Alfred International will be highlighting its commitment to creating code-compliant, flexible and user-friendly smart lock solutions at booth #25136 at ISC West, April 1-3, in Las Vegas, including the unveiling of several new products.
“Visitors will experience firsthand demonstrations of our industry-first Interconnect Kit and the new DB1 Pro smart deadbolt,” says Brad Cook, head of Product and Integrations, Alfred International. “We're excited to showcase how our solutions bridge the gap between traditional security requirements and modern smart access technology, particularly for multi-family and rental properties where both convenience and compliance are non-negotiable.”
Alfred is excited to be returning to ISC West, recognizing it as the “premier platform for security professionals to connect and explore cutting-edge access control solutions,” says Cook.
“This year, we've expanded our presence with our booth, reflecting our growing commitment to the North American security market and our expanding product portfolio. ISC West remains vital for us as it brings together security manufacturers, integrators, and property managers — all key stakeholders for Alfred's innovative smart lock solutions," he continues. "The increased investment in our booth space demonstrates our dedication to showcasing our latest innovations, particularly our revolutionary Interconnect Kit and DB1 Pro smart deadbolt.”
The following interview takes a closer look at what Alfred will be showcasing and the company’s views on the smart lock space and the industry overall for 2025.
SIW: Do you have any new products you will be unveiling and if so, please describe what they are and any pertinent info and highlights?
COOK: At ISC West 2025, we'll be unveiling the Alfred DB1 Pro, our next-generation smart deadbolt that combines convenience, security, and flexibility in one sleek package. The DB1 Pro features a touch-sensitive screen with an illuminated 12-button keypad, offering triple access methods: PIN codes (up to 250 programmable codes), mobile app access, and traditional key entry.
What truly distinguishes the DB1 Pro is its expandability with optional WiFi and Z-Wave 800 Series Long Range add-ons, providing extended transmission range, improved network scalability, and enhanced energy efficiency. It includes enterprise-grade security features like 128-bit encryption, hardened steel roller protection, and customizable auto-relock timers.
Installation is remarkably simple, requiring only a Phillips screwdriver with auto-handing capability and input support for most standard door position sensors, making it ideal for both integrators and DIY enthusiasts. The DB1 Pro is UL10C 20-Min Fire Rated (with 90-Min rating available upon request), making it suitable for a wide range of applications from residential to commercial properties. The DB1 Pro is specifically designed with features for multi-family environments, including a reset button that can be disabled and Bluetooth disabling capability when connected to Z-Wave systems.
SIW: What are some of the other new or existing products or technologies that you will be promoting or highlighting at the show?
COOK: We'll be prominently featuring our revolutionary Interconnect Kit — launched in February 2025 — which enables any Alfred smart deadbolt to function as a code-compliant interconnect lock with single-motion egress functionality. This industry-first solution finally eliminates the trade-off between smart access control and fire code compliance that property managers have struggled with for years.
We'll also be showcasing our comprehensive smart lock lineup, including the DB1, DB2, DB2S, and ML2 series, demonstrating how they integrate seamlessly with the Interconnect Kit for various applications. Visitors can experience our wireless power solutions through our Wi-Charge partnership, addressing the critical pain point of battery life in connected security devices.
Additionally, we'll be demonstrating our integration capabilities with leading smart home systems, emphasizing our commitment to being "platform-neutral" while focusing on creating exceptional door hardware that works within any ecosystem our customers prefer. As an example, we also announced integration with URC in February – a partnership that allows all URC dealers to incorporate all Z-Wave-enabled Alfred smart locks into URC Total Control installations with ease by using URC software, offering homeowners streamlined control over access points as part of a holistic smart home or building automation system. The collaboration emphasizes simplicity and reliability, enabling seamless operation across residential and commercial spaces.
Key Trends and Breakthroughs in Smart Lock Technology
SIW: What are your overall views on the smart lock space, including any smart lock trends and breakthroughs to watch for in 2025 and at ISC West?
COOK: We believe 2025 is a pivotal year for smart lock innovation with several key trends emerging:
First, code-compliant smart locks are becoming the new industry standard, particularly in multi-family and commercial settings. Solutions like our Interconnect Kit allow property managers to implement advanced access control while meeting fire safety requirements — a trade-off that's becoming obsolete.
Second, wireless power is revolutionizing smart lock sustainability. Traditional battery-powered smart locks present significant maintenance challenges, especially in large-scale deployments. Our partnership with Wi-Charge addresses this by eliminating frequent battery replacements.
Third, protocol-agnostic smart locks are rising in importance. The market is moving away from proprietary ecosystems toward flexible solutions that work across Z-Wave, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RFID, and cloud-based platforms. At Alfred, we've embraced this by focusing on hardware excellence while ensuring our products integrate with existing systems.
Multi-mode authentication is also gaining traction. Rather than relying on a single access method, next-generation smart locks offer layered security approaches with flexible authentication options based on user preferences or situational needs.
Finally, digital key sharing is evolving to mirror the convenience of digital wallets, allowing temporary access through secure digital credentials with built-in expiration, usage logs, and remote management capabilities.
SIW: Any other technologies or industry developments that Alfred is excited about for 2025?
COOK: For 2025, we're particularly excited about the advancements in Z-Wave 800 Series Long Range technology, which our ML2 and DB2S series support. This innovation significantly extends transmission range while improving energy efficiency, which is crucial for large-scale deployments in multi-family and commercial settings.
We're also enthusiastic about our continued partnership with Wi-Charge, providing wireless power solutions that address one of the most significant pain points in the connected lock market: battery life. This technology allows our smart locks to be wirelessly powered, eliminating the logistics burden of maintaining battery-powered devices.
Alfred remains committed to developing solutions that bridge mechanical hardware expertise with modern connectivity, focusing on practical innovations that solve real customer problems rather than adding superfluous features. Our approach of remaining "neutral" by integrating with established systems rather than developing proprietary platforms continues to be well-received by integration partners.
Views on 2025 and Beyond
SIW: What are your overall views on the security industry for 2025 and beyond?
COOK: We see the security industry evolving toward greater integration and interoperability while maintaining an unwavering focus on compliance and reliability. The distinction between smart home and professional security is blurring, with consumer expectations for convenience driving innovation even in commercial and multi-family applications.
We are very focused on the evolving compliance landscape as regulations keep changing. Smart security products that meet building codes without compromising on features will see rapid adoption. We also believe that sustainability concerns will drive the development of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly security solutions, from wireless power to reduced material waste. Interoperability is also going to continue to be a big need in 2025 and beyond.
Protocol-agnostic systems will gain market share as customers demand flexibility and future-proofing for their security investments. The industry will move away from closed ecosystems toward solutions that work seamlessly across multiple platforms. And this also pertains to the user experience. Intuitive interfaces and simplified management systems will be key differentiators in the increasingly crowded smart lock market.
Finally, the increasing integration of AI and machine learning will enhance security systems' ability to predict and prevent issues rather than simply responding to them. At Alfred, we're positioning ourselves at the forefront of these trends, developing solutions that balance innovation with practical, reliable performance.
