a global basis, and only integrating where it makes absolute sense into the larger organisation. An example of this is the integration between Traka and ASSA ABLOY’s advanced security CLIQ Web Manager software solution. The result is a key management process that is proven to significantly reduce maintenance costs and save administration times. Overall, it’s been impressive with the people and the technology within the company that we are able to tap into as and when required. The ASSA ABLOY solutions brand is one we are proud to be associated; a one-stop shop for all door and hardware opening needs. The ASSA ABLOY brand will continue to grow as a leader in opening solutions and access solutions. Q: What’s next for Traka? One of the key aspects we are focusing on is the move to present solutions dedicated to each market segments from small to global companies Martin: Traka is never one to stand still. We will continue to evolve as a company and invest in research and development. One of the key aspects we are focusing on is the move to present solutions dedicated to each market segments from small to global companies. By example, most recently in the UK, we have seen success in the launch of lockers specifically designed to store body worn camera technology, primarily for the likes of prison and emergency services but also in schools and community buildings. Not only did this require a solution to ensure the equipment is safely secured, but also that it is charged and instantly ready to use whilst in storage. At the same time any solution needed to help organisations, who had invested significantly in the technology, operate a ‘pool’ system rather than having to invest in a device per member of staff. This is just one example, with a very specific product requirement that Traka was able to work closely with the sector to understand the issues and create a solution. It demonstrates a commitment to design, in how our products operate and evolve to meet market needs, both in the UK and across international markets.

ULIS, a designer and manufacturer of a wide range of innovative thermal image sensors, has announced the launch of ThermEye Building, a thermal sensor line for system integrators of detection and people counting equipment for connected buildings. ThermEye Building rangeThe new ThermEye Building range includes two new products: ThermEye-b90 and ThermEye-b120 The new ThermEye Building range includes two new products: ThermEye-b90 and ThermEye-b120. These 80x80 thermal sensors provide system integrators with advanced functionalities to detect presence (even when people are immobile) and localise and count people in order to improve capabilities in analysing human activity and communicate with relevant smart building applications. Coupled with a 90° or 120° field of view (FOV) lens, a single ThermEye Building sensor can cover a zone of 30 sq. meters (323 sq. feet), equivalent to a meeting room accommodating eight to ten people. The product range is configured with a conventional video channel (50 images per second) and features an intermittent mode that is compatible with low-power consumption applications. Thermal image sensing technology It only requires one AA battery to run a ThermEye Building sensor when transmitting an image at two-minute intervals. The advantage of running entirely on batteries means end-users can deploy these detections, people counting and localisation systems in both new and existing buildings. Energy management and fire safety The solutions developed for the ThermEye Building product line guarantee occupant anonymity and privacy The solutions developed for the ThermEye Building product line guarantee occupant anonymity and privacy, as there is no facial recognition. This is a plus for integrators wishing to use data to develop other future solutions for smart building applications that improve how facilities optimise space usage and energy management, detect potential fire hotspots and manage people flow during a fire. “ULIS is invested in the connected buildings market. This novel product demonstrates our commitment to bringing smarter sensing solutions to facility managers,” said Cyrille Trouilleau, smart buildings manager at ULIS. “We have extensive expertise and experience in designing reliable high-resolution thermal image sensors. We are now applying this know-how and industrial rigor to our mass market sensors. ThermEye-b90 and ThermEye-b120 are 80X80 resolution sensors offering the right level of added performance needed for intelligent systems. Our industrial platform based on a disruptive technology that drives costs down will allow us to produce several hundred thousand of these sensors every year for commercial applications.”

Figures from the 2018 edition of ‘The Wireless Access Control Report’ show continued strong growth for wireless vs. wired solutions. Why do you think security and facility managers are “cutting the wires” more and more? Advantages of wireless access control The energy-efficiency of wireless doors delivers significant cost savings" Russell Wagstaff, Director for Commercial Access Solutions, ASSA ABLOY EMEA says, “Among the many advantages of wireless discussed in the report, I would highlight two. Firstly, removing the need to cable every door makes it much easier and more economical to bring many more doors into your access system. So, wireless technology can upgrade your building’s security in an instant. Secondly, the energy-efficiency of wireless doors delivers significant cost savings. The standard batteries’ locks usually have long lives, and only fully ‘power up’ when there’s a credential to read. Wired doors are generally connected to the mains 24/7.” The new report forecasts growth in wireless locks for “non-door” applications (lockers, servers, and so on) to outgrow those for doors. Why is wireless technology especially suited to these “non-doors”? Russell said, “Partly it’s about convenience. The more applications that can be secured and unlocked with a single credential, the better for site users. Facility managers benefit from the wider scope of their access system, which gives them more control. In addition, because these ‘non-door’ devices are wireless, access control can easily extend outdoors. Padlocks for gates, machinery locks, storage lockers. With the right lock, these can all be secured within the same access control system as your front door.” Wireless and real-time access control for SMBs What specific problem did SMARTair solve at ULab? Enrique Burgos, Director at uLab: “In addition to regular daily traffic [of around 100 staff], weekly traffic can almost multiply by ten if an event is held. We needed an access control system as flexible and convenient as SMARTair.” One of Spain’s newest co-working spaces, uLab’s vision incorporated the latest in security, accessibility and design to create a 21st-century business centre. Wire-free SMARTair delivered real-time access control to accommodate both regular daily traffic and busy one-off events. Wireless access control in large and complex businesses With CLIQ key-based access control, audit trails for every lock, key and padlock are available on demand, so monitoring contractor visits is easy How does the flexible access management, offered by CLIQ, impact day-to-day security? Christophe Nublat, Head of Study & Works Division, Eau de Valence, France: “All the energy is in the key. There is no power supply to the lock, and therefore very little maintenance. Also, electronic and mechanical cylinders are managed by the same key.” The municipal water authority of Valence supplies safe drinking water to 65,000 local residents. It also manages 4 boreholes, a storage unit and 300km of water pipes. With CLIQ key-based access control, audit trails for every lock, key and padlock are available on demand, so monitoring contractor visits is easy. Weekly mandatory key revalidation provides another layer of security. Five of their keys are equipped with CLIQ Remote technology, so supervisors can also update access rights on the move, via Bluetooth. Aperio wireless locks-Axis door controller integration The new report picks out ‘integration’ as a growing trend — with an overwhelming majority of survey respondents saying integrated systems are ‘important’ or ‘very important’ at a site. How does integration with ASSA ABLOY Aperio wireless locks benefit AXIS Entry Manager customers? Stephanie Hensler, Business Development Director at Axis Communications: “Axis completed integration of the Aperio RS485 hub with our AXIS A1001 Door Controller. AXIS Entry Manager is our web-based access control system, built into the A1001 Door Controller. Because most users value real-time access, we chose to integrate with an Aperio online hub. Users appreciate how intuitive it is to manage this integrated solution.” Wireless access control is cost effective Aperio battery-powered escutcheons and cylinders with card readers are now fully integrated with Pacom’s Unison system Can switching to Aperio wireless access control deliver concrete budget benefits? Magnus Svensson, Infrastructure Manager at Lund University: “Aperio has proven to be very cost effective. We have been able to reduce the time we spend on user management and system administration radically.” After 20 years, Lund University’s Faculty of Law was looking to upgrade its access control system. Aperio battery-powered escutcheons and cylinders with card readers are now fully integrated with Pacom’s Unison system. Aperio locks work with the existing MIFARE smartcards, so there was no need for 42,000 students and 7,500 staff to return their smart-cards for reprogramming, or even to visit update readers to reactivate their permissions. Every door or card is still managed centrally from a single admin interface.

ProdataKey (PDK), an innovator of cloud-based networked and wireless access control products and services, has released a whitepaper addressing the cybersecurity benefits of cloud-based access control solutions. The confluence of cyber and physical security is driving dealers and integrators, along with their customers, to question the best ways to address security vulnerabilities in the systems they install. Juniper Research estimates that by 2019, the annual cost of cyber-attacks will cost business over $2 trillion. Cybersecurity and cloud-based access control  A majority of access control solutions are now comprised of IP devices, each with the potential to provide bad actors with access to the data and operational systems on their connected networks. This whitepaper, “Safely Invisible: The Powerful Security of Cloud-Based Access Control,” compares the exposure inherent in traditional IP systems with those in 100% cloud-based solutions, providing extensive rationale for why access control applications are best run externally from customer’s in-house servers, by trusted cloud solution providers. “IT Professionals often express concern about the safety of running security solutions from servers that are out their control. This whitepaper addresses many misconceptions about presumed vulnerabilities from the cloud and gives credence to the counterintuitive fact that cloud solutions are more secure and preferable, from an IT perspective. We hope the information we’ve shared here can help security integrators lead more educated discussions about cybersecurity with their customers,” said Josh Perry, PDK’s Chief Technology Officer.

Open Options, global provider of open platform access control solutions, will showcase their DNA Fusion access control platform and its powerful components from November 14-15 at ISC East 2018 in New York City. Considered one of the largest and most comprehensive security industry trade shows globally, ISC East hosts 7,000 security professionals and showcases a wide range of products and solutions from 250 global security brands. ISC East attendees are invited to visit Open Options at booth #563 to learn about the latest features in the DNA Fusion platform, including FlexAPI, Open Options’ application programming interface, OpenDX database exchange software, and DNA Fusion’s Mobile and Web applications. IT-centric access control solutions Attendees will also be able to learn more about DNA Fusion’s numerous partnerships and integrated solutions with industry leaders such as Milestone, Allegion, Vingtor-Stentofon, ASSA ABLOY, thyssenkrupp, Traka, and many more. “Our ability to provide the most IT-centric access control solution on the market is enhanced by unified partnerships and integrations with other leaders in the security industry, and we’re excited that ISC East will be our platform to announce the latest additions to our extensive partnership portfolio,” said Open Options’ Founder & CEO, Steve Fisher. Fisher adds, “Each new integration adds robust functionality that enhances the DNA Fusion user experience and provides even more opportunities to supply our customers with a best-of-breed solution.”

Denmark’s Evotec chose Idesco readers to complete their cargo securing system they had designed for transport companies’ vehicles. Evotec’s system does more than merely preventing cargo theft. Drivers also feel more secure when delivering because hijack risks are also reduced. This is because cargo is robustly secured when drivers leave vehicles behind. Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers Evotec selected Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers for deployment on delivery vehicles Danish cargo companies had been struggling with regular delivery cargo thefts. Drivers did not feel secure when delivering and financial losses were growing. Evotec decided to develop a novel vehicle security solution for cargo companies. As part of their solution, Evotec selected Idesco 8 CD 2.0 DESFire readers for deployment on delivery vehicles. Idesco readers have since been installed on several hundred Danish cargo trucks and vans. Early in their design process, Evotec had seen a clear need to strictly limit access to vehicle’s cargo space to authenticated personnel only. They had known RFID technology could provide accurate, secure user identification and authentication. They learned that Idesco’s MIFARE DESFire readers, paired with 128-bit AES-encrypted DESFire transponders, would easily repel transponder hacking or cloning. Best of all, they learned Idesco designed many of its readers for installing outdoors, reliably resisting impacts, moisture, dirt and temperature extremes. Security Key Management service Idesco’s Security Key Management service saved Evotec extensive time and resources"Bo Schønning, Evotec Aps CEO, described the subsequent cooperation of Idesco with his company, “We got great assistance in choosing the correct solution for our system”. In addition to coded readers, Evotec ApS also subscribed to Idesco’s convenient Security Key Management Service for ensure compatibility with every vehicle’s readers. Since DESFire demands readers and transponders be encoded with matching security keys, Idesco’s Security Key Management service saved Evotec extensive time and resources, freeing them to focus exclusively on installations for their customers’ vehicles without worrying about managing DESFire keys themselves. “We feel safe when Idesco handles this data for our customers”, says Bo Schønning. The cargo drivers of Evotec’s customers are assigned vehicle specific transponders to carry, which open the cargo space when presented to the reader guarding it. For increased security, the driver cabin locks automatically when the cargo space unlocks. Additionally, cargo doors automatically lock when they close and will remain locked when the vehicle’s engine is running. The system works equally well in vehicles equipped with liftgates. Opening the vehicle’s driver cabin with the ignition key doesn’t affect its cargo space: it remains continuously locked. If needed, a vehicle’s cargo space could be opened remotely via fleet management software. If a transponder is stolen, a vehicle’s readers can be reprogrammed to not recognise the transponders. Fleet management and vehicle tracking Vehicles are also equipped with GPS transmitters that update fleet software with vehicle locations and routes Vehicles are also equipped with GPS transmitters that update fleet software with vehicle locations and routes. The fleet software’s online tracking and route reporting also provides cargo companies a powerful fuel control ability that can reduce fleet costs. “This system has significantly increased drivers’ security at work while reducing costs caused by theft”, notes Bo Schønning, CEO, Evotec ApS. “Fuel costs have also been reduced, as the cars aren’t left idling anymore. It is easier to control the fleet, and our customers can also follow the quality of deliveries with this system”, he continues.” RFID technology Founded in 1989, Idesco is an experienced company in the field of RFID technology. From the very beginning, Idesco was a pioneer in using RFID, deploying it for identification in industrial applications. Down through the years Idesco continued expanding its reputation as a pioneer provider by innovating numerous technological alternatives and multiple technologies for a variety of different application areas. Every day, Idesco devices collect data and enhance security for a variety of access control, vehicle identification, logistics and inventory control systems.

Vega Systems Inc. has announced that their Redundancy Management Framework (RMF) software has begun operations at a prominent airport in the Middle East. The airport surveillance software plugin for Milestone XProtect enhances video security. Typically, without the software system, video surveillance down-times at critical infrastructure locations have the potential to create security loopholes. Vega Systems' RMF reduces live video disruption to milliseconds during server failure episodes while simultaneously providing uninterrupted access to all archived footage. This, along with other beneficial features, mitigates the impact of server failures on security. Vega Systems' RMF RMF is a novel, few-to-all approach towards enhancing XProtect Recording Server Redundancy through dual recording. A few redundant servers can handle concurrent failures of all primary servers. Offering a live view recovery almost instantaneously following the recording server failure, the system works two orders of magnitude faster than fail-over recording. RMF is a result of collaboration between Vega Systems Inc in San Jose, California, Sunjin Infotech based in Seoul, South Korea, and Milestone Systems' Middle East offices. The product is a plug-in framework for the Canon subsidiary Milestone Systems' XProtect software.

Jutting up to a height of 126 meters, the 36-story Prime Tower is Zurich’s tallest building and number two in Switzerland. Its 40,000 square meters of floor space can accommodate more than 2,000 workplaces. It is striking with its futuristic architecture and dark green reflective exterior. The tower’s impressive details include a 10-meter-high entrance hall and the CLOUDS bar and restaurant on the top floor boasting an unmatched view far out across the surrounding landscape. Bosch networked security solution The operator relies on Bosch to keep the building safe and secure. And to meet the Prime Tower’s unique requirements, the company’s experts recently implemented a modernisation project. One of the new system’s technical highlights is a combination of electronic and biometric access control. “Our owner, the firm of Swiss Prime Site Immobilien AG, attaches great importance to monitoring who exactly is inside the building at all times,” explained Annika Hammes, who heads the trustee department at Wincasa, a building services outfit that was contracted to design and execute the solution. Electronic and biometric access control Error-free biometric identification is accomplished by reading the vein patterns on the backs of people’s hands Error-free biometric identification is accomplished by reading the vein patterns on the backs of people’s hands. This is done contactlessly for very easy, comfortable use. A total of 120 hand vein readers have been installed in the building and connected to the controllers of the eight elevators. Once employees and guests have been biometrically registered, they board lifts that automatically take them to the right floors. Encrypted ID cards are used to access the rental units, thereby making sure that people can only enter zones for which they have been authorised. All relevant security information is collected in a management system so that the responsible employees always have everything in view and can respond quickly when there is a need. Bosch handled everything for this project: advising the client, and then planning and implementing the system. The modifications were made without interrupting use of the building, which was a major challenge not only for the project team, which therefore had to work very swiftly, but also for the tenants themselves. “This called for very close cooperation between the Bosch team and the mixed-use site management (MUSM) team of Wincasa AG, which met the requirements for continued building use while the work was ongoing,” explained Hammes.

One of the UK’s top business and management schools, the Bloomsbury Institute, has upgraded its access control capabilities to the award-winning ASSA CLIQ Remote wireless locking technology from ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions. Based in central London and formerly the London School of Business and Management, the Bloomsbury Institute delivers full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, accounting, finance and law, which are awarded by the University of Northampton. ASSA CLIQ Remote wireless locking technology The Bloomsbury Institute has to contend with a high turnover of students each academic year, as well as any changes to staff. The sheer number of people using the Institute’s buildings meant that its existing mechanical master key system was simply no longer feasible, unable to provide adequate protection for areas that might hold sensitive information, such as exam scripts. As a result, the Bloomsbury Institute needed a flexible access control system that would be easy to maintain, granting secure access to individuals as and when needed, while delivering greater key control too. Electromechanical locking system Providing an easy-to-use electromechanical locking system, the ASSA CLIQ Remote solution uses high-end micro-electronics and programmable keys The answer was ASSA CLIQ Remote, which has been installed throughout the Bloomsbury’s Institute’s 7 Bedford Square teaching site, and selected areas within the institute’s 99 Gower Street building. Providing an easy-to-use electromechanical locking system, the ASSA CLIQ Remote solution uses high-end micro-electronics and programmable keys and cylinders to offer flexible control over access rights. The Bloomsbury Institute can now programme and update each key remotely, removing or granting access privileges for the key holder in real time. This allows only those with the necessary authority to obtain access to private areas without inconveniencing others and removes the security risks associated with lost or stolen keys. Remote Key Access ASSA CLIQ Remote also provides a full audit trail for assured peace of mind and has the functionality to create time-defined user keys, only allowing access to an individual for a specified period. This feature is proving invaluable to the Bloomsbury Institute, which plans to eventually convert all cylinders at its 99 Gower Street site to ASSA CLIQ Remote, as part of its expansion plans. Stephane Middleton, Estates & Facilities Manager at the Bloomsbury Institute, explains: “We are committed to the security and safety of student data, which led us to consider upgrading the mechanical master key system that we previously had in place. Using ASSA CLIQ Remote could not be easier. It is saving us countless hours of key cutting and changing cylinders, while significantly improving our key control.” ASSA CLIQ Remote key for enhanced security When a new employee joins the team, the ASSA CLIQ Remote key is the only one they will need"“When a new employee joins the team, the ASSA CLIQ Remote key is the only one they will need, irrespective of how many rooms they may occupy or how many areas they may need access to during their time with us. In addition, the system provides robust security; if a key is lost or stolen, we can cancel it, safe in the knowledge that we are completely secure.” “The service from ASSA ABLOY has been outstanding. The company really made the effort to understand our business and its requirements. During the implementation phase, ASSA ABLOY provided comprehensive training on how to use the system to all staff that have administration rights, while working with our IT team to ensure the systems’ software is uploaded onto their machines.” High-security physical master key system “The best part of the service has been having a dedicated contact that has been onboard since the start, providing us with new updates, support and guidance. This part of the service is proving to be of great value, filling us with confidence to continue using ASSA ABLOY products in the future. Indeed, as we look to expand the sites we operate in, we envisage that all the cylinders will one day be converted to this system.” Simon Wilson, National Sales Manager for ASSA CLIQ Remote at ASSA ABLOY, said: “Our ASSA CLIQ Remote solution combines all the benefits of access control with a high-security physical master key system. The system was easily retrofitted, meaning there was very little disruption to the university during the installation process, and the institute no longer has to worry about the security concerns that come with a misplaced key. Data security “The fact that ASSA CLIQ Remote also offers the capability to log and provide a record of who has entered and exited an area is helping to ensure rooms that hold confidential papers or sensitive information remain secure.” “We’re delighted to help the Bloomsbury Institute revolutionise its key management systems, delivering greater security, flexibility and key control.”

iLOQ has signed an agreement with leading residental developer Bonava Finland Oy. Under the agreement, the majority of new buildings developed by Bonava will be equipped with iLOQ’s unique digital locking and access control solutions. The agreement is initially valid until the end of 2020. iLOQ will supply unique self-powered locking and access management solutions to buildings developed by Bonava“We are happy about the upcoming collaboration. The new agreement with Bonava shows that digital access control has made its way into new construction. Digital access management will replace mechanical locking in the future, and this is a change where iLOQ is at the very forefront. The agreement is also a strong indication of us reaching a point in our growth where we are more strongly present in the production of new buildings,” says Heikki Hiltunen, President & CEO of iLOQ. iLOQ will supply unique self-powered locking and access management solutions to buildings developed by Bonava. The agreement aims to increase collaboration between iLOQ and Bonava and makes iLOQ’s self-powered locking and access management solutions available to an increasing number of tenants. Digital locking system for tenants’ security With iLOQ’s locking system, the tenant can move around the neighbourhood using a single key with access rights that can be modified"“This is a fine step for Bonava and provides a good starting point for future living solutions. Bonava wants tenants to be able to move around in their neighbourhood easily and safely, which is possible with a digital locking system. With iLOQ’s locking system, the tenant can, for example, move around the neighbourhood using a single key with access rights that can be modified. New lock series are not necessary if the key is lost and using the key also leaves a mark that makes it easy to track possible misuses,” says Kaisu Nousiainen, Head of Design and R&D at Bonava. “Digital locking and access management are strongly linked with the living of the future, and we are a pioneer in the digitalisation of the locking industry. People are interested in smart home technology. Digital development makes the everyday lives of tenants and other users significantly easier. Due to the collaboration, an increasing number of tenants are able to enjoy the security digital access management brings,” states Toni Päivinen, Head of Sales Finland at iLOQ.

Ask a student, or pretty much anyone, what they think about “access control” and you’ll get a shrug. Conversely, all of us are enthusiastic about security and convenience. Students across Europe are discovering SMARTair wireless access control gives them both. Adding SMARTair access control to a door involves just replacing a standard cylinder or escutcheon with a digital, smartphone- or smart-card–operated electronic lock. It’s hassle-free to make the switch to SMARTair. And with a system design focused on user experience, SMARTair takes some of the everyday pain out of student life. Wherever you fit SMARTair, it’s easy to configure access cards to enable payments in the canteen or at vending machines; for changing room locker locks; and for the photocopier or library loans. You can’t do that with a metal key. MIFARE RFID cards At Madrid’s prestigious Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros (CUNEF) students now open doors with smart MIFARE RFID cards instead of keys At Madrid’s prestigious Colegio Universitario de Estudios Financieros (CUNEF) students now open doors with smart MIFARE RFID cards instead of keys. CUNEF fitted escutcheons to monitor and ease access to different areas of the university for 1,600 students, without the need for expensive wired door locks. If a student loses their card, there’s no threat to campus security. A manager issues a new credential which automatically cancels the lost card — much faster than changing a lock. When Mezzino took ownership of Rialto Court — apartments for students attending Durham University and Teesside University — they replaced a mechanical master key system with SMARTair. From the company’s point of view, the high annual tenant turnover and a need for scheduled cleaning and summer shutdown were becoming difficult to manage with physical keys. Students also reaped the benefits of their new, user-friendly access system. They have the confidence no previous resident of their flat has copied a physical key. At Funway Academic Resort in Madrid, student rooms are also locked with SMARTair escutcheons. Energy-saving wall devices inside rooms regulate electricity use, and students each have their own safe locked with a SMARTair cabinet lock. The Funway gym, study rooms, games rooms, swimming pool and changing rooms, spa and staff areas are also locked with SMARTair escutcheons — and open with the same smart-card. SMARTair Openow solution The recent launch of the SMARTair Openow solution puts credentials on a mobile phoneThere’s more to come from SMARTair. The recent launch of the SMARTair Openow solution puts credentials on a mobile phone. With SMARTair and the Openow app, students can open their rooms and authorised doors with a smartphone. If you have your phone, you’re already carrying your keys. Student services or facilities managers issue virtual keys over-the-air — and can revoke them whenever they choose — so there’s no need for a key-card handover meeting, at the beginning or end of term. A time-limited virtual key arrives ahead of the first day and automatically expires when it’s time to vacate your halls. Mobile credentials Mobile credentials will be a big hit. Student life goes on inside the handset, as much as IRL (“In Real Life”, for the uninitiated). Last year’s Deloitte Mobile Consumer Survey found a fifth of 18- to 24-year-olds even check their phone for messages in the middle of the night*. From a security standpoint, phone-based credentials have another advantage. Checking our phones is “habitual”, “unconscious” and “repetitive”, according to one study**. We know very quickly if it is missing. How soon would you notice a missing plastic card, especially if you were enjoying yourself on a night out? Biometric security Plus, a virtual key on every student’s smartphone potentially provides an extra layer of biometric protection for every controlled university door Plus, a virtual key on every student’s smartphone potentially provides an extra layer of biometric protection for every controlled university door. Fingerprint, and even face and iris, scanners are commonplace on smartphones. ”Generation Z students were raised as digital natives,” says Felix Moran, SMARTair Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY. ”They expect convenience as a standard feature, not a mechanical solution used in Ancient Egypt. In Europe’s increasingly international, marketized higher education ecosystem, attracting these tech-savvy students is critical, as is keeping them satisfied with the campus experience.” SMARTair TS1000 software The complete SMARTair solution includes wireless escutcheons, cylinders, wall readers, locker locks and more; the intuitive SMARTair TS1000 software; and the enhanced new Openow app functionality. It works out the box and is easy to install — and even easier to operate.