ASSA ABLOY Door Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

Demand for data centers is growing at a remarkable rate. Data’s strategic importance, for both commercial and non-commercial organizations, makes physical security fundamental at these sites. In addition, national and regional regulations place ever more stringent requirements on in-house and co-location operators to take a secure approach to data management and protection. Data’s sensitive nature also brings data centers within the scope of the EU’s NIS2 and Cyber Resilience Act1. Penalties may be severe for organizations which get data security wrong: the projected cost of an average data breach is 3.8m EUR, according to IBM’s 2025 annual report2. The penalty in terms of reputation and/or regulator fines could be even more. Scalable access management Because staff, contractors and visitors all require varying levels of access at different times, physical security depends on flexible, scalable access management. Systems must enforce strict, least-privilege access policies and prevent the misuse of credentials. Multiple layers must work together seamlessly, with every event logged and traceable. Integration between security, HR, and visitor management systems can ensure access rights stay current as people join or leave projects. Remote and real-time oversight are essential. The goal is not only to prevent unauthorized access. Data centers aim to maintain a clear audit trail which satisfies ISO 27001, NIS2 and other standards. Intelligent security management underpins the data center’s resilience and operational efficiency – deterring hybrid physical & cyber-attacks in the process, for example. Portfolio of digital solutions “As a powerful new addition to our stable of digital solutions, the KentixONE platform was designed specifically from the ground up for the white space of data centers,” explains Jochaim Mahlstedt, Managing Director at Kentix GmbH, part of ASSA ABLOY. “It performs eight critical security tasks within its one intuitive, integrated platform. With KentixONE, we can equip data center white space with the security and monitoring capacity it needs – now and well into the future.” A recent addition to ASSA ABLOY’s portfolio of digital solutions, KentixONE is an integrated platform for physical security and critical monitoring. This unique solution combines 8 different data center functions within one system, all accessible from a single, unified interface: access control intrusion detection video surveillance external fault report early fire detection environment monitoring power monitoring network monitoring Granular access management KentixONE strengthens data security by creating a direct link between physical infrastructure and IT operations: it supports seamless integration with data center infrastructure management (DCIM), ticketing systems, and EAC solutions. It can keep sensitive operational data under local control while enabling granular access management, full audit trails, and real-time alerts. At rack level, integrated cabinet access control, intelligent PDUs, and environment sensors allow operators to set temporary permissions, track interventions, and monitor energy usage by rack. Its integrated functionality and approach to risk management across multiple potential factors also helps a data center to achieve important security certifications EN 50600 and ISO 22237. The platform is designed to scale from small technical rooms to multi-site data-center estates, helping an organization’s infrastructure to grow, evolve, or become more geographically spread without adding complexity. Correlating thermal imaging KentixONE’s early fire detection monitoring capability – before a fire breaks out – goes beyond conventional smoke-based systems by correlating thermal imaging, gas detection, temperature trends, and air-quality data to identify risks much earlier. This is especially important in high-density computer environments and battery-powered infrastructure where traditional alarms often activate too late to be effective. Indeed, KentixONE offers real-time overview for more than 40 potential physical risk factors, from unauthorized entry and perimeter breaches to overheating, humidity changes, water leaks, and power anomalies. Everything the security manager needs is accessible on dashboards or via the convenient mobile app. Container-based solutions “According to many of our customers, KentixONE makes significant operational cost savings when measured against traditional siloed solutions,” adds Joachim Mahlstedt. “This also helps to explain why its wide adoption in a range of settings, including a co-location facility in Heidelberg, an on-premise solution for a major utility, and for a provider of modular, container-based solutions. Its flexibility and cost-efficiency are a major plus for data center managers.” “Data centers deserve a digital security management solution built entirely with their needs in mind,” he adds. “Now they can have it.”

Addressing one of the most critical issues affecting society, the education and healthcare communities, parents in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States, and — above all else — students in higher education and K-12, ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions Tri-State is hosting an important summit on security and life safety in Philadelphia. The summit will feature experienced experts from major universities, school districts, healthcare, and law enforcement to explore collaborative solutions to enhance the safety of learning environments. Keynote speakers Keynote speakers include Julie Banister, Assistant Vice Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh, who will address Safety, Security, and the Digital Transformation, and Jin Kim, retired FBI Special Agent and pioneering expert in active threat response and homeland security, who will speak to The Evolving Active Shooter Risk: Maintaining Modern-Day Resiliency. A stacked panel, Beyond the Blueprint: Strategic Collaboration for Safer Learning Environments, will include Joe Delucca, Director of Administrative Services – Luzerne Intermediate Unit; Jim McCormack, Associate Vice President – Fiscal Affairs – Commonwealth University; Ben Gollotti, Founder of LARGO Consulting; Nicole Morson, Principal – Health Sciences – NORR Architects and Derek Ommert, Director of Business Development – ASSA ABLOY. Platform for elevating the conversation “We need to talk about this issue because we gain so much from the insights, experiences, and ideas of others,” Tony Denisco, Principal, ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions Tri-State.  “This summit has been a platform for elevating the conversation, sharing important information, establishing best practices, and making our places of learning safer for all stakeholders. I am confident this summit will emulate our previous success and empower attendees to advance safety and security in learning environments.” Also onsite, ASSA ABLOY’s latest innovations in safety, security, and sustainability are on display in a 27-foot traveling showroom, where stakeholders can interact with cutting-edge products firsthand. This initiative aligns with ASSA ABLOY’s mission to make the world a safer place through education, innovation, and community partnerships. 

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions announces that the SARGENT 8200 Series Electrified Mortise Lock with EcoFlex® Technology has achieved Living Product Challenge certification from the International Living Future Institute. Satisfying stringent compliance criteria to receive the Declare label, architects, designers and specifiers now have an additional electrified locking hardware solution with this higher level of certification, along with other products from ASSA ABLOY, to meet all their green building project specifications. The Living Product Challenge and corresponding Living Building Challenge™ is considered the world’s most advanced and transparent third-party verification program, encouraging manufacturers to create products that are healthy, inspirational and give back to the environment across their lifecycles. EcoFlex was selected for its superlative energy-saving attributes: EcoFlex is 96% more energy efficient than standard electrified mortise locks and electrified exit trim up to 95% as certified by GreenCircle. EcoFlex electrified mortise lock “This is an incredible, significant achievement in the building materials industry, reflecting the move to sustainability in commercial and institutional building products,” said Amy Musanti, Director of Sustainability, Door Security Solutions, ASSA ABLOY. “Certification and labeling are becoming more commonplace for the industry overall, even for doors and hardware, which tend to be complex.” The product also completed a Red List Compliant Declare label, for use in projects pursuing Living Building Challenge The EcoFlex electrified mortise lock met all seven core attributes to achieve Imperative certification: responsible place, water footprint, energy footprint, Red List Free, responsible industry, ethical supply chain, inspiration, and education. As part of the certification, the product also completed a Red List Compliant Declare label, for use in projects pursuing Living Building Challenge, LEED, or WELL. A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was also performed on the product to achieve this status. Sustainability as a key driver “There are currently 24 certified products in the world – and very few of those are as heavily configured as EcoFlex which has over 100 components,” said Musanti, adding that products vary - from skateboards, planters, carpet, office furniture and cabling, to name a few. “This product has the potential to be at the forefront of architectural specifications as project teams work toward a more efficient, healthier and equitable building footprint.” Sustainability is a key driver throughout ASSA ABLOY's value chain and an important element in innovation, sourcing, production, and employee development.

When asked about what the market should be thinking about in 2018, I am left offering an answer that serves as an urgent call to action: Prepare yourself for change! The security industry is soon likely to see a dramatic shift from the traditional segmentation of commercial and residential security. Smart phones, mobile technologies, cloud computing, and having everything provided ‘as a service’ in peoples’ lives means users of buildings have a new set of expectations. In many ways, the coming crosspollination of residential and commercial security offerings means we will have a better idea of best practices. The convenience of residential spaces will combine with the robust security of commercial facilities, for example. But this also means a higher level of demand will be placed on security integrators, facility managers and owners. Operations groups may need to change drastically to offer new technologies. Security as a service is likely to become more common. And new technologies are emerging that will facilitate this change and require new skillsets and expertise. So, what the market should be thinking about right now is: How do we all, collectively, keep up? More critical is finding ways to offer or utilize new technologies and total solutions that make operations easier Ensuring Security Preparedness As it stands now, in terms of physical security for doors and openings, we are currently in a world where we can secure almost anything. Be it hospital, school, file cabinet, server rack, grain silo or barn that is off the electrical grid, we have a solution for that. So being hyper-aware of your industry, its offerings, and how the products work together is important, as it means every location that needs security can have security. But perhaps more critical is finding ways to offer or utilise new technologies and total solutions that make operations easier, moving security components deeper into a building, facility or campus, and building and leveraging on partnerships where everyone is invested in the other’s success. Here are a few suggestions for addressing these issues. Training In New Security Solutions Perhaps the biggest change in the near term will be emerging technologies that will alter how we currently use security solutions. Be it cloud-based security, intelligent keys, new types of credentials, or simply a better software for management, the need to be well-versed on these offerings is key. To this end, it is important to not only know what offerings exist in the security world, but also be well-trained on them. Seek out a manufacturer that is willing to offer training and education on products, strategies and solutions. While it is important to secure server rooms at the point of entry, it might also make sense to provide a cabinet lock with audit capabilities on the rack or cabinet itself Identifying An End Goal Further, approach the integration and implementation of these technologies with a collaborative mindset. For dealers and integrators this means utilizing new technologies to better secure a facility for a client. As a building owner or manager, it means making tenant and occupant life better while streamlining your own operations. The ultimate goal of any new technology is to meet customer needs in the very best possible way. And that goal should trickle down from manufacturer to integrator to the facility manager and ultimately the end user. Don’t just implement technology for the sake of doing so. Do it with purpose by identifying an end goal and utilising these amazing solutions to achieve that. Identifying an end goal also means seeking out the core requirements a building has to provide users with the expected level of security and service. This is obviously dependent on the building, and it doesn’t always mean physically moving into a building, but rather looking at ways to move further into the operations of a business. Securing Access To Buildings Government facilities are undergoing a transition to security requirements dictated by the FICAM programme For some businesses, keeping server racks or file cabinets secure can be critical. And while it is important to secure these rooms at the point of entry, it might also make sense to provide a cabinet lock with audit capabilities on the rack or cabinet itself. New opportunities also fall into this category. Government facilities are currently undergoing a transition to security requirements dictated by the Federal Government’s Identity, Credential, and Access Management (FICAM) programme. FICAM sets standards for implementation of secure access to all government facilities and mandates the use of FIPS 201 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) for federal employees and contractors. This means that PIV enabled access points will be required on the perimeters, interiors and other openings. Finding ways to retrofit these affordably, efficiently and effectively means offering more secure openings on what is likely to be a tight budget. This can also apply to offsite facilities. Earlier I mentioned barns and grain silos – locations that are often left off electrical grids but can come with the need for auditing capabilities – and a solution exists for that. So, while a corporate headquarters might be under robust lock and key, it is always good to ask about other locations that could use a simple security upgrade. Personal Identity Verification-enabled access points will be required on the perimeters, interiors and other openings Establishing Security Partnerships Again, the best way to achieve readiness with this approach is to be aware of the market and its offerings, and to engage in collaborative partnerships. Collaborative partnerships are critical for everyone who is tasked with protecting the people and places that matter most. Manufacturers rely on the integrators and building supervisors to understand the new and developing needs in the industry. Integrators then must rely on manufacturers to provide these solutions, offer education and training, and be in constant contact about the newest technologies available. Collaborative partnerships are critical for everyone who is tasked with protecting the people and places that matter mostAnd building owners or managers must both be aware of their tenant and end user needs and demands – be it for new technologies or even seeking out sustainability solutions. In turn, they need to know they can rely on a collaborative approach from an integrator and manufacturer who is invested in their success. Industry Collaboration For A Secure Future Again, the biggest thing we must all need to consider now is how to prepare for the future. Treading water is simply not enough in the security market anymore. New technologies and performance expectations are forcing us to consider ways to better serve our clients – whether we are a manufacturer, integrator or in charge of facilities. And the best way to do this is together. We are all invested in the success of one another, and in the people who use the places we strive to keep safe. By seeking out, developing, and cultivating these partnerships in collaboration and innovation, we are able to help one another prepare for the future that is becoming more complex, intriguing and exciting every day.