ABLOY Access Control Accessories

The physical security market continues to experience growth as users look to capitalize on the promises of emerging technologies and because of this, 2017 proved to be a great year for Oncam. In fact, this year was the best year in Oncam's history in terms of sales, as 360-degree fisheye cameras have gone from being a “specialty” camera used only in certain applications to a primary device for enabling total situational awareness. Today, many of our customers leverage 360-degree cameras exclusively to provide extensive coverage inside a facility or in a large outdoor area, with traditional narrow field-of-view cameras used only at “choke” points. Increase In Cybersecurity Threats And Breaches At the end of 2016, we predicted a major trend this year would be an increase in cybersecurity concerns for users of physical security systems, and we were right. An increase in cybersecurity threats and breaches have put organizations on watch. Based on this and the adoption of more IT-centric infrastructure and protocols, there is significant collaboration between IT and physical security, and true “convergence” is finally starting to happen. The adoption of video analytics also continued to increase this year, as most video surveillance projects involved the use of some form of analytics and data analysis. Demand For Safeguards As we move into 2018, the trends of 2017 will roll over, and cybersecurity will continue to be a major issue. Suppliers of hardware and software will put an even greater emphasis being cyber secure and end users will increasingly demand safeguards. Additionally, the deployment and use of advanced analytics based on newer artificial intelligence-based technologies will continue to increase. It will be the technology providers that find ways to allow users to capture additional value from the information collected by security systems that will accelerate growth. Oncam made significant investments in new products that leverage analytics and cloud technologies. In 2018, we will continue to invest in the development of new products, with a focus on solutions for particular applications across industry segments. Beyond our technology advancements, we've invested significantly in boosting our sales force in the Americas and adding industry experts to ensure sustained customer and partner success with our solutions. From our vantage point, Oncam is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities for growth in the coming year.

2017 was quite an interesting and eventful year for the physical security industry. The economy has been robust and technology has become progressively sophisticated—with interactive services, cloud computing and network-based solutions taking charge to provide new insights to installers and their end-user customers. The Internet of Things is creating increasingly integrated solutions, with a heightened emphasis on total connectivity. Changing Security Expectations World events have also put the spotlight on the need for comprehensive security at public events, tourist attractions and schools and campuses. Security is an expectation and systems integrators are becoming trusted advisors to their customers, who are looking to them to solve problems or issues. Residential systems are more robust and now, are migrating to the commercial side of the business. There’s a blurring of the lines of technology—many of the products that come to the security industry originate from the consumer side. This proposition is also changing expectations by both residential and commercial customers, who want common, easy operation from their smartphone or user interface. Unexpected was some of the biggest deals in the industry, including acquisitions by dominant companies who grew even larger and continued ongoing consolidation on the manufacturing side. Those who remain will need to be progressive and step up their game with the latest proven technologies. Selling hardware isn’t the end game any longer. It’s providing solutions that generate revenue for security dealers and offer a solid return on investment for the end-user. In addition, solutions need to be easier for the user, and integrate many different systems and components across the enterprise. Cybersecurity Safeguards End users want to get the most out of their solutions—and they want to be able to have more than safety and security. They are looking for the types of products that yield insights into system performance and give them the data the need for greater control and to proactively address any challenges or problems before they occur. Downtime is not an option and therefore, there’s an increased emphasis on consistent power so solutions are always on and running reliably. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines Cybersecurity is a dominant conversation in the security industry these days and that buzz will continue into 2018. Because solutions are increasingly network connected, they have vulnerabilities that will have to be addressed by service providers and manufacturers. Manufacturers will need to take the upper hand in providing hardened products—testing and certifying for cybersecurity safeguards. That is not an easy task and can be expensive, but it needs to be done. Because cybersecurity is in constant evolution, many will go the route of outsourcing this component of their manufacturing to third parties well-versed in threat detection and hardening. Hardened products will also need to evolve with new emerging attacks. For security dealers and integrators, physical security and cybersecurity services will be part of their offerings and no longer separate disciplines. Intelligent Access Control Solutions Manufacturers no longer operate in silos. They are working with systems integrators to more fully understand their needs and those of the end-user. Manufacturers are also partnering with technology providers—bringing in the expertise of others so their solutions are comprehensive and holistic. We will continue to see integration of formerly disparate components, open systems and open APIs. There will also be strong migration to access control systems with edge intelligence and power over Ethernet, leveraging existing cabling for network connectivity. The winners will be those who take the lead in providing cyber secured and hardened products, as well as companies who partner with others to bring best of breed solutions to market. The losers will be those who continue to develop proprietary, closed systems and fail to recognize the importance of network connectivity for real-time, proactive reporting. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7 Ongoing Partner Success LifeSafety Power® has been working consistently and diligently on elevating the status of power from unintelligent hardware device to network-connected component that yields rich data for the user and allows the installer to provide remote monitoring and managed power services. We have changed the paradigm of power but there’s additional work to do to get people to understand the new, critical role power plays in comprehensive enterprise and campus security. Now, security installers can help the end user know what’s happening with locks, access control, gates or other connected solutions and fix problems before they happen. Without networked power, the facility cannot yield the proper insights it needs to stay reliably connected 24/7. We have also had continued, ongoing successes with our many partners in the access control community and that’s where we will further focus our efforts in 2018—working with leading security solution providers to present the best technologies and solutions that are reliable, certified and present the types of insights security dealers need to offer customers to provide the highest levels of service. This will also help security dealers and integrators differentiate themselves and compete more effectively in the crowded marketplace.

 Part 1 in our Intercoms in Security Series Lambert-St. Louis International Airport uses Code Blue intercoms Organizations are demanding a new level of interoperability among mission-critical security systems. Intelligible audio, the ability to hear, be heard and be understood, is critical to communication, which is essential to the core security processes within an organization, as well as to emergency situations. Intelligible audio provides a platform to optimize various processes, including the use of security officers. “Our main thrust is to ensure our clients see intelligible and interoperable audio, not as an option, but as instrumental to their budget optimization, stakeholder communication and risk mitigation efforts,” says Jim Hoffpauir, President of Zenitel North America, a manufacturer of intercoms and other communications solutions. Iintercoms In Building Safety And Security  The role of intercoms in building safety and security is a given across many markets, and that use is growing. Intercoms are used in campus call boxes, elevators, muster locations, and for emergency notification. The trend is toward video, audio and access control, all tied together. There is also an emphasis on providing intelligible audio in any environment, even demanding ones. The education market has historically been a large sector for intercoms. Emergency phones and intercoms traditionally have been found throughout education settings, including colleges and universities, where they remain quite popular. Expanding Markets For Two-way Communication In recent years, however, their popularity has also grown within the healthcare and mass transit sectors, where their versatility allows authorities to react to emergency situations while also providing a wide range of applications for non-emergency situations, such as car trouble or requests for directions. Intercoms can fulfill a variety of emergency and non-emergency needs in places like downtown Santa Ana, California (Photo courtesy Code Blue) “Markets of all sizes and shapes can benefit from a two-way communication solution that can help individuals place calls for assistance with first responders, police departments or customer service representatives,” says David Fleming, Chief Design Officer for Code Blue Corp. Intercoms For Public And Private Sectors Aiphone is another intercom manufacturer for which education is a big market. Bruce Czerwinski, U.S. General Sales Manager, Aiphone Corp., says about 80 percent of both public and private K-12 and higher education campuses are using at least one intercom in some form. That percentage grows to nearly 100 percent for hospitals, which are using intercoms as nurse-call stations and at parking facilities, exterior door entries, nurseries and pharmacies, he says. "About 40 percent of commercial units – from strip malls to large, multi-tenant campus settings – are using intercoms" Up to 70 percent of larger multi-family facilities are also using intercoms. And that percentage is even higher in older, heavily populated Eastern cities. Many locales have laws mandating the use of audio and video intercoms on buildings beyond a threshold number of units. About 40 percent of commercial units – from strip malls to large, multi-tenant campus settings – are using intercoms, says Czerwinski. In the past year, Aiphone’s emergency stations have become very popular, particularly in campus settings; both commercial and higher education. Also, a growing number of unmanned parking garages are using the stations to allow patrons to immediately reach first responders or security personnel. Each of these markets still has growth potential, but by its sheer size, the commercial market offers the greatest opportunities, according to Aiphone. Video-Enabled IP Intercoms Intercom usage differs widely in various global markets, according to Craig Szmania, CEO of 2N USA, a manufacturer of IP intercoms. In the North American market, intercom usage is relatively low compared to the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, where intercoms are a more mature market. Security, convenience, systems integration and IP-versus-analog adoption are driving usage and growth to more than 20 percent year-over-year. More and more video-enabled IP intercoms are seen as an integral part of a system wide security and video solution, according to Szmania. “Our intercom portfolio targets all the major verticals, but we have had particular success in the education sector – K-12 and universities,” says Szmania. “These end users are looking for specific features in securing their campuses, providing convenience to their administrators, employing programmability for differing use scenarios throughout the campus, and integration to their telephony or other systems.” More and more video-enabled IP intercoms are seen as an integral part of a system wide security and video solution Szmania says the latter point is becoming a particular need in light of a requirement for campus-wide communication and coordination in emergency situations. “Our intercoms integrate seamlessly with third party solutions such as Cisco’s telephone systems that are the communication backbones of many schools and campuses,” he adds. IP-based Solutions In Residential Verticals Considering near-term growth potential, single family and multi-tenant residential verticals have fantastic opportunities for increased usage of door stations/intercoms in the United States, according to Szmania. The company has entered this space over the last several years and has grown to be a market leader in IP-based integrated solutions, especially in the home automation space. The adoption of IP networked solutions for condominiums and apartments is just taking off, driven in part by consumer demand for mobile-anywhere video, audio and door control. The service is also a driver for integrator/dealer adoption of the technology to provide recurring monthly revenue (RMR). 2N has also achieved triple-digit growth in commercial building installations over the past two years. Building owners, IT departments and security managers want and need a networked solution for control and security. 2N’s open platforms are a good fit, says Szmania. Read part 2 of our Security Intercoms series here

Student accommodation is a fast-growing sector. Student numbers across France have grown around 10 percent in a decade. Around $1 billion was invested in France’s purpose-built student accommodation just between 2016 and 2018. Efficient solutions to help manage security for these student properties are always welcome. For new premises in Rennes, France, specialist provider Easy Student sought reliable, key-free locking. They wanted their new residence to run efficiently, “like a hotel,” and without the unnecessary workload that comes with managing and keeping track of physical keys. SMARTair Wall Readers Wireless Electronic Escutcheons with inbuilt RFID readers control access through 83 doors at Easy Student Rennes Following a positive experience with the same technology in Nantes, Easy Student chose SMARTair Update on Card wireless access control. Wireless Electronic Escutcheons with inbuilt RFID readers control access through 83 doors at Easy Student Rennes. SMARTair Wall Readers secure non-standard entrances. SMARTair’s TS1000 software was one major reason for Easy Student’s choice. The intuitive interface and time-saving functionality make it easy for administrators to manage their access system. “SMARTair does not require any technical knowledge. I trained quickly and found the software very easy,” says Cyril Verger, Managing Director at Easy Student Rennes. “The solution corresponds perfectly to our needs. Installation was simple.” If someone loses a credential, the TS1000 interface makes cancelling it fast and easy, a major change from the old days of physical keys, mechanical locks and key organization charts. “A lost key can still be used,” M. Verger adds. “A lost credential can be canceled easily.” Flexible door entry It gives Easy Student managers the ability to change a user’s access permissions anytime, without visiting the doors SMARTair provides secure, flexible access control for every student, service provider and facilities manager who uses the residence. Around 100 access credentials are active at any one time. It gives Easy Student managers the ability to change a user’s access permissions anytime, without visiting the doors. If an incident occurs, they act quickly and decisively. Security managers program every student credential to open multiple doors: the student’s own room, the main door and bike park around the clock; a common relaxation area and the laundry room between 6.30am and 11.30pm only. “Managing this way avoids comings and goings by people who don’t live here,” M. Verger says. “Our students are very happy with the solution,” he adds. “They got used to it quickly, because this type of access control is found in lots of hotels and private homes. I highly recommend installing SMARTair at other student residences.”

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named ASSA ABLOY as the recipient of the 2020 Member of the Year Award, which honours SIA member companies that have shown noteworthy involvement in SIA committees and working groups, SIA events and the SIA Education@ISC conference program; leadership activity; recruitment of SIA members; and contributions to SIA thought leadership and the industry overall. SIA will present ASSA ABLOY with the award at The Advance, SIA’s annual membership meeting, during ISC West. ASSA ABLOY – the global provider of access solutions – is a long-time SIA corporate member that takes an active role in participating in SIA’s array of programs, products and services and fully supports its employees’ involvement in SIA committees, working groups and advisory boards. The company is a regular sponsor of key SIA events, including the Market Leaders Reception at ISC West, SIA GovSummit and Securing New Ground. On-demand training courses SIA is proud to honor ASSA ABLOY as the 2020 SIA Member of the Year and applauds the company for its invaluable engagement “SIA is proud to honor ASSA ABLOY as the 2020 SIA Member of the Year and applauds the company for its invaluable engagement, thought leadership efforts and contributions to SIA, our members and the security industry overall,” said Scott Schafer, Chairman of the SIA Board of Directors. “Thanks in large part to the outstanding support of members like ASSA ABLOY, SIA is able to continue building on its robust suite of resources, programming and education and training offerings to better serve our members and the industry.” ASSA ABLOY is a contributing member to the SIA Center of Excellence, SIA’s online repository of vendor-neutral, vetted information – including on-demand training courses, e-learning modules, articles and webinars – to foster industry knowledge and help organizations keep at the forefront of market demands. Significant resources and services Additionally, the company has contributed content to SIA Technology Insights, SIA’s journal distilling the most current thinking for applying today’s security technologies and moderated webinars in partnership with SIA and Security Systems News, and ASSA ABLOY executives have spoken at SIA events including Securing New Ground. “ASSA ABLOY is honored to receive SIA’s Member of the Year Award. Since serving on the SIA Board of Directors, my eyes have been opened to the significant resources and services provided by the SIA management team and staff under the leadership of Don Erickson and Scott Schafer,” said Martin Huddart, Head of Smart Residential for ASSA ABLOY. Vast network of member volunteers The Advance will take place during ISC West 2020 on Tuesday, March 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m" “I have also been impressed by the vast network of member volunteers who work on important committees and support SIA events – I think this is a reflection of the relevance and vitality of this trade association. I’d like to thank not only the ASSA ABLOY volunteers that led to this recognition, but all SIA members who contribute their time to the advancement of security in the workplace and in our homes. We shouldn’t forget that our collective impact makes a real difference in the world.”  The Advance will take place during ISC West 2020 on Tuesday, March 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Exchange market intelligence In addition to the presentation of the SIA Member of the Year Award, attendees will enjoy a high-impact presentation from William Wilkins, Executive Director of Global Security Operations at Valero Energy Corporation, on the Chief Security Officer framework and key lessons for security professionals. SIA will also review key association business, exchange market intelligence for the year ahead and present the SIA Chairman’s Award, Committee Chair of the Year Award and Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award. Attendees of The Advance will receive complimentary lunch and have the opportunity to network with industry colleagues.

The UK railroad industry has set out its plans for the future of the rail sector, including completion of major projects, clean air policies and a long-term plan for infrastructure renewals and enhancements. With more investment and commitment predicted for the industry, Andy Hewitt, Product Manager for ASSA ABLOY High Security and Safety Group, Rail Products, looks at what is needed to supply the best products and solutions for rail projects. As a Group we have been supplying security and safety solutions to the rail sector for over 100 years and as such we’re aware of the many complexities involved specifying products for rail projects, which are very different to securing a building. Rail Standards for Safety Critical Items Any locking systems or safety products supplied to the railroad industry are classed as ‘safety critical’ items Considerations around ease of use, product quality and wider issues around supplying on-scale and on-time all impact on a project’s delivery, but ultimately safety and security must be the key consideration. Any locking systems or safety products supplied to the railroad industry are classed as ‘safety critical’ items and therefore must conform to specific Rail Standards for Safety Critical Items. In addition, the company supplying these products must be accredited as a safety critical supplier by an independent body. ASSA ABLOY High Security and Safety Group (previously Pickersgill - Kaye) was one of the first companies to be accredited back in 1994 and has remained an accredited supplier ever since. Products supplied for use on rolling stock is by, its very nature safety critical, securing doors that are used daily by the rail users must operate reliably and safely. Security, access and safety needs ASSA ABLOY products are not only supported by the exacting requirements of industry standards but are also backed up by years of experience gained working within the industry and having a detailed knowledge of changes to legislation put in place to protect both the public and the experienced rail staff. The security, access and safety needs on the UK’s railways is constantly changing and therefore products and solutions must continually adapt to meet these needs.  Locking systems in particular are subject to high usage and the dynamics of a moving train, shock and vibration at speeds of up to 140 mph, this must be taken into consideration when designing products for this sector. Prototype locking system An example of how this has developed is in the change from traditional slam door trains where the door could be, and sometimes was, opened when the train was moving at speed, to the replacement of all slam doors with power operated doors. These doors cannot be opened unless the train is stationary and only then when the guard or driver allows. The Group has designed and fitted a prototype locking system that reduces the chances of fingers becoming trapped Another development High Security and Safety Group has been working on is the enhanced safety of Diesel Locomotive driver doors, where previously fingers being trapped was a concern, the new design has significantly reduced this. The Group has designed, manufactured and fitted a prototype locking system that drastically reduces the chances of fingers becoming trapped. The prototype is now in-service undergoing assessment, not only by train drivers, but by the locomotive operators’ safety representatives and the train drivers’ unions. Safety and security Investment is continuing into the UK railroad network, whether that’s on large-scale projects like HS2 or enhancements to existing systems. The products and solutions which ensure the safety and security on these projects, must not only adhere to the relevant safety requirements but should come from suppliers with an established heritage and understanding of the sector. ASSA ABLOY High Security and Safety Group is committed to innovation and quality across all its railroad solutions.