ASSA ABLOY Americas International - Experts & Thought Leaders

When it comes to connecting to the community and protecting its schools, Sumter County in central Florida has implemented some pretty impressive, innovative, and thoughtful solutions. The county, located west of the Greater Orlando area, recently set out on a mission to increase security at its 14 schools district-wide by installing SARGENT IN120 Intelligent Wi-Fi locks on classroom doors and other interior openings.  Digital access technology All Sumter County schools feature multiple classroom buildings. So, in addition to deploying more digital access technology indoors, the district took the extra safety measure of installing a special security fence around each campus’s group of buildings, complete with a single point-of-entry gate controlled by an IN120. Custom-made from resilient metal stock, this gate access solution provides further assurance that only students and staff are allowed to enter. For contractors, family members, and other visitors, there’s a separate controlled entrance at the main administration building of each school where they can be vetted for clearance to specific areas. A simpler, cost-effective path IN120s exchange permission data and grant access strictly by Wi-Fi and run on six AA alkaline batteries IN120s exchange permission data and grant access strictly by Wi-Fi and run on six AA alkaline batteries, virtually eliminating the need for hard wiring. This makes the solution very straightforward to install, power, and connect. IN120s are also easy to operate. Faculty and other authorised personnel simply present their issued credentials to a door’s IN120 card reader to release the lock.  Fence point-of-entry For the fence point-of-entry, a scheduled staff member stationed at the opening activates the IN120 the same way, unlocking the gate to let students in as they arrive for the day. Once they’ve entered and are on their way to their assigned classroom buildings, the gate is closed and locked until the next time a student or staff member needs access. Per life safety/fire codes, of course, free egress is always possible by pushing on the exit device (panic bar) on the inside of the gate door.  Cost savings The rationale for choosing SARGENT IN120 Intelligent Wi-Fi locks for the gate doors was to eliminate the expense  The rationale for choosing SARGENT IN120 Intelligent Wi-Fi locks for the gate doors was to eliminate the expense of trenching and cabling between the fence entry point and a nearby building, which would have been necessary for the power and communication requirements of a traditional hard-wired system. That option was out of budget. IN120s, on the other hand, offered a significant cost-saving alternative, which allowed for a better use of available funds. The Power of Wi-Fi Fortunately, high-speed internet and Wi-Fi are plentiful at all the district’s school buildings both indoors and out, the result of Sumter County’s initiative to boost and extend service to campus parking lots after recognising that many people in the somewhat rural area didn’t have access to such an important necessity. This allows students to come to the parking area and easily connect to online resources that help complete schoolwork, an essential amenity especially during off-hours and over weekends.  Alternative standalone power source  Strong Wi-Fi reach, of course, also fills the connectivity requirements of the IN120 locks Strong Wi-Fi reach, of course, also fills the connectivity requirements of the IN120 locks, including those at exterior gate locations. Batteries outdoors, however, are another matter. The extreme heat and wintertime cold that Sumter County experiences can shorten battery life and high humidity tends to cause corrosion. That meant finding an alternative standalone power source for each of the single-point entries. Securitron BPSS-20 solar power supply Thankfully, the ASSA ABLOY team had a bright idea. They proposed bypassing the batteries altogether and installing the external power 91-prefix version of the IN120 driven by a Securitron BPSS-20 solar power supply. With a 12V, 20W panel, and 18Ah battery mounted nearby, they were able to turn the intelligent Wi-Fi gate lock into a complete IN120 solar energy solution for Sumter County. Proof again that their schools provide valuable learning experiences and great opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Critical Infrastructure, a pioneering provider of advanced locking and access management solutions, will showcase its new CI Series line of key cabinets at GSX 2023 in booth 2941 as part of its expanding Critical Infrastructure Protection portfolio. The Global Security Exchange show takes place September 11-13 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Centre in Dallas. Physical security risks In industries such as water, power & energy, and oil & gas, government agencies and industry groups are developing standards to help support preparedness of the nation’s critical infrastructure. The North American Energy Reliability Corporation (NERC), for example, has created a set of requirements designed to secure the assets required for operating North America's bulk electric system, which would require utilities with critical assets to take steps to address physical security risks and vulnerabilities. This is precisely where ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions is taking security and efficiency to a new level. Integrated solutions will help operators secure access and provide audit trails on locking hardware and keys within their security perimeters. New CI Series intelligent key cabinets GSX attendees discover a new line of key cabinets developed for the needs of critical infrastructureGSX attendees can discover the new line of key cabinets developed for the unique needs of critical infrastructure customers. Designed to be robust, reliable and affordable, CI Series cabinets can be customised to fit a range of facility applications–ranging from 32 to 288 keys per cabinet–and can easily be expanded to more than 2,000 total keys.   “We listen closely to our customers and understand there’s a growing need for a strong and reliable key access management product that’s simple to operate, not over-engineered, and will work every day at those critical times when you need it,” explains Jerry Burhans, Managing Director for ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions–Critical Infrastructure. Other features Available in both wall-mount and free-standing options, the cabinets feature 16-gauge steel construction to support heavy use. Other features include:  Touch screen controls Web-Based Administration Customised Reporting Email SMS/Alerts Digital photo capture of all access Multiple Access Options (PIN, Biometric, Proximity Cards) Enhanced security and theft deterrence with new ABLOY SO500 puck lock with ABLOY® PROTEC2 or electromechanical CLIQ™ cylinders     Author's quote “NERC CIP and the focus on security preparedness is driving this trend,” continued Burhans, “So accountability is more important than ever. For thousands of customers who are already using our digital locking systems, this CI cabinet closes the loop. It gives you a complete audit trail, situational awareness of a customer’s keys, and locking hardware assets. It’s reliable, robust and ready.”  To learn more about these products, plan to visit with an ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions representative in booth 2941.

The PSA Network (PSA), the consortium of professional systems integrators announced the lineup of sponsors for PSA TEC 2023 (TEC), which is taking place in Dallas, Texas, USA, from May 1-4, 2023. “This year’s PSA TEC has a remarkable lineup of sponsors that enable us to exceed our members' expectations,” said Matt Barnette, President and CEO of the PSA Network, adding “TEC has established a reputation for high-quality educational offerings, networking, and exclusive engagement with prominent industry leaders. We look forward to integrators and technology partners establishing enduring connections.”  TEC 2023 TEC 2023 is exclusive to PSA owners, members, and sponsors providing premier educational content and networking opportunities between integrators and technology partners.  Over the four days, integrators will meet one-on-one with technology partners during TECTalks and visit Signature, Title, and Premier sponsor rooms reserved for product showcases, demonstrations, and meetings.   Sponsors  The sponsors are industry-leading manufacturers and solutions providers including:  Signature  Intel  Title   Acre  Premier  Altronix Corporation  AMAG Technology Bosch Security and Safety Systems Eagle Eye Networks  HID  Johnson Controls  LenelS2  Gold  Aiphone  ASSA ABLOY  Hanwha Vision  March Networks  Milestone Systems  Qumulex Windy City Wire   Silver  3millID Alarm.com  Allegion  Alvarado  BCD  Controlled Products Systems Group Digital Watchdog  Eyeforce   Farpointe Data  Genea  Identiv  Intelligent Security Systems  Keri Systems  LandSkyAI LifeSafety Power  Louroe Electronics  Magos America  OpenEye  SECLOCK Seneca  Vivotek  Winland Electronics, Inc.   Zenitel  Tabletop  Canon Financial Services D-Tools  Navigate Management Consulting NSCA Snellings Walters Insurance Agency   Solutions360  System Surveyor  WeSuite  Registration and conference details  “We are truly grateful to our PSA TEC 2023 sponsors for their incredible support and engagement with our members,” said Brittany Board, Director of Technology Partners at PSA, adding “Their contributions are invaluable, and PSA TEC wouldn’t be the same without them.”  Registration for TEC is open and provides access to all networking events, meals, and conference courses. Attendees are encouraged to book hotel rooms at the conference hotel, Hyatt Regency Dallas, before April 14 to receive the group rate of $229/night (plus tax and fees, rooms are subject to availability). 

Companies at GSX 2023 emphasised new ways that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud can address long-standing issues in the security market. Among the exhibitors at the event in Dallas were companies seeking creative ways to apply technology, lower costs, and make the world a safer place. Reflecting on the exhibition, here are some additional takeaways. Expanding AI at the edge  i-PRO is a company reflecting the continued expansion of edge AI capability in the security market. Today, more than half of the company’s lineup supports AI at the edge so the customer has a wide choice of form factors when seeking to leverage the feature set.  AI processing relay, extended warranty i-PRO is increasing their warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases I-PRO also has an “AI processing relay” device that accepts non-AI video streams and applies edge analytics. AI has progressed from a high-end technology to a feature available in a variety of cameras at different price points. i-PRO is also increasing its warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases depending on a customer’s refresh schedule and lifecycle management. Active Guard, MonitorCast The company’s video management system (Video Insight) is continuing to build new features including “Active Guard,” an integrated metadata sorter. Their access control platform, MonitorCast, is a Mercury-based solution that is tightly integrated with Video Insight. Their embedded recorders now have PoE built in.  “We can move at a faster pace to fill out our product line since leaving Panasonic,” says Adam Lowenstein, Director of Product Management. “We can focus our business on adapting to the market.” Emphasis on retail and other verticals  Shoplifting is a timely issue, and retail is a vertical market that got a lot of attention at GSX 2023. “We see a lot of retailers who are primarily interested in protecting employee safety, but also assets,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s SVP of Product and Operations. “Shrinkage is a CEO-level priority.”  “Retailers are getting more engaged with security posture, instead of letting perpetrators walk,” Davito adds. Intrusion detection Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm On the alarm side, Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm, and operators can review videos to confirm the alarm. Other capabilities seeking to discourage trespassers include sirens, strobes, and “talkdown” capabilities.  International expansion Verkada continues to expand internationally with 16 offices in all, including Sydney, Tokyo, and London. The core value proposition is to enable customers to manage their onsite infrastructure more simply, including new elements such as PTZ cameras, intercoms, and visitor management. Verkada emphasises ease of use, including a mobile application to allow access to be managed across the user base. Forging partnerships “We are committed to the channel and industry, and we continue to build relationships and expand our reach,” says Davito. Among the industry relationships is a new partnership with Convergint, which was hinted at during the show and announced later the same day. They are also expanding their partnerships with Schlage, Allegion, and ASSA ABLOY.  Working with other verticals They offer new features for K -12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage Verkada has also found success across multiple other verticals, notably healthcare, where they integrate with an electronic medical records system. They offer new features for K-12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage. They are integrating wireless locks to secure interior doors in schools, looking to secure the perimeter, and installing guest management systems. Transitioning the mid-market to the cloud  Salient is squarely focused on the “mid-market,” a large swath of systems somewhere between small businesses and enterprise-level systems. Pure cloud systems are not as attractive to this market, which has a built-out infrastructure of on-premise systems. Adding a camera to an existing system is easier and less expensive than tying it to the cloud. Benefits of cloud It’s a market that may not be ready for the pure cloud, but there are benefits to be realised from adding a cloud element to existing systems. “We are continuing to augment our premise-based solutions with added cloud capabilities and flexibility,” says Sanjay Challa, Salient’s Chief Product Officer.  The feedback Salient hears from their customers is “I want to own my data.” The hybrid cloud approach offers the right mix of control, flexibility, and unit economics. Cloud add-on capabilities We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive" Cloud add-on capabilities include bringing more intelligence about system operation to the user via the cloud. Over time, Salient expects to sell more cloud-centric offerings based on feedback from integrators and customers. “We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive over time,” says Challa.  Vaidio AI technology Salient seeks to be a transition pioneer to help customers realise the path to the cloud. Their approach is “crawl, walk, run,” and helping customers make the transition at each stage. Salient has added AI to its product offering, incorporating Vaidio AI technology from IronYun into a powerful suite and broad array of on-premise analytics, which are gaining traction. The seamless approach makes it easy for customers to embrace AI analytics, although Salient remains broadly committed to open systems. Addressing ‘soft’ features for integrators AMAG is in the process of enhancing its product line with the next generation of access control panels. However, “product” is just part of the new developments at AMAG. In addition to “hard” features (such as products), the company is looking to improve its “soft” features, too; that is, how they work with the integrator channel. Integrator channel Rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence" “We have the depth of our legacy customer base we can learn from, we just need to close the feedback loop quicker,” says Kyle Gordon, AMAG’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and commercial Excellence, who acknowledges the value of reinstating face-to-face meetings after COVID. “We are laser-focused on nurturing our integrator channel,” he says.  “Developing new features takes time, but rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, that’s relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence,” says Gordon. More cohesive internal communication is another useful tool, he says.  Disrupting the cloud based on price  Wasabi is working to make cloud applications less expensive by offering a “disruptive” price on cloud storage, $6.99 per terabyte per month (80% less than hyperscalers). Contending “hyperscalers” like AWS are charging too much for cloud storage, Wasabi is using its own intellectual property and server equipment co-located in data centres around the world. Wasabi sells “hot cloud storage,” which refers to the fact that they only have one tier of storage and data is always accessible. In contrast, a company such as AWS might charge an “egress fee” for access to data stored in a “colder” tier.  Cloud storage “We saw that several video surveillance companies had not yet adopted cloud storage, and we saw an opportunity to make it easy to use,” said Drew Schlussel, Wasabi’s Senior Director of Product Marketing. “We just install a little bit of software that allows them to store data in the cloud and bring it back from the cloud.” Performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies such as Genetec and Milestone. Emphasising performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price, their data centres are certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.  Faster throughput for weapons detection Xtract One is a young company focusing on weapons detection in a time of accelerated concern about gun issues post-COVID. Founded in Canada and based on technology developed at McMaster University, Xtract One has found a niche in providing weapons detection at stadiums and arenas. These customers already have budgets, and it is easy to shift the money to a newer, faster technology. Madison Square Garden in New York City is among its customers.  Cost savings solution Xtract One can increase throughput to 30 to 50 people per entrance per minute (compared to 5 to 6 people per minute when using metal detectors). The solution doesn’t require anyone to empty their pockets and the system alarms on items beyond guns and knives. Using Xtract One allows customers to reduce the number of screening lanes and security staff, providing additional cost savings, all while getting fans through the screening process in half the time. Purpose-built sensors The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties In addition to stadiums and arenas, Xtract One, formerly Patriot One, is also getting “inbound” interest from schools, hospitals, manufacturers, and other verticals that makeup 50% of their business. “We’re on a rocket ride, mainly because the weapons issues are not going away,” says Peter Evans, CEO and Director at Xtract One. The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties, all correlated by an AI engine.  Providing early warning of violence ZeroEyes is another company focused on weapons detection. Their AI gun detection system works with video images to identify if someone is “brandishing” (carrying) a weapon. In other words, the system does not detect concealed weapons. Identifying someone carrying a weapon provides early warning of a possible violent act. Increased response with AI-enables images Images are identified by AI and sent to a monitoring centre where a human confirms the image before contacting first responders. Knowing the location of a shooter enables staff to lock entry points, move people to safety, and direct first responders. The company was founded to leverage existing camera views to stop mass shootings and gun violence by reducing response times. 

The outlook for advancements in door security solutions is proving to be an extension of the positive trends that have emerged over the past few years and that continue to evolve in exciting new ways. That’s a good sign as we make our way along the road toward an ever-safer world. Improvements in a hybrid workforce  Here’s what we’re seeing: More and more companies are rethinking the office space and how electronic access control (EAC) security and data can help better serve the hybrid workforce. More colleges and universities are adopting mobile credentials to meet the expectations of students. And we’re seeing EAC being integrated into more applications that go beyond the traditional doorway. Among K-12 schools, the current trend surrounds ensuring classroom doors are secured with proper locksets Among K-12 schools, the current trend surrounds ensuring classroom doors are secured with proper locksets, retrofitting where required, and reinforcing training for safe operation. We continue to experience steady demand for specialty doors and touchless openings in the healthcare industry. And we’re seeing an ever-increasing emphasis across the board on the aesthetics, sustainability, and resilience of door security products. Rethinking the workspace The use of electronic access control and security management infrastructure as a mechanism to do non-security tasks also continues to expand. One of the trends in building design is rethinking how people need to use workplace settings. Today, there’s less need to come into the company office and sit at a desk or cube to answer emails and use the computer. Instead, the focus is on designing spaces that facilitate collaboration and face-to-face interaction. Electronic access control and data This rethinking of spaces means that security professionals must work closely with architects and end users to assess how many people may likely be coming in during a typical week. EAC data can shed light on these patterns and improve the planning process to identify which technologies are the best fit for a facility and that support the primary mission of the organisation using that facility. Energy efficiency  Access control data capture is helping to make building management platforms smarter for improving comfort Integration of EAC with other security systems is also trending higher. In addition to managing people entering and exiting openings, access control provides the kind of data and interaction that’s useful for developing apps to schedule hoteling (reserving unassigned desks), meeting rooms, and locker assignments. Access control data capture is helping to make building management platforms smarter as well as improving comfort, wellness, and energy efficiency by controlling HVAC, window coverings, and lighting. Mobile Credentials on the rise  Mobile access is another trend that continues to skyrocket. Outside the hospitality space, we see this being driven primarily by student bodies at the university and college levels. Other sectors are recognising this flexibility as well, for the convenience it provides the user and for administrators responsible for issuing and modifying credentials, which can be implemented quickly and remotely. There are over 270 million smartphones in the U.S. currently, and people use them for everything today, whether it’s paying for an item with a mobile wallet or tapping a reader to gain access somewhere. Most of us always have our phones with us, so it’s very rare that we forget or lose them as we might with a keycard or brass key. We’re also far less likely to lend our phones to someone else to make a purchase or get in a door. Access-controlled lockers Speaking of purchases, the “amazonification” of so many businesses in the past three years is fueling the steady rise of package deliveries to college dormitories. The same applies to office buildings and multi-family units. This means greater demand for innovative access-controlled lockers to receive the deliveries, secure them, and ensure privacy.  Along with lockers, EAC, mobile, and intelligent locks have been making their way into more non-traditional openings This is why you’re seeing a proliferation of locker systems like Luxer One in residence halls, offices, and other locations today. Along with lockers, EAC, mobile, and intelligent locks have been making their way into more non-traditional openings, including server cabinets, medication drawers and lockers, and critical unmanned infrastructure such as traffic control cabinets that dot nearly every intersection. K-12 security One of the best options for preventing loss of life during an active shooter event is to ensure that doors are locked and remain secured. The technology barrier to keeping kids and teachers safe is extremely low. If you can keep a door to a classroom or collaboration space secured, you can keep an intruder out until help arrives. And we’re not talking about needing new technologies to get the job done right, although we certainly continue to innovate them even for traditional door hardware. Automatically locking doors  Classroom doors that require a key to lock and unlock them from the outside have been around for years. Additional models automatically lock when the door is closed, allowing the teacher to lock the door from either side and/or have an indicator to verify it’s secured. Of course, for safety and code compliance, free egress is always necessary so everyone can get out in an emergency. Lockset solutions  The trend now is about ensuring the right classroom lockset solutions are in place and that faculty and staff are updated There should also be accommodations that ensure first responders and other authorised personnel can gain entry when necessary. The trend now is about ensuring the right classroom lockset solutions are in place (such as Corbin Russwin or SARGENT Classroom Intruder or Storeroom function locks), and that faculty and staff are well-versed and consistently updated on proper operation and safety procedures.  Specialty doors and access convenience for healthcare Touchless (a.k.a. no-touch) and low-touch access technologies were developed as convenient opening solutions well before the pandemic. It’s logical then that demand has accelerated and continues to do so. Low-touch activation takes just an easy bump of a button with a forearm, elbow, or hip, or the press of a foot pedal. With fully touchless technology, a sensor automatically opens the door on approach. For restricted environments, a quick scan of a badge, phone, or fob activates the sensor. We’re also supplying more anti-microbial/anti-viral coating options today as part of further efforts to prevent the spread of germs in healthcare environments. Sliding and pocket doors In addition, there’s a bigger push in healthcare for sliding and pocket doors that are typically easier to open, save space by eliminating the radius required for a swinging door and feature newer insulating materials that make them more energy efficient and keep rooms quieter, more private, and more comfortable. Plus, they have a greater aesthetic quality to them with wood and other decorative finishes that are available. Architectural aesthetics The key is designing security and architectural hardware so they work in harmony and enhance the user experience When we think about trends, fashion and interior design often come to mind. Aesthetics apply to door openings as well and have become increasingly important to the architectural community and building industry. Just as fashion keeps upping the game by changing color palettes, textures, and patterns, so do the interior design world, doors and door hardware included. Retail stores often set the bar for interior design and inspire other commercial settings to follow. That’s why our company continuously invests in developing rich lines of styles, finishes, textures, and color palettes for everything from levers and pulls to specialty doors and glass door hardware solutions. The key is designing security and architectural hardware so they work in harmony and enhance the user experience within a space. Glass Glass is another trend that’s seeing continued growth due to its clean look, fire resistance, and 100% recyclability. It also contributes to sustainability by allowing light and warmth into a space. Great strides have been made with access control locks for glass recently, especially with our Aperio low-profile solutions that are fast becoming a hit with architects and interior designers. Demand for sustainable solutions and products Architects, designers, and builders also continue to place extremely high importance on the sustainability attributes of the products they choose for their projects. We’re fortunate that our company has been immersed in advancing sustainability for over 15 years and has made significant progress with ambitious goals for our operations, innovation, material ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing to lower the carbon footprint substantially. Third-party certifications Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations, and Declare Labels add another level of accountability Architects, builders, and end-users also expect their suppliers to seek and obtain third-party certifications of sustainable products to ensure compliance. All our sustainable products go through this process. Verifiers like GreenCircle Certified independently audit and validate our claims. Environmental Product Declarations, Health Product Declarations, and Declare Labels add another level of accountability. Resilience Last, but not least, is the trend toward becoming as resilient of a facility and operation as possible. Customers from all sectors are more focused than ever on ensuring the safety of those they employ, teach, heal, and house as well as the livelihoods their organisations provide. Whether it’s battening down the hatches with a FEMA-rated tornado shelter door, providing safe access with door security solutions that remain operational during outages, specifying certified sustainable materials, or deploying tighter cybersecurity measures in our increasingly interconnected world, built-in resilience is a must-have. Expect these intriguing door security trends to keep evolving for the better as we forge ahead with exciting solutions for even more valuable applications that help make life a safer and more open experience.

Our Expert Panel Roundtable is an opinionated group. However, for a variety of reasons, we are sometimes guilty of not publishing their musings in a timely manner. At the end of 2020, we came across several interesting comments among those that were previously unpublished. Following is a catch-all collection of those responses, addressing some of the most current and important issues in the security marketplace in 2021.