News Briefs February 2011

Feb. 7, 2011

Steelcraft Doors Obtain Blast-Resistant "No Hazard" Rating

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies today announced compliance with the United States Department of Defense Unified Facilities Criteria - Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings. Military and government installations, such as housing, hospitals, embassies, office buildings and other facilities can obtain Steelcraft's most popular standard series honeycomb or steel-stiffened core models with multiple glazing and hardware options, with the top blast-resistant rating of "No Hazard." These specifications have been established to provide an enhanced level of protection for personnel from the threat of vehicle-borne explosives.

"Traditionally, door specifiers have been forced to rely on specialty door manufacturers for doors built to withstand any level of blast resistant ratings," reports Matt Guise, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies category leader, doors, frames and accessories. "Among Steel Door Institute members, Steelcraft has invested in the testing that has led to a rating of 'No Hazard,' the very top blast-resistant rating."

Meeting guidelines as specified under UFC 4-010-01, Steelcraft testing leverages an approved "shock tube" technology that realistically simulates blast impact in a controlled environment. Results of this testing have scientifically demonstrated that the Steelcraft doors met and even exceeded the UFC and ATFP minimum standards for blast-resistant designation.

All such doors are standard series, carry no premium pricing and are available through Steelcraft's Rapid (10 day) program. For more information, visit www.steelcraft.com.

Norton SAFEZONE™ Awarded By Architectural Record

SafeZone™, a revolutionary door closer/holder from Norton Door Controls, has been named one of 2010’s “best new products” by Architectural Record.  Every year the publication enlists a panel of experts – lighting designers, architects and product specialists - to select the year’s most exciting, cutting-edge product introductions.  This year SafeZone was one of nine products chosen to represent the category of Windows/Door Hardware/Glazing.

The SafeZone electromechanical closer/holder senses movement in the door opening and holds the door open, allowing passage through any opening far more securely than ever before.  The increased safety makes SafeZone ideal in a wide range of environments, including retirement and rest homes; schools and universities; hospitals and healthcare facilities; auditoriums and performing arts centers; and houses of worship. 

SafeZone features a sensor that can be set to detect movement in one or two directions through the opening - enter only, exit only or enter and exit - unavailable in competitive offerings.  Another unique feature of the SafeZone is that the zone size and sensor direction angle can be increased or decreased, depending on the requirements of the application.  Plus, the multi-point feature means that a door equipped with SafeZone will hold at any degree as long as movement is detected in the opening.

Norton Door Controls is an ASSA ABLOY Group company. For more information, visit www.nortondoorcontrols.com.

Morse Watchmans Key Management Meets Ohio University Needs

The scalability of the Morse Watchmans key management solution installed at Ohio University in Athens has enabled security management to add six KeyWatcher cabinets to their system. The expansion allows for all of the key control cabinets to be on the school’s IT network for ease of management, efficiency and security.

"I was comfortable with the user-friendly interface and software of the Morse Watchmans system as well as its reliability," said Matt Smith, access control manager, Ohio University. "It was a definite bonus that we could add on to the existing system without any complications or major alterations."

Before installing the original key control system, which utilized Morse Watchmans’ KeyBank, University maintenance and custodial employees carried several different master keys in order to complete their assigned tasks. It was often a challenge for management to ensure that the keys were not transferred to others, misplaced or simply not returned if an employee left their position at the University. With the installation of the KeyBank storage system and later the KeyWatcher system, management gained control of who could remove keys, what keys they could remove and for how long. Now, all master keys utilized by Facilities (Academic & Research Facilities and Residence Halls) are maintained in the KeyBank and removed as needed by authorized personnel.

"The school’s overall security has been upgraded since KeyBank and KeyWatcher have eliminated the need for an employee to carry multiple high-level keys around with them at all times," said Smith. "With keys secured in the tamper-proof cabinet when not in use, we have lessened our exposure to the potential security risk of multiple high-level or master keys for our facilities being carried on personal key rings."

The automated key control system has also made it easier to audit who accessed keys and when. Previously, Mr. Smith noted that monitoring who removed keys to access a specific area would have taken hours of searching through manual logs. Now, by running a report, he can determine who accessed a certain key/space and when it occurred.

"Maintenance on the system is minimal and we are very satisfied with its reliability. Both the sales representative and the service department are highly professional and efficient and know the system thoroughly."

Ohio University has 17,124 undergraduate students on the Athens campus, more than 250 undergraduate programs, 970+ full-time faculty (Athens campus), and 42 residence halls housing 7,800+ students.

For more information visit www.morsewatchmans.com.

ASSA ABLOY Mobile Innovation Showroom Road Tour Continues

A display of innovative door and hardware products and complete opening solutions is making its way across the country in the new ASSA ABLOY Mobile Innovation Showroom. The traveling display enables end-users, customers, architects, designers and security integrators to experience new technologies developed by ASSA ABLOY Group brands.

The showroom layout flows into segments that highlight:

  • Security Continuum, featuring new access control technologies including Hi-O™ (Highly Intelligent Openings), WiFi-enabled locks, Weigand-compatible hardware and edge-of-network locksets
  • Campus Solutions and the PERSONA Campus software
  • Life-safety innovations, featuring a smoke room that tests the life-safety features of the LifeGuide™ family of products
  • Aesthetic Openings, featuring a showcase of designer levers, hardware and decorative doors
  • Energy Efficiency and the Green attributes of the ASSA ABLOY product line
  • Service and Training initiatives offered by ASSA ABLOY

March/April stops include:

March 3, Pomona, Calif.;March 7, Freemont, Calif.; March 10, Sacramento, Calif.; March 15, Seattle, Wash.; March 17, Tacoma, Wash.; March 21, Boise, Idaho, and March 24, Salt Lake City, Utah

14 April 14, Dallas, Texas; April 18, Oklahoma City, Okla.; April 21, Columbia, Mo.; April 25, Overland Park, Kansas; April 27, Kansas City, Mo.; and April 29, North Kansas City, Mo.

ISC West attendees can also take a guided tour of the Mobile Innovation Showroom at ISC West, April 6-8 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. The showroom will be parked on the show floor at the ASSA ABLOY booth 11067.

For more information about the ASSA ABLOY Mobile Innovation Showroom, including scheduling inquiries, call 877-288-8955 or visit www.assaabloydss.com.