ASSA ABLOY - Experts & Thought Leaders

ASSA ABLOY, the global pioneer in access solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Jacques Vermeulen to the position of National Accounts Manager for the newly established Locksmiths UKI - Commercial Group. This new appointment underscores ASSA ABLOY’s commitment to enhancing service delivery and strengthening relationships with auto-locking customers, lock wholesalers and national accounts across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Understanding of the locksmith industry Jacques Vermeulen brings over eight years of experience, having worked with Mul-T-Lock, part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, as a Regional Sales Manager, developing a deep understanding of the locksmith industry, which he can bring to the new division.  Jacques Vermeulen said, "I am honoured to take on this new role and excited about the opportunities it presents. I look forward to continuing to work closely with our national locksmith partners, whilst ensuring we can provide innovative solutions and consistent exceptional support." Locksmiths UKI Jacques will be liable for overseeing locksmith wholesalers, vehicle safety and key national accounts ASSA ABLOY made the strategic decision to create the Locksmiths UKI - Commercial Group to cater to the specific requirements of locksmiths and their customers. Headed by Nigel Taylor, it will focus on delivering tailored security solutions, fostering strong partnerships, and supporting industry success. In his new role, Jacques will be responsible for overseeing locksmith wholesalers, vehicle security and key national accounts, driving growth, and ensuring exceptional service standards for ASSA ABLOY commercial locksmith partners. Unparalleled service "Jacques's promotion is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and outstanding contributions to our global brands," said Nigel, Director & Head of Locksmiths UKI Commercial Group. He adds, "We are confident that with his industry knowledge and experience, he is the ideal candidate to drive the success of our new division with our key accounts and deliver unparalleled service to our customers."

As the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo enters its 20th year, ASSA ABLOY, the pioneer in access solutions, reinforces its commitment to sustainability with a world-class line-up of on-site education and a dynamic showcase of its sustainable product offerings and initiatives. Featured in Booth 1445, ASSA ABLOY highlights its key sustainability initiatives and products, headlined by the SARGENT 8200 Series Electrified Mortise Lock with EcoFlex® Technology and the new Ceco Door and Curries Mercury 2 Adjustable Thermal Break Hollow Metal Frame (launching November 9 from Ceco and Curries). Access control system The 8200 Series Mortise Lock, which has achieved Living Product Challenge certification from the International Living Future Institute, operates from 12 to 24VDC and can be used in stand-alone applications or as part of an integrated access control system. Featuring EcoFlex technology, the electromechanical version dramatically reduces power consumption by up to 96%, as certified by GreenCircle. The frame features a bonded thermal break with a Pemko S44 compression-type weather-stripping The new Mercury 2 Adjustable Thermal Break Frame is an energy-efficient frame that incorporates a unique 2” range of depth adjustment to accommodate variations in wall thickness, can be used as an adaptable inventory solution, and ensures a lower cost of ownership. The frame features a bonded thermal break with a Pemko S44 compression-type weather-stripping. Showcasing sustainable products “We are excited to showcase our sustainable products and solutions in San Francisco,” says Amy Musanti, Director of Sustainability for ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions. “The Greenbuild International Conference and Expo gives ASSA ABLOY the opportunity to meet face-to-face with leaders in sustainable building materials and collaborate first-hand with the world's leading architects, designers, consultants, and end users.” In addition, ASSA ABLOY will present five education sessions at Greenbuild in the Education Lab, Booth 1451. Specific courses may be eligible for one continuing education credit: Science-Based Targets: Lessons Learned from Committed Manufacturers (November 2 at 10:15 am) Passive Buildings Introduction (November 2 at 1:30 pm) The Future of the Built Environment: Optimisation & Sustainability (November 2 at 4 pm) Making Invisible Material Impacts, Visible (November 3 at 10:15 am) Heavy Metal: Embodied Carbon in Steel (November 3 at 1:30 pm) Sustainable built environment We've gathered our team of sustainability experts for Greenbuild" “We've gathered our team of sustainability experts for Greenbuild and look forward to welcoming customers to our booth and education lab,” adds Musanti. “Greenbuild is always a great opportunity to reiterate the incredible contribution that ASSA ABLOY products and solutions have to a sustainable built environment.” Based on product transparency documents to date, ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions (United States only) has: 216 Greenguard Gold Certifications 117 Environmental Product Declarations 17 Declare Labels 32 Health Product Declarations 14 Third-Party Verified HPDs and Declare labels 85% of waste diverted from landfills at four audited facilities Seven audited facilities with carbon footprint reduction

School bus driver shortages, teacher recruitment and retention, and post-COVID enrollment declines are top of mind these days as millions of children head back to school. The enthusiasm and promise of a new school year are tempered for administrators as they continue their focus on keeping classrooms and all areas of their schools properly secured. ASSA ABLOY, the pioneer in access solutions, is committed to helping educate the public, school administrators, and government officials about the steps and processes that should be followed to improve school security, safety, and emergency preparedness efforts. Lack of locking classrooms from inside The ability of a teacher to lock the classroom from inside can save valuable time and potentially lives" “A key finding from the tragic Uvalde, Texas incident last spring was the lack of classroom doors that can be locked from the inside,” says Ron Baer, Director of Business Development for K-12, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. “The ability of a teacher to lock the classroom from inside can save valuable time and potentially lives during an active threat situation. This is one of many situations that can be addressed and remedied relatively easily and expeditiously.” Back-to-School Security Checklist Based on new requirements launched this summer by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), ASSA ABLOY recommends a simple, yet powerful door and lock security checklist for school administrators: Conduct an audit of all doors and look for the following: 1) Perimeter doors: Are they locked and secure? Are all components functioning properly? Door, fame, lock, door closer/power operator. 2) Classroom doors: Do they have working locks? Can they be locked from the inside? Is it easy to tell whether the door is locked? Are all components functioning properly? Door, frame, lock, door closer/power operator. Conduct weekly sweeps of all doors to ensure they are closed and locked while school is in session. Review and, if necessary, update access control procedures to help ensure: A policy is in place to ensure exterior doors are closed and locked and that visitors can only enter the facility through primary entrances. The staff has been trained on visitor procedures, including what forms of identification are allowable, and under what situations visitors are permitted to enter the building. A policy is in place requiring classroom instruction to be conducted with doors locked. A multi-disciplinary team is established to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement of current practices or facility features and conditions. Implement an Intruder Detection Audit program of random inspections to identify weak access points, as the State of Texas has implemented. Effective steps We encourage state leaders to allocate funds for improving outdated or broken door and lock systems" “Taking these very effective steps can help give educators greater peace of mind and help maintain their focus on teaching,” adds Baer. “As annual funding is appropriated for school districts nationwide, we encourage state government leaders to allocate appropriate funds for improving outdated or broken door and lock systems. It can make all the difference.” Best practices There are many trusted organisations whose sole mission is to help schools create a safe and secure learning environment for students and teachers, such as the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), The Door Security & Safety Foundation, and its “Opening the Door School Safety” initiative, and local organisations like the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC). ASSA ABLOY supports these organisations and their recommendations for best practices in safely securing schools. Safety, security, and wellness challenges ASSA ABLOY understands that every school has its own unique set of safety, security, and wellness challenges. To help ensure the health and safety of students and staff, ASSA ABLOY is offering a complimentary consultation to help schools review the condition and readiness of the doorways in their facilities. School districts can complete this brief form for immediate support.

Mass attacks continue to lead the news far too often. All are horrific and disturbing, but the heartbreaking tragedies that have unfolded on school campuses touch us the deepest and have the most profound effects on our communities. NTAC statistics According to a January 2023 report from the United States Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), K-12 events accounted for 6% of all mass attacks in public and semi-public spaces between 2016 and 2020. 6% may strike some as being a small number, given all the coverage. Safeguarding schools and campuses By no means does the statistic diminish the pressing need for K-12 stakeholders to better safeguard their schools While the finding indicates campus attacks are relatively rare, that doesn’t mean they are any less significant. And, by no means does the statistic diminish the pressing need for K-12 stakeholders to better safeguard their schools with the most appropriate strategies, technological solutions, training, and other available resources to address vulnerabilities and thwart violence in K-12 schools. What we are learning about mass attacks  Questions come up about how mass attacks are evolving and what we’re learning about perpetrators and their tactics. It’s more accurate to describe the circumstances and behaviours as fluid. There’s no obvious straight line that’s simple to track. However, there is reliable research that shows progress is being made in assessing how a range of observable concerning behaviors may play a factor. MAPS report The most comprehensive resource for insights into warning signs is the latest U.S. Secret Service NTAC report cited above that was released early in 2023 titled “Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016 – 2020”. Called MAPS for short, the report details the extensive research and data behind identifying and recognising behaviours that may (but not always) escalate into attacks. Help, and guide communities Sometimes budgeting for higher cost measures but more often, it’s the simpler, lower-cost options It’s valuable content that has the potential to significantly help professionals with interventions and guide communities that are in the process of improving their safety and security protocols, technology decisions, and training to protect schools and other public spaces. Research like this is critical and a worthy investment. So is the need to wisely fund physical security solutions. Sometimes that means budgeting for higher cost measures but more often, it’s the simpler, lower-cost options that are the most appropriate, effective, and necessary.  Taking action  Parents, faculty, administrators, students, and the public in general rightfully are putting more pressure on school districts, other local education agencies (LEAs), state educational agencies (SEAs), and legislatures. Stakeholders want to make sure earnest efforts are being taken to assess the status of their schools’ safety and security vulnerabilities, enact remedial measures, and provide much-needed funding. Fortunately, more action is being taken at the local, state, and federal levels. Minimum safety levels For example, after Uvalde, Governor Greg Abbott quickly charged the Texas Education Agency (TEA) with assessing public school safety across the state and creating rules to ensure a minimum level of safety on all K-12 campuses. The Texas legislature also took swift action to strengthen programmes and funding and created an investigatory committee to learn how the perpetrator gained access and to identify points of failure in the response. School emergency plan standards Senate Bill 11 proposes creating a new Office of Safety and Security at TEA to work with TxSCC) November 2022, the TEA proposed updated standards with a strong focus on access control relating to exterior perimeter doors and exterior classroom doors, which must operate as fully intended and remain closed, latched, and locked to prevent unauthorised entry. Senate Bill 11 proposes creating a new Office of Safety and Security at TEA to work with the Texas School Safety Center (TxSCC) to develop greater requirements and guidance for establishing school emergency plan standards and provides for a conservator to be assigned to districts that fail to meet those standards. Annual intruder detection audit The bill also calls for the TxSCC to conduct at least one intruder detection audit annually and another every four years that would include a more detailed vulnerability assessment of campus emergency procedures and access control measures. In addition, the bill proposes tightening Texas truancy laws; truancy is considered a red flag for school officials that a student might need a school counselor. Safety and security requirements House Bill 3, which Governor Abbott signed into law on June 14, also creates new safety and security requirements. Among its provisions, the legislation requires district employees who regularly interact with students to complete evidenced-based mental health first aid training programmes. And it creates new requirements for security officers at school campuses as well, including the completion of active shooter response training programmes at least every four years that are approved by the Texas Commission on Law.  Improving public schools ESSER III dollars are quickly being put to good use under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund All these efforts are a step in the right direction. While extra time and dollars would have been beneficial for conducting more comprehensive surveys and research, what states like Texas are accomplishing is significant. Other good news is that the remaining ESSER III dollars are quickly being put to good use under the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund. The acceleration came on the heels of clarification about how those allocations could be applied to safety and security programmes when part of improving the condition of public school buildings and property. Fundings for schools Ideally, any future funding programmes will clarify how the funds can be used for safety and security improvements much earlier in the process so school districts can apply for that funding sooner. It’s all in the interest of using resources wisely. Staying efficacious  Urgent action to create new rules and bills for improving best practices is a good thing. However, there have been instances, where moving too fast has resulted in ideas or decisions that need more information regarding the practicality, costs, or effectiveness of a solution, even though the intention was good. Identifying the problem It’s critical to take the time to clearly identify and define the problem that needs to be solved That’s why it’s critical to take the time to clearly identify and define the problem that needs to be solved. What’s the intended outcome? What latitude is there for funding? What alternatives exist? What do the experts advise? What successes have other school districts had in similar situations and deploying similar solution choices?  Budget allocations Let’s say there’s a mandate to harden every window and glass door on the first floor of every school with ballistic glass. The budget allocation is $10 million and needs to cover 2,000 campuses across the state. Given the average cost of ballistic glass, that would only be enough to retrofit about four or five openings per school, which would be a major shortfall when considering all the windows and glass doors that are typically on the first floor of most schools. Due diligence The point is that while expediency is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of due diligence. It takes earnest consultation with stakeholders and experts as well as evidence-based rationale when it comes to recommending the most effective solutions and protocols for improving school safety and security. Doing the simple things well  Plan when the timing and funding will make it realistic and appropriate to move on to the next tier Often the best solutions are relatively simple and low-cost to procure, install, and maintain, like retrofitting classrooms with door hardware that can be readily locked from either side, lock status indicators to immediately tell if the room is secured, and silent panic buttons that teachers can activate in an emergency. In short, do the simple things first and do them well. Then plan when the timing and funding will make it realistic and appropriate to move on to the next tier of physical security solutions. Attack-resistant safety/security film treatments Many schools are hardening glass with attack-resistant safety/security film treatments, which helps delay and deter intrusions to buy extra time for first responders to arrive. Some campuses are designing hardened vestibules with ballistic-resistant glass inside main entries to ensure staff safety when screening visitors and contractors. Access control and video surveillance Taking extra measures to strengthen auto and pedestrian traffic routing, tightening access control, installing additional video surveillance cameras, and other new technologies are also part of school security strategies. To find out what security solutions schools across the country have been investing in, see the latest report from the US. Department of Education. Advanced physical security technology We keep moving forward producing better and better options that help us fulfill our responsibility These investments are good signs. At the same time, we know one size doesn’t fit all. We also realise that even though there are plenty of excellent and reasonable solutions available and advanced physical security technology being developed, there is no cure-all. But the industry is determined never to let our guard down. We keep moving forward producing better and better options that help us fulfill our responsibility as security professionals.  Programmes start with the right team and tools  Careful planning requires a collaborative and broad team of school and district stakeholders. It also needs to include input from security solutions providers who offer consultative expertise. Successful implementation of safety protocols, procedures, and security technology also depends on a commitment to comprehensive staff training that’s followed up with regular updates and refresher sessions. Districts must be ready and able to support and fund such an important commitment.  PASS Safety and Security Guidelines Clearways for schools to determine the right solutions based on budget availability, timing, and the issues Whether a school and/or district/LEA is in the earlier stages of developing a programme or already has one fully in place, it can also always benefit from the free resources, information, and advice available from the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools and its 6th Edition of PASS Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools.  Dedicated PASS volunteer advisors have years of valuable school security experience and a rich history of success. Their tiered approach outlines clear ways for schools to determine the right solutions based on budget availability, timing, and the issues they face. School safety and security School safety and security will always be a work in progress. It’s an effort that will continue to require further insight into what motivates perpetrators and what mental health professionals can do to intervene. And there will always be an ongoing need to invest in shoring up physical security and vigilance in ways that won’t detract from a comfortable, positive, and safe learning environment.

The excitement of ISC West 2019 continued until the very end – almost. Exhilarated by the first two busy days of the show, attendees and exhibitors seemed to welcome a slower third day. There were no complaints about booth traffic, and still plenty of thoughtful conversations taking place, everyone determined to maximise the value of face time with customers until the last second. Building an IoT ecosystem in SAST At a show lacking in high-profile new technology announcements, the biggest news is perhaps the possible long-term impact of first-time exhibitor Security and Safety Things (SAST), a Bosch startup. SAST is building a new Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem for the security and safety industry, including an app store, an open and secure camera operating system, a software developer environment, and a portal for integrators. SOCs (system-on-chips inside cameras) are becoming much more capable" Their 1,800-square-foot booth was big for a first-time exhibitor, and the American football theme was well received, as was the substance of the company’s effort to drive innovation in a highly fragmented industry. Seeing actual cameras and apps on display at the ISC West booth is “more real than PowerPoint,” says Hartmut Schaper, CEO of Security and Safety Things (SAST). “For us, seeing is believing,” says Schaper. “It was important for us to show cameras and apps for the first time. People are surprised at how far down the road we are.” “This dynamic will change in the industry,” says Schaper. “SOCs (system-on-chips inside cameras) are becoming much more capable. Soon there will be more processing power on the edge. People will find a way to use the extra processing power.” “Seeing is believing” at the SAST booth at ISC West 2019, where CEO Hartmut Schaper showed several manufacturers’ cameras whose functionality can be expanded using Android apps Developing more apps Several large manufacturers are already involved in the initiative, but there are some holdouts. “We are having ongoing talks with everyone to convince them to join,” Schaper says. “Some of the bigger ones will come around. We are not a camera manufacturer, and not a threat. We are owned by Bosch but are managed completely separately. There will be more and more apps developed, and momentum will increase.” “A year from now we will have successful customers we can talk about, and more camera manufacturers on board,” he says. “This year we are taxiing on the runway, but next year we will have cleared the tarmac and be climbing.” If the approach succeeds, their first appearance at ISC West will be remembered as historic. Future of surveillance cameras Off the show floor, in a nearby meeting room, chip maker Ambarella demonstrated technologies that will be driving the future of video surveillance cameras, including more intelligence at the edge. “People have been using more traditional video analytics approaches, though most of them have been disappointing,” says Chris Day, Ambarella VP of Marketing and Business Development. “What is ground-breaking now is the use of neural networks and real artificial intelligence, which has increased capabilities 100x. "You will see camera products coming out over the next year that are massively better than before. It’s not just incrementally getting better. Cameras will be coming out later this year with analytics that are absolutely amazing based on [the new chips.]” Larry Anderson, editor-in-chief of SecurityInformed.com, talks about Ambarella HDR and Low Light Solutions with Jerome Gigot, Senior Director of Marketing for Ambarella. (Source: Ambarella) New systems-on-chips Ambarella has introduced four new systems-on-chips (SoCs) in the last year, with emphasis on computer vision (video analytics). The newest is the S6LM Camera SoC with 4K imaging technology, unveiled at ISC West. The S6LM includes Ambarella's latest high dynamic range (HDR) and low-light processing technology, highly efficient 4K H.264 and H.265 encoding, multi-streaming, on-chip 360-degree de-warping, cyber-security features, and a quad-core CPU. People shouldn’t forget what a good camera is, and there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff" “With so much focus on AI and computer vision, I’m concerned the industry has taken focus away from low light imaging, wide dynamic range and image quality,” says Day. “You have to see the details in an image. People shouldn’t forget what a good camera is, and there doesn’t have to be a tradeoff, it’s all included in one chip.” From products to systems With a new general manager on board (Daniel Gundlach, formerly of Bosch), FLIR Systems Security Division is continuing its transition from a product company to a solutions provider, removing internal silos to clear the path. FLIR offers a strong end-to-end portfolio for Smart Cities applications, including the TruWITNESS line of body worn cameras and newly acquired Aeryon drones. FLIR’s historical strength as the top thermal imaging provider continues, but today they are much more than a thermal imaging company, offering visible day/night cameras, infrared pan-tilt-zoom cameras, video management systems and other technologies to provide a broader platform. FLIR's Saros security cameras combine multiple security technologies, including thermal sensors, high-resolution visible imaging, IR and visible LED illuminators, onboard analytics and two-way audio and digital input/outputs. Products in critical infrastructure applications In addition to Safe Cities, FLIR installs a range of products in critical infrastructure applications, such as oil and gas and electric utilities. Ports also tend to combine traditional security with an emphasis on perimeter protection, a FLIR strength. Existing perimeter protection applications can open opportunities for the broader platform. For example, installing a complete system in an airport that already uses FLIR’s thermal technology represents “low-hanging fruit” for the company, says Fredrik Wallberg, FLIR Director of Marketing – Security and Intelligent Transportation Systems. Ambarella demonstrates its latest imaging technology for video security during ISC West 2019 (Source: Ambarella) Integrated solutions Bosch's focus At the Bosch booth, there was an emphasis on integrated solutions and the customer experience. A mock retail store setup demonstrated systems such as overhead cameras for people counting and alarm communication to provide an alert if a refrigerator door is left ajar. A wireless panic button generates a silent alarm, communicates with a 2-way radio, and triggers a camera to focus on the area. An AVIOTEK IP camera alarms if there is a fire, based on observing actual flames rather than smoke. A new Bosch fixed dome camera series offers wireless remote commissioning capabilities that reduce installation and set-up time by up to 75 percent. Set-up only takes three steps: install the mounting bracket, connect the cables, and attach the camera module. Commissioning can be done wirelessly or remotely with no need for ladders or lifts. Dahua marks five years in the U.S. An IR illuminator is attached to each lens module to ensure there is always illumination in the field of view Time flies in the security industry, and it has already been five years since the Dahua brand entered the U.S. market. Today the company offers products through ADI and some 20 distributors, and has more than 30 technical consultants and technical support employees and 50 or 60 sales people in the field (including independent rep firms). “We are growing,” says Tim Shen, Director of Marketing at Dahua Technology USA. “It’s exciting for the company.” At ISC West, Dahua introduced a line of Multi-Flex panoramic cameras with lens modules that can be repositioned along an internal track for 180-, 270- or 360-degree views, providing flexibility for integrators. An IR illuminator is attached to each lens module to ensure there is always illumination in the field of view. Cost savings come from ease of installation (one camera instead of four) and only one VMS license (instead of four). AI and night colour cameras  Dahua is also emphasising its Night Colour cameras that remain in full colour mode regardless of how dark it gets. There is no IR illumination or IR cut filter – the camera stays in color mode and displays any visible image in colour with as little as 1 lux of illumination. The 2 megapixel version is on display at ISC West, and a 4 megapixel version will come in the fall. A year ago at ISC West, Dahua emphasised its initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) in order to position the company as a technology leader. This year, the message was more general – ‘Power Through Technology.’ The range of Dahua technologies includes AI, Night Colour, Starlight low-light imaging, fifth-generation HDCVI, and e-POE (Enhanced Power over Ethernet). Dahua USA's Director of Marketing says "the market itself likes AI", and expects more AI applications to follow (Source: Dahua USA's LinkedIn) “When we present AI to customers, they are happy, but when it comes to the budget they don’t have it,” says Shen. “The market itself likes AI, and it’s very much a buzzword. But we still need a proof of concept that it can do something good for end users. We need time to develop broader applications. The ‘smart retail’ market and education are good places to start.” he says. “AI is for project business,” adds Jennifer Hackenburg, Dahua’s Senior Product Marketing Manager. “Projects that are looking at AI haven’t come to fruition yet; they are still in the pipeline. It’s not for your everyday business. They are implementing it, but not as fast.” Access control beyond doors Access control should extend beyond doors. That’s the message I heard at the ASSA ABLOY booth, which displayed a variety of physical locks and intelligent access systems. An example is traffic cabinets, those metal boxes in public locations that could potentially be accessed to invade an internal network. ASSA ABLOY emphasises the need to secure the variety of enclosures, cabinets, drawers and small spaces ASSA ABLOY emphasises the need to secure the variety of enclosures, cabinets, drawers and small spaces throughout an enterprise. The company’s ‘security continuum’ message draws attention to the need for the right level of security for the right opening, using existing infrastructure as well as new electronic technologies. “Customers face a combination of non-traditional access control and questions on how they can secure things that are not doors,” says David Corbin, ASSA ABLOY Director of Access Control Accessories. The security message is resonating beyond the traditional security department to involve other stakeholders in an enterprise, including IT directors. There is new awareness of vulnerabilities that have been there forever, such as traffic cabinets that can be opened with a key purchased on eBay.

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.