ASSA ABLOY unveils ambitious technology plan at ISC West
ASSA ABLOY officially unveiled 46 new products at ISC West Wednesday with a focus on what executive vice president Martin Huddart called "medium security solutions," which target the mid-range security installation.
"Instead of just having a $200 and a $4,000 option, we wanted to give users and integrators options," Huddart said. "One size doesn't fit all, and some users may not want to make a huge investment."
Huddart added that the medium security solutions could unlock enormous untapped potential for the company. "By embracing medium security solutions, we have the potential to spur upgrading the mechanical locks in a facility. Right now (ASSA ABLOY products) control an average of 5% of all openings in a facility...the medium security products will enable us to control 20% of the openings."
Thanks to a broad range of products, the company may have a leg up on accomplishing the task. Its wireless platform, Aperio, is one of the key technologies. A wireless technology that connects multiple door or cabinet openings to an existing electronic access control system, the technology can be deployed across a range of markets and solutions, Huddart said. He added that wireless lock sales grew 300% last year.
Other technologies included:
- A maglock with integrated camera from Securitron;
- Powered strikes from HES that can transfer power between the strike side and the frame side of the door;
- Medeco's eCylinder solutions;
- a variety of keypad locks;
- cabinet locks, which Huddart called "a huge unmet need";
- an integrated card reader and locking device; and more.
"These complimentary products can be mixed and matched to create a solution for end-users," Huddart said. "after the last ISC show, the story was starting to resonate. People understand that medium security solutions as a means to upgrade is a path to better security."
In addition, ASSA ABLOY continues to tout its mobile keys using Near Field Communications (NFC) technology – effectively turning a phone into a credential. "By the middle of next year, chances are if you buy a mobile phone, it will have NFC installed," Huddart said.
