Getting smart with security – Abloy UK

This piece sees Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager at Abloy UK, look at the integrated functionality and flexibility security systems require to make buildings smarter. 

“Access control has come a long way from the simple mechanical lock and key. Like many areas of modern life, we want to make access more immediate, more convenient and digital. 

When it comes to creating security systems for smart buildings, the aim is to bring together products to make each greater than the sum of their parts, and it is no easy task; the way we move keeps changing, as does the way we use smart buildings. 

Every organisation’s precise needs for access control are different. But intelligent access control and smart buildings makes this movement of people possible, so it’s worth planning for your current and future needs of your business. 

Many begin this journey by making the choice between doors with wired or wireless locking devices, depending on which best suits their needs.

For example, wired doors are the best choice for external doors which require high security, and the addition of digital card readers delivers smart functionality – such as providing an audit trail of users. 

Frequently, people are also turning to wireless locks which can offer flexibility, intelligence and security all without any cables. They also have fewer components, which makes them easier to retrofit or install during construction. 

Doors with wireless locks are truly ‘smart doors’, another platform on the ‘internet of things’ capturing useful data that can be analysed to increase efficiencies and security. 

There also needs to be high level functionality. A security system needs to provide a range of important features to protect employees, visitors and suppliers with absolute, real-time access control over every entry point to the building, such as:

• Emergency lockdown
• Emergency unlock 
• LIVE Audit screen 
• SMART device discovery for simple installation and expansion 
• Access Groups and Schedules 
• System Rules and Anti-Pass-back for more advanced requirements.

Making movement smarter

Smart buildings require systems that have end users’ needs in mind, providing functionality that will provide benefits to the occupants and above all keep them safe, such as minimal contact to enter and exit buildings and rooms. 

Once you have configured your building with smart security systems, you can then make movement smarter. In 2020 it’s never been more important to control the flow of people – it’s an absolutely critical part of the new normal. For example, such access control systems can limit the number of people who can be in one area at a time. 

To truly create a smart building, an organisation needs a single scalable platform to deliver connectivity, convenience and simplicity. Assa Abloy’s access control system Incedo™ Business – available from Abloy UK, incorporates software and hardware into a single management platform and allows people move around site freely and securely. 

The definition of a smart building is continually evolving, so Incedo gives you superior protection and convenience, and is future-proofed to grow and move with your business – including upgrading to the cloud at the flip of a switch.”

Contact:

Abloy UK,
Portobello Works,
School Street,
Willenhall,
West Midlands,
WV13 3PW

Phone: 01902 364500
Fax: 01902 364501

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