Power is the foundation of all the electronics within our world. It’s a critical necessity for security, access control, video, loT and other interconnectivity. Innovation and product refinement in the power category continues to focus on reliability and monitoring, gathering data for round-the-clock, responsive uptime. Ease of use and other built-in perks of interoperable power streamline the specification for cost-savings, while fostering a consistent, professional installation standard for every customer.
For locksmiths, modular, single product line designs equate to greater efficiency in the field. For newcomers to the industry, power represents these benefits plus the opportunity to meet installers at their starting level - and grow with them as they move from small systems to more complex integrations. For example, installers can begin by powering a simple electronic lock with a keypad and replicate that as they step up to larger systems. Having a single product line that you can mix or match with your selected components, rather than a product’s specific siloed components, is a considerable time saver.
Integrated Power and Components
Power can be as simple or complex as you want it to be – all originating from the same modular-designed pattern. So how does a power supply accomplish all this? Unified products now combine system power, lock power and access control modules in a single enclosure, rather than separate housings. They are more compact and use fewer components, lowering the overall cost of the installation as opposed to procuring and separately wiring three enclosures.
With space at a minimum for security and electronic access control (EAC) projects, the footprints of power solutions have continually adapted to meet smaller building spaces, IT closets and data center environments. Unified enclosures can yield up to a 50% wall space savings. Solutions are also available prewired, with quick-connect terminal strips ready to input access control, locks or other hardware. Rack-mount power can handle multiple doors of access control compactly – nestled in a slide-in rack configuration.
Time-saving factory designs are consistently created in step with the size of the project. Once you know the system, you know how it’s wired and you gain consistency and can repeat the process for one door up to 100 or more. Modular systems incorporate the latest board designs and popular access controllers, so relearning components on the fly isn’t necessary and doesn’t impede the speedy completion of projects.
As a former integrator, service manager and current trainer who hears firsthand from locksmiths and installers about their pain points, a uniform power footprint makes life easier in many respects. When all components are designed to work together, installation is faster and quickly repeatable across a campus or multi-building site. Every job can be executed with professional results. There’s no guesswork involved in service and maintenance and you know who wired what and how they did it, i.e., what lock is wired to which output. You can repeat that process over and over. That consistency brings your jobs to a higher standard of power assurance.
As the locksmith industry evolves, attracting new talent is important, and electronics is exciting for younger tradespeople. Locksmiths regularly are called on to install electric strikes, maglocks and other electronics, many times for the systems integrator.
Keeping Selection Simple
The ability to select from a single product line makes the design aspect straightforward, with fewer SKUs and part numbers. For larger electronic access control installations, everything is ready to go, patterned after your favorite OEM component from your local wholesaler. For example, if you’re currently working with Mercury boards, there’s an enclosure specifically modeled to hold the boards and components perfectly for quick termination. Or, maybe you’re working with Axis, Brivo, HID or Software House or others. Each enclosure is designed for the components with backplates for major access brands. Some power solutions have prewired wiring harnesses and punchouts that eliminate the need to perform field cabinet wiring. The reliability of having everything in one cabinet and reducing AC drops that require an electrician is another massive cost savings.
Interoperable power means easier product selection among a modular selection of components that are configured quickly online or at distribution. Modular power enclosures are highly scalable, while remaining familiar, and cover a wide range of system sizes, from single door access control to hundreds of openings.
Choosing a brand that is completely interoperable – where all parts and pieces work together –offers other key advantages over brands that require different components for each product line:
· Standardization eases the learning curve for new technicians and allows installers to quickly move to the next project without time-consuming retraining. When you eliminate the complexity of external factors and control more variables of your security solution you can control your profitability. Standardization reduces your need to stock multiple enclosures, or enclosures that technicians aren’t trained on.
· Simplified integration and servicing makes the job more profitable. When components are designed to work together, incorporating boards, connections, access control or other devices to the power supply is faster. With everything in one “can,” so to speak, wiring is quicker and each installation looks and feels the same from the installer’s point of view, making for a consistent pattern that quickens even campuswide installations. A single power ecosystem reduces the need to stock multiple SKUs for different systems, while eliminating the expense of additional components, adapters or workarounds.
· Service and maintenance is streamlined and predictable. Technicians can complete checkups and tasks faster in the field. There’s no guesswork and trying to figure out how the previous tech wired new outputs. Training and retraining is minimized, and technicians can execute projects more professionally.
· Interoperable systems are a complete unit, ensuring consistent performance. Mismatched components can cause failure points, which is reduced when choosing an interoperable line of products. In addition, expanding the system is straightforward and compatibility is enhanced.
· Stronger manufacturer support. With a unified, interoperable platform, there’s a single point of contact for tech support, warranties and updates so there’s no finger pointing between vendors if issues arise.
Smart Features and Networking
With the increasing ability to integrate a wide range of systems — from security to building operations and energy management — it’s critical to have the kind of solution that will notify users preemptively of potential problems or issues with their connected products. Power supplies have entered the era of intelligence, with supplies generating real-time data and status on the health and viability of locks, access control panels, batteries and other connected components to ensure system resiliency. Even the simplest designs yield data, and are ready to be networked for additional monitoring and management by adding a networking module to the enclosure.
Batteries are continually emitting data, and can be tested remotely as necessary or scheduled, leading to greater confidence in system integrity. Battery load testing and calculations on current remaining backup are standard monitored features. Features like smart charging continually assess power and minimize constant charging, leading to longer battery life and adding to the cost-effectiveness of the solution. Network-connected systems allow for additional remote power monitoring and management capabilities when tied into a central interface or integrated into an access control software platform for real-time system visibility.
One of the largest cost outlays for EAC and security installations is labor, and the last thing you want is techs sitting in the office trying to figure out how to put something together. Interoperable, modular power systems are a blueprint for consistent, streamlined power installations and instill greater confidence in your tech team.
The job of power solutions is to assure your customers that the foundation of their critical systems will continue to perform at its most optimal levels. Power technology makes it simple to bring greater integrity to every connected opening.
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions has on demand power training and will offer hands-on sessions at distributors and other locations this year.
Eugene Tiebout is a technical trainer at ASSA ABLOY with over 30 years of experience in electrical systems, access control, CCTV, intercoms and HVAC controls. A former Master Electrician and IBEW Local 124 Journeyman Wireman, Gene has held diverse roles in the security industry, including field installer/technician, project manager, service manager and executive director.
Gene Tiebout
Eugene Tiebout is a technical trainer at ASSA ABLOY with over 30 years of experience in electrical systems, access control, CCTV, intercoms and HVAC controls. A former Master Electrician and IBEW Local 124 Journeyman Wireman, Gene has held diverse roles in the security industry, including field installer/technician, project manager, service manager and executive director.
