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