Door Industry Journal - Spring 2020

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 120 THE door industry journal spring 2020 The Rise of Wireless and Importance of Integration The world of access control is changing. Ask anyone active in the industry and the likelihood is that they’ll confirm a shift in landscape. Take a step back and you realise how quickly access control has advanced, moving from traditional lock and key methods to the tech-driven security solutions we find in our facilities today. Generally, as we continue to seek convenience through technological development, we’re seeing a rapidly advancing trend in the implementation of wireless connectivity. Whether this be the devices you find around the home (think wireless headphones or smart home devices) to the advancing market of wireless access control solutions 1 . Today, the idea is to connect devices together, wherever and whenever possible. The development of wireless access control, in particular, has provided facilities with an abundance of options, including what we now know as ‘cloud-based’ access control. ‘Pure IP’ cloud systems 2 , for example, take access control online, creating a new streamlined security infrastructure – and this is a market that’s set to continue growing exponentially 3 . But this upgrade doesn’t come without challenges. Change is good? This adoption of new technologies is mostly viewed in a positive light, seen as an opportunity for improved security and an industry moving forward. However, for some, with change comes more responsibility and, perhaps far worse, uncertainty. Present an online access control solution to those with an existing physical security system and questions are raised. Will it improve security? How much will it cost? And is it possible for me to integrate the solution into my existing system? Although cloud- based systems can offer a more modernised, assured security network, not everyone is inclined to see it that way at first glance. To those with an already established system (no matter how effective it is), upgrades can mean hassle with additional installations, internal network systems and costs all needing to be considered. Yet, misconceptions concerning time, costs and integration are just that – misconceptions. The advancing market has given us access to solutions that can recreate or even convert older systems into something that is compatible with new access control software. Pure IP cloud systems, in particular, can improve the overall management of a building’s security with simplicity. The revolution is coming So, as increased connectivity continues to drive market trends, will it eventually force facilities to make the switch? That debate can only be answered with time. However, we only have to look at the accelerating growth of mobile credential usage 4 to see that these disruptive trends could be moving faster than we think. And for that we must prepare. Seamless integration really is key here. As more choose to update the systems on their premises, we must ensure that building security isn’t compromised in the process. Whilst there’s still a place for physical hardware, facility managers can no longer deliver the expected level of security with a mismatch of security systems running through their buildings. The incorporation of IoT-led security devices (designed to integrate with existing systems) should be seen as a step forward. Providing systems have been designed with integration, scalability and flexibility features in mind – building security and operations can be improved. Take a larger premises with numerous buildings, such as a hospital or a university campus, for example. With various building types and numerous access points, a set of facilities such as this can own multiple Locks & Building Hardware