The five major benefits of access digitalization
Digitalization is quickly reshaping how we live and work. Buildings are already at the centre of this change: our daily interactions with homes, offices and other workplaces, movement into and around them, is becoming seamless. Yet the need for trusted access does not diminish. Everyone who enters a site needs confidence in its security, not just its efficiency and usability.
Connected digital access is a fundamental block in constructing these intelligent buildings. As analysts Omdia note, “access control equipment continues to play a crucial role in leading end users to consider a transition to interconnected smart building system architectures”.*
Switching mechanical for digital access, then, can be essential to a future-oriented strategy. It can help organizations of every size and type to work smarter, collaborate better and maximize the productivity of their existing assets. Powerful, intuitive digital access management helps security staff react faster and more easily implement multi-factor authentication, for example. It helps organizations benefit from innovations such as energy-harvesting technology and smart building integration.
Durable digital devices can operate with minimal maintenance and help businesses save energy and reduce carbon use as part of an overall sustainability strategy – including seeking green building certification. Efficient remote management frees security staff from their desks and the availability of secure mobile keys enables building users and managers to work more flexibly.
“The building has an increasingly digital future,” says David Moser, SVP and Head of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. ”In five different, but interrelated, ways digitalization has shown to be the key for organizations to make their access ready for what’s ahead.”
5 real organizations, 5 different ways to benefit from digitalization
#1 Streamlined security for an iconic venue
Physical security is sometimes considered a given. But in a world of emerging and evolving threats, it should never be taken for granted. Building users and managers need the reassurance of secure access to go about their working day productively and with peace of mind. As security converges, moving beyond traditional physical access and cyber ‘siloes’, the right digital solution enables building management teams to define exactly who goes where, and when, across their site or sites.
At the historic Hofbräuhaus, spiritual home of German beer, they needed fast, secure access management for staff and service providers, including 100 waiters per shift, and to seat up to 3,500 guests at a time. An ASSA ABLOY battery-powered digital smart key solution with inobtrusive devices ensured control, as well as compliance with local building preservation regulations. Installation was easy and wireless, simply swapping out mechanical for digital cylinders.
“The whole world goes in and out,” explains security manager Robert Graßl, “so security is very important. Now, everyone carries only one key programmed with details of where and when they can enter. It’s perfect.”
#2 Reliability in an environment where trust is critical
The durability of a digital solution has both financial and security implications. Robust hardware and secure software ensure that access solutions require minimal maintenance, for example. At specification stage, purchasers can inquire about third-party certifications, including for green building schemes, whether for digital locks, electronic door closing solutions or for access provision compliance at sensitive locations where national and supra-national regulations may apply.
Italian banking group Creval needed a durable, highly secure and flexible alternative to standard mechanical locking. They chose ASSA ABLOY digital key-operated cylinders which meet relevant industry standards, DIN 15684 and VdS 2156-2, and work reliably between –25°C and +85°C. An integrated lubrication reservoir ensures each cylinder remains maintenance-free for up to 200,000 cycles. Programmable, reversible electronic keys are also waterproof (IP67).
“We are satisfied with the results of this new access control solution,” says Claudio Brisia, Logical Security Manager.
#3 Innovation enabled by flexible digital access
Choosing a digital solution manufacturer with a track record of innovation gives organizations the confidence that their solution will prepare them for what’s ahead – not just “the now”. Systems which embrace digital openness and customizability in turn provide the flexibility to genuinely future-proof access management.
Barcelona build-to-rent provider Becorp have used mechanical security in the past – and are aware of its advantages and its drawbacks. For a new development, they wanted a convenient keyless digital solution: residents unlock doors using secure mobile keys in a smartphone app. This also saves managers’ time, especially during property handovers.
Their ASSA ABLOY digital solution provides locking with deadbolt projection and real-time management, so staff can check live status for any access point, open doors remotely or lock-down in an emergency.
“Physical key management for any large development puts severe pressure on operational costs. Choosing wireless locks and mobile management helps us to minimize them,” explains Xavier Casals, Becorp’s Engineering Director.
#4 Convenience for users and security managers
Savings in time and effort are the tip of the iceberg when businesses deploy a convenient digital access solution. When employees, contractors and temporary visitors can come-and-go with ease, operations for building and security managers are streamlined. Digitalizing access provides a concrete ROI that any business can turn into a competitive advantage. For this reason, the most recent Wireless Access Control Report found the biggest factor driving the switch to mobile digital access was convenience**.
At Stavanger Concert Hall, a leading orchestra, admin staff, 200 contractors, and thousands of music fans all need access at various times. Auditoriums, rehearsal rooms, wardrobes, offices, the canteen and an archive need security. The requirement at this landmark venue was for trusted access control with high flexibility. No one wants to stand around waiting for someone to unlock a door.
An ASSA ABLOY digital system gives them configurable, adaptable management: they control and monitor who goes where, and when. “Every single person can only access necessary areas — which improves safety for everyone,” says Gaute Arnesen, Technical Operations Manager.
#5 Sustainability at the heart of multi-residential housing
Any future-proof digital solution must be built on sustainable foundations. The motives go beyond just altruism and corporate responsibility – though of course, these are important. Incorporating sustainability into an access strategy can directly benefit the bottom line. Both the business and the environment benefit from reducing power consumption by using innovations such as energy-harvesting technology, for example.
A Place To, a multi-residential housing complex in Esbjerg, aims to maintain a green profile throughout its buildings’ life-cycle. They chose ASSA ABLOY energy-harvesting digital door security which runs without any external power source. Over 400 apartments and “co-living” areas have efficient digital control in keeping with their contemporary style and sustainability ethos. An energy-efficient, cloud-managed system operates without batteries or wires and integrates with the online readers and door-phones.
“We went for a futureproof solution which was maintenance-free and where we did not have to change batteries,” says Peter Høpfner, the organization’s COO and Founder.
Getting access ready for what’s ahead
“ASSA ABLOY can help you digitalize and truly future-proof access at almost any kind of site or building,” adds David Moser. “Our vast range of innovative, reliable, convenient solutions bring digital access to wherever it’s needed. To different building sizes and types, historic properties or new-builds. And in different industries and settings, from corporate offices and manufacturing plants to universities, homes, hospitals and many other places.”
“These access solutions showcase the value of the digital transition and can be tailored to meet almost any individual business need or goal. We hope anyone thinking of making their access ready for what’s ahead, and of switching from mechanical to digital access, has a chance to speak to us first. We are happy to share our expertise to help you continue to thrive in our changing, digitalizing world.”
To learn more about Digital Access Solutions from ASSA ABLOY, download a Solution Guide at https://assaabloy.com/group/emeia/campaigns/digitalwithconfidence
*: ifsecglobal.com/access-control/the-central-role-of-access-control-to-the-transition-to-smart-buildings
**: Download the full report at www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/campaigns/wireless-access-control-report-2023
