National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Experts & Thought Leaders

National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) released survey results collected from over 170 industry professionals at the NFPA 2024 Conference & Expo®, the premier conference for fire, electrical, and life safety. The research findings reveal insights into trends and attitudes around digital tools, training and development, and AI implementation within the skilled trades industry. Mixed feelings about AI adoption Twenty-five percent of respondents believe AI should be used to help skilled trade workers streamline tasks during ongoing labour shortages. 19 percent of respondents indicated that either themselves or their organisations have begun experimenting with AI-powered solutions to simplify menial tasks.  Additionally, one-third (31 percent) of respondents believe AI can spur industry growth by making the trades more attractive to a younger generation of workers. AI challenges AI to act as a “personal assistant” to field workers for hyper-personalised and on-the-go learning On the other hand, nearly one-half (47 percent) of respondents revealed they are not currently leveraging AI in their day-to-day work and are skeptical of it. Additionally, only 8 percent of respondents believe AI implementation won’t benefit the fire and life-safe industry at all.  Respondents also cited utilising AI to act as a “personal assistant” to field workers for hyper-personalised and on-the-go learning (13 percent); streamline manual processes to save time (12 percent); and enhance learning and development initiatives, such as those delivered via virtual reality (8 percent). Digital tools are positively impacting training and development Eighty-two percent of respondents use digital tools daily to help streamline training and development programmes. The majority of respondents within this group recognise the diverse benefits that digital tools offer the skilled trades industry, including: Making training easier (98 percent). Saving time while training (94 percent). Streamlining the process of conducting training (95 percent). Challenges with digital tools However, respondents also noted challenges in leveraging digital tools within their day-to-day operations, despite an increase in the number of participants using five or more tools daily compared to the 2023 C&E Survey results. For example, 69 percent of respondents cited collaboration as a top challenge for 2024, a significant increase from 2023’s results (29 percent). The top-reported challenges teams face in leveraging digital tools include: Collaboration (69 percent). Inspection (51 percent). Complexity of projects (46 percent). Industry participation in NFPA programmes Eighty-five percent of respondents participate in at least one NFPA training and development programme a year and 18 percent of respondents participate in or offer training or programmes twice a year. The top NFPA products and solutions leveraged by skilled trade professionals include: NFPA print publications (66 percent). NFPA membership (61 percent). NFPA LiNK® (51 percent). Challenges persist when it comes to advancing training and development programmes, with a majority of respondents (70 percent) citing lack of time as the biggest barrier. Additional barriers include: Determining the right training (41 percent). Lack of access to qualified instructors (48 percent). Overwhelmed with options and/or a lack of time to vet training programmes (32 percent). Keeping track of which training is needed to maintain professional licenses (22 percent). Lack of technology to disseminate training to employee bases (18 percent). Inability to track and/or document training completions by employees (15 percent). Other (10 percent). Addressing the skilled labour gap 38% of respondents reported the skilled labour gap has negatively impacted the amount of time and money spent Nineteen percent of respondents noted the skilled labour gap has led to less time for career advancement opportunities through training and certifications. More than one-third (38 percent) of respondents reported the skilled labor gap has negatively impacted the amount of time and money spent on recruitment and retention, with 14 percent of respondents turning down projects due to a lack of qualified labour. Survey Methodology  NFPA collected responses from 171 U.S. and international-based workers, 18 years and older, in the electrical, manufacturing, construction, engineering, architect/design, facility maintenance, fire service, and insurance/risk management fields to determine the findings of this industry research. The survey was conducted in person between June 17 - June 19, 2024, at the 2024 NFPA Conference & Expo®.

ADT Commercial, a pioneering system integrator and premier provider of commercial security, fire, and life safety services in the U.S., created a program to help its employees develop professionally by reaching higher certification levels and building a better work experience. Driven by the organisation’s National Fire & Life Safety and Product Enablement teams, the company aspired to provide employees across critical operational departments with expanded access to NFPA® fire and life safety codes to more efficiently study for professional certification exams. Implementing NFPA LiNK® ADT Commercial needed shareable, convenient, and up-to-date code information that wouldn’t need to be replaced every few years—and that would come at a lower cost than a full library of physical code books. By implementing NFPA LiNK®, a subscription-based application that delivers NFPA codes and standards, ADT Commercial was able to achieve these goals and more.  Subscription-based application delivers NFPA codes, ADT Commercial achieved these goals “The ADT Commercial Product Enablement team’s mission is to advance employee knowledge of relevant codes and standards,” said Casey Williams, Senior Product Enablement Manager at ADT Commercial. “We can’t act on that mission without easy access to critical code information. NFPA LiNK is upskilling our teams and helping us drive innovation as an industry provider in the security and fire safety sectors.” Search for cost-effective code access Before implementing NFPA LiNK, ADT Commercial spent tens of thousands of dollars per year on physical code books, which it then had to ship across the country to 150 branch offices as well as to remote employees’ homes. At the branch locations, books needed to stay in the office library and could not be reproduced or easily shared. However, these copies were often marked up or removed as employees used them to study for certification exams—increasing costs at a significant rate. ADT Commercial estimates that affected employees typically need between 10 and 15 code books in addition to handbooks for added commentary, although the number can vary depending on the employee’s specific job and management structure. Moreover, because code books are ordinarily replaced with clean, updated versions every three years, their purchase was not a viable long-term investment for employee development. Total reliance on physical books for certification studying was costly and ineffective. ADT Commercial needed a centralised, digital hub of code content that hundreds of employees could access immediately and navigate seamlessly. Business goals via democratised training and education In addition to providing technicians with codes and standards at a reduced cost, ADT Commercial experienced additional benefits from its NFPA LiNK subscription that contributed to the organisation’s larger business goals. Since implementing the online tool, the organisation has lowered the barrier to entry for studying for certification exams, meaning a greater number of technicians, designers, and managers are incentivized to pursue certification programs. ADT benefits from its NFPA LiNK subscription that contributed to larger business goals The combined investment in NFPA LiNK and certification testing empowers ADT Commercial to advance its industry-pioneering experience and excellence in fire and life safety. The organisation has been able to grow its fire and life safety focus, expanding the national fire design team by four times since its creation. This enables the pioneering integrator to take on more projects, resulting in increased revenue for the organisation while leveraging advanced educational tools to better serve the communities where it operates. Navigable user experience With NFPA LiNK, employees across all disciplines—from sales representatives to engineers, techs, and managers—can access and quickly search through several editions of the codes, identify updates between editions with interactive change indicators, create notes and bookmarks, and organise them into shareable collections for studying purposes. Employees can also take advantage of the platform’s exclusive expert commentary and situational content. These functionalities coupled with a navigable user experience make it easy for even the most experienced employees to find value in transitioning from traditional code books to NFPA LiNK. Moreover, when ADT Commercial’s field technicians, designers, and even sales members have access to years of codes and standards in the palm of their hands, workflows become more streamlined and projects can be completed with fewer disruptions attributable to code matters. “NFPA LiNK has been extremely valuable in streamlining our costs and making our employees much more efficient in locating the proper codes and standards,” said Ryan Sandler, Vice President of Fire and Life Safety. “This ready-to-access digital educational material has enhanced our capability to offer optimised fire and life safety solutions.”

ASSA ABLOY introduces its ‘Upgrade Your Openings’ program to support facility managers in addressing the changing needs of building occupants. With businesses, offices, and schools continuing to return to the workplace, efforts are being made to integrate touchless and automated solutions to create safer, healthier environments. Latest building requirements As part of the initiative, ASSA ABLOY is helping building managers address three emerging trends affecting commercial spaces post-pandemic: Rapidly evolving user expectations, driving demand for safer, healthier, and easier access to spaces, along with more aggressive security measures. More strictly enforced adherence to the latest building requirements, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and other building codes applicable to the jurisdiction and building type. Increasingly complex facilities management due to the increasing number and sophistication of building systems and security. More accessible environments The demand for healthier, safer, and more accessible environments is increasing" “As the economy rebounds and facilities begin to reopen, the demand for healthier, safer, and more accessible environments is increasing, and in turn, adding to the overwhelming complexity of building management,” said Sean McGrath, Head of US Commercial Sales and Marketing, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. “‘Upgrade Your Openings’ is ASSA ABLOY’s initiative to help offices, schools, hospitals, and other public spaces address the challenges of post-COVID facilities while meeting increasingly strict codes and standards.” Increase energy efficiency ASSA ABLOY’s comprehensive solutions can support: Commercial offices: Wireless technology allows one to add access control to doors at a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions, making them an important option for upgrading the security of any facility. With hybrid work models becoming more popular and employees coming and going on a more irregular schedule, there may no longer be a need to have dedicated office space for each individual. Create flexible workspaces: Wireless cabinet locks. Easily retrofit openings: ES100 wireless integrated strike and card reader. Reduce touchpoints and germ transmission: Safer2Open solutions. Education: The pandemic has resulted in facilities, especially schools, needing to control the number of people in a given area to improve safety. Quickly gauge if a space is occupied: Status Indicator Locks by Corbin Russwin, SARGENT and Yale. Add hands-free solutions to any opening: Push/pull paddle trim. Eliminate catch points from clothing/equipment: Low profile, integrated trim. Healthcare: Applying touchless solutions to frequently used openings, such as doors in hospitals, can help reduce the spread of germs. Open a door with a simple wave: Norton 6000 Series Low Energy Door Operator with Wave to Open Switch. Add security and access control to equipment areas, nursing stations, and cabinets: Wireless access control locks. Add hands-free solutions to any opening: Push/pull paddle trim. Other public spaces: As more public places begin to open up, upgrades can be made to reduce germ transmission, control access, meet code requirements and increase energy efficiency on entrance doors, exterior building doors, interior doors, restroom doors, stairwells, gates, fences, containers and more. Easily electrify narrow stile aluminium openings: Adams Rite 4300 Electrified Deadlatch with compatible low-touch push/pull paddle trim. Intelligent and sustainable Securitron M680E EcoMag® Magnalock for all-glass openings. ASSA ABLOY is now offering a variety of training courses that feature products and solutions to help Upgrade Your Openings, including door controls, hands-free solutions, fire door, and security upgrades, and more.

With the year 2025 stretched out before us, there are many techniques one could use to predict what will happen in the new year. You might analyse historical data and analyse future trends. Or you could try statistical or economic modelling. Or you could develop multiple scenarios based on various assumptions to explore potential outcomes. Or you could just check your email. At this time of year, my email is full of industry folks looking to predict what the future holds in 2025. Ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to privacy, the retail market to drones, here is a sampling of forecasts for 2025 provided by various players in the security market, courtesy of my email messages. What’s Ahead for AI? From Faisal Pandit, VP & GM, Global Security Products, Johnson Controls (JCI): “The future of security operations includes customisable, scalable solutions where users can control if, when, and how they use AI to improve efficiency depending on the size and function of their organisation.” Says Kevin Woodworth, Vice President, Global Product Management, Intrusion, JCI: “Next year will see a growing focus from product developers on designing systems that streamline setup and configuration through increased AI integration. This reflects a broader trend of leveraging AI to simplify use and enhance adaptability as solutions evolve, rather simply employing it because it’s popular.” From Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One Technologies: “AI algorithms will significantly advance in distinguishing between harmless, everyday items and potential threats. With this, we will see false alerts become even more rare.” Says JP Castellanos, Director of Threat Intelligence, Binary Defense: “Machine learning (ML)-powered anomaly detection will move beyond proof-of-concept to become mission-critical, enabling teams to uncover unknown threats and behavioural anomalies in real time – well before they escalate.” Evans of Xtract: “As AI becomes more advanced in threat detection, it will lead to more sophisticated protection of individual privacy. We can expect to see more AI techniques utilised for threat identification that do not capture personal data and are privacy-first.” Predictions on interoperability and compliance Woodworth of JCI: “New products added to singular systems must be interoperable. In 2025, organisations will need to embrace interoperability. AI will progress past reactive measures to achieve predictive capabilities.” Pandit of JCI: “With organisations increasing their focus on the regulatory environment, there will be an uptick in specialised certification programs to meet these needs. New security roles will emerge that will be focused on tracking and applying relevant regulatory changes.” Expanding capabilities for video cameras Woodworth of JCI: “Beyond capturing images, cameras will be able to detect potential threats and also mitigate them instantly, issuing vocal warnings, controlling access, or escalating issues without human intervention.” Looking ahead to retail developments Hansel Oh, Director of Product Marketing at Brivo: “Centralized, cloud-based security platforms will enhance credential management and monitor logistical operations to enable retailers to battle cargo theft.” Stephen Burd, Vice President, Essence Security: “With an increase in police response times, sophisticated crime, and smash and grabs, 2025 will see a huge demand for security solutions that go beyond simply notifying the police and will look to actively intervene and prevent damage or loss from occurring.” The role of drones and training Mary-Lou Smulders, CMO, Dedrone by Axon: “Drones will transition from being viewed as supplementary tools to becoming essential components of public safety operations. As departments recognise their effectiveness in various scenarios, the perception of drones will shift, and they will be integrated into core operational frameworks alongside traditional assets like patrol cars while replacing helicopters as a cost-effective and versatile alternative.” Erik Hohengasser, Electrical Technical Lead at NFPA: “As the skilled trades evolve, there will be an increasing demand for specialised and technical training. Predictive analytics, virtual simulations and hands-on experiential learning will become especially valuable due to allowing employees to gain real-world expertise in safe and controlled environments.”

All seven decision factors contribute to an effective physical security solution Installation of an effective physical security solution can enable end users to avoid serious mistakes. This article presents a comprehensive and consultative decision methodology to help end users make the best decisions about security entrance products for the long term. The decision-making process is based on Boon Edam’s more than 100 years of experience in installing thousands of entry solutions and talking to end users worldwide. Seven key decision factors The entrance solution decision-making process can be divided into two parts. During the before installation phase, initial purchase decisions are often weighted towards the factors Security, Aesthetics and ROI. After installation, however, and once there is no going back, Throughput, Training, Service and Safety play a more prominent role. By understanding the importance of each of the decision factors and considering all of them in the context of the final product decision, end users stand a much better chance of having the best overall decision-making experience that meets all their needs. While initially Aesthetics or Security often naturally jump out as paramount in the decision process, all seven decision factors contribute to an effective physical security solution. Let’s take each factor and walk through a more comprehensive decision-making process. A process that is more internally focused, as opposed to one driven by a contractor talking solely about price or an architect more interested in entries that meet superior aesthetic qualities. 1. Security features Security is typically the top driver in the buying decision, but do compare security features closely to ensure you obtain the right solution for your needs. Does the proposed entry solution offer these security features? Tailgating/piggybacking prevention Anti-climb-over detection (waist high entrance) or prevention (full height barrier) Support for anti-passback feature in the access control system Integration with any access control system Minimal false rejection rates (3% or less) The decision-making methodology process is based on Boon Edam’s more than 100 years of experience in installing thousands of entry solutions Are you familiar with false rejection and the impact on the overall acceptance of daily users of the entry solution? If authorised users are rejected by a security entrance too frequently this can lead to complaints across the organisation. So, it is important you get data on false rejection rates. 2. Throughput requirements Throughput affects users directly on a daily basis. Before you commit to a particular kind of entrance solution, carefully calculate the peak throughput requirements for your building and entrances: Are there shifts that create heavy flows of traffic at certain times of day or evening? Do you need one-way or two-way traffic at certain locations? Where will you provide access for the disabled or for large items? Does the security entrance allow for card stacking to maximise throughput? Does the security entrance use automatic or manual operation? In measuring and evaluating throughput, it’s critical to manually count the number of people entering and leaving an entrance in a short period of time, such as five minutes, during a peak busy period. Do not rely on access control numbers especially if swing doors are present, as tailgating is likely to be occurring and your count could end up too low. 3. Aesthetic entrance solution Aesthetics are important initially, but they should not trump Security, Safety or Throughput. The winning solution should meet aesthetic requirements without sacrificing the other key decision factors. One’s entrance may be drop-dead gorgeous, but if you have a line of employees and guests stacking up at the entry doors, they won’t be marvelling at the aesthetic appeal for long. Important aesthetic features should include: Architectural finishes Glazing options to complement any design/facade Workmanship and finishing Numerous top cover options for optical turnstiles Wide variety of product dimensions Important: Do not let aesthetics be the driving decision factor. A factor? Certainly, but only one of seven that must all be considered. 4. Return on Investment (ROI) ROI involves far more than the initial cost of the product. ROI factors to consider: Does the entry solution replace or reduce manned security ($114,000/year at $13/hour, for one guard, 24/7/365 coverage* Robust construction = Long product life Certified MTBF (mean time between failures) cycle data Energy savings * US Bureau of Labour Statistics, 2011 The average life of a security entrance product is 10-15 years. By weighing all the above factors, you are able to more accurately consider the true cost of making the buying decision. 5. Installation and maintenance training Training usually isn’t considered a major factor when choosing an entry product. However, since most manufacturers do not directly install their products, technical training becomes critical in creating successful service providers for end users. It adds considerable value during installation and in maintenance over the life of the product. Ask potential entry solution providers: Are installation, service, planned maintenance, and post-installation technical training available for installers of the product? Do you provide a certification program for installers to keep them trained and up-to-date on new technologies? What training methods are used: Hands-on factory and field training, pre-scheduled monthly webinars or private custom webinars? What are the training costs and are they included in the overall solution or do they cost extra each time? A comprehensive technical training and maintenance program from the manufacturer is critical to the long-term success of the installation and customer satisfaction. 6. Service offering Service considerations typically come last, or not at all, when making a buying decision. Yet, during and after installation the level of service directly impacts continued operations and ROI. Security, Aesthetics, ROI, Throughput, Training, Service and Safety play a prominent role in selecting a security entrance solution Look for these features in a comprehensive service offering: Nationwide and global certified distribution partners Phone support: What is the percentage of same-day resolution? Parts: What is the percentage of same-day parts fulfilment? Are parts shipped from overseas? Is installation project management available? Preventative planned maintenance agreements Consider the impact of a delayed installation, unsatisfactory technical support and delayed parts availability. Problems in any of these areas could drag on for days or weeks, meanwhile your building is vulnerable while entrances are shut down and nobody is happy. All because service was left out of the decision-making process. 7. Safety compliance Safety, too, is rarely discussed during the bidding process. However, it is the one factor that could quickly and tragically undermine the effectiveness and success of the project. Does the provider offer these safety features? Code compliance Meets all NFPA fire egress codes Audible and visual communication for users Added sensors to protect users from moving components Speed/torque controls that can be adjusted to meet site operating conditions Instructional media to train new users Ensure all above criteria are met as they apply for the physical security products and applications you are considering. Company culture In addition to the seven crucial decision factors discussed so far, there is one more factor to consider. Entry solution providers must understand your company Culture, and help you communicate the best way for your culture to adapt to a new security entrance. Some culture factors include: How much exposure have your employees had to security entrances (other buildings, around town, previous employers, etc.)? How do you think employees will feel about your new security entrance? How will you plan to achieve buy-in from employees? When and how will you communicate the upcoming changes in security entrances? Are there any special needs — service animals, pets, elderly or disabled users, frequent deliveries in large carts — to be considered? Are all stakeholders involved in the decision process including the facility manager who will own the entrances once installed? Has the CEO been in on the decision-making process, is it possible he or she might decide the newly secure entryway is far from the image they wish to project? Security entrance project – outcome The success (or failure) of a security entrance project must start and end with a comprehensive, consultative process that takes into consideration the full range of factors for discussion and ultimate decision. The decision-making methodology outlined here is such a process. One that will help ensure that the buyer will be just as satisfied, and probably more so, years after installation and not just when you’ve cut the ribbon on day one.

January 5, 2015 is the deadline to suggest changes to the National Fire Protection Association’s (a US trade association) two documents that serve the security marketplace. Anyone can provide public input into the standards through the NFPA website. NFPA 731: Standard for the Installation of Electronic Premises Security Systems provides guidance on how to install, test and maintain electronic premise security systems and their components. Its specific requirements are written so that they can be easily incorporated into legal requirements by local jurisdictions that oversee building construction and compliance. NFPA 730: Guide for Premises Security is a “softer” standard. It’s not equipment-driven and not as specific but rather designed to offer guidance. Not intended to be incorporated into an enforceable law, NFPA 730 relies on an expectation of “reasonable care” related to aspects of construction, protection, occupancy, features and practices to reduce security vulnerability.  These two standards were first issued in 2006, now in their third printing, and are among the 300 or so documents in the NFPA’s portfolio. NFPA, a standards-developing organisation with 75,000 members, creates standards covering all aspects of the building trades (not just fire). Almost all of NFPA’s standards are approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). One of NFPA’s well-known standards is the National Electrical Code (NEC), which regulates electrical installations and has been adopted into law in thousands of jurisdictions and almost every state. In contrast, the enforceable standard relevant to the security market -- NFPA 731 – has only been adopted by a “handful” of local jurisdictions, according to Richard Roux, NFPA 730/731 staff liaison. Even if not adopted as law, elements of NFPA standards can be incorporated into contracts and/or requests for bids Even if not adopted as law, elements of NFPA standards can be incorporated into contracts and/or requests for bids. “There aren’t many laws that say you need a security system,” says Roux. “It’s owner-driven. Usually the installer or the engineer is cognizant of the standards.” Roux says NFPA sells quite a few of the documents from each printing, generally to installers, engineers, owners, insurance companies, governments and police departments. “I get a lot of calls,” he adds. While NFPA offers 300 documents, only a handful get actively promoted – and the security standards are not part of that handful. NFPA 731 incorporates references to existing standards from other organisations as it specifies suitable equipment for an installation. As examples, NFPA 731 refers to Security Industry Association (SIA) standards on control panels, false alarm reduction and passive-infrared motion detectors. Also mentioned within NFPA 731 are the FIPS 140-2 federal information processing standard and UL standards related to access control, key locks, combination locks, burglary-resistant electric lock mechanisms, and high security locks. A 26-member committee oversees revision of the security-related standards – one committee handles both documents. Members of the committee fall into nine categories – manufacturers, users, installers, maintainers, labour, laboratory testing agencies, enforcing authorities, insurance agencies and consumers. The committee decides whether to accept or reject any suggested changes, and the resulting revised document goes through an extensive review process before being adopted.  “There’s a whole bunch of checks and balances NFPA goes through,” says Roux. “The requirements are valid and real and come about because of public input and knowledge. When the committee thinks it’s done, they call it a draft and put it up for comment. NFPA doesn’t do these things in the dark. There’s a procedure to the balloting.”