All-New Alarm Lock Website
Amityville, NY – Alarm Lock Systems, a division of NAPCO and a leader in access and egress solutions for education, healthcare, government, retail, airports & industry, announces the launch of their new website at www.alarmlock.com. The redesigned website boasts a new look with multi-platform capability, ideal for mobile devices. Visitors can register for training classes, find their local sales rep or distributor with a handy locator map, or download free marketing material. The simple search and navigation feature makes it easy to find Alarm Lock products including Trilogy® Series, the number one selling electronic standalone access locks in their class, Trilogy Networx® Wireless Access Locks and ArchiTech™ Networx Series.
Alarm Lock Systems field-proven standalone Trilogy® electronic keyless access locks provide access control with PIN-code or built-in HID® Prox, Multi-technology or swipe reader for ID badges. Wireless Trilogy Networx™access locks, are easily networked using Gateways and Expanders, eliminating door-to-door operations and featuring global lockdown or unlock in seconds, activated from any lock or the computer network’s server. ArchiTech™Networx Series take it a step farther with hundreds of customizable trims, and finishes, and readers for the ideal architecturally-elegant access solution. Both lines feature a keyfob and remote button support, & new iLock® App mobile solution; plus free Windows-based or enterprise software options; and models for every application & budget.
ASSA ABLOY Partnerships in Innovation
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut— ASSA ABLOY’s commitment to partnerships in innovation has once again enabled the creation of a unique security solution. And the development came through the insights of its network of access control partners, collaborative integrators and end users who seek out a trusted manufacturer partner.
Last year, Star Asset Security, an industry expert in high-end integrated security systems, turned to ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions with a new demand it was seeing in the built environment: the need for an access control system that would work on shared assets such as lockers and desks, but with the caveat that the employee could select any locker or desk on any given day and continuously change their selection throughout the week.
“That's just not how access control works in the way we’ve always used it,” said S. Guerry Bruner, Integrated Solutions Specialist at ASSA ABLOY. “This new application required us to look at the customer problem from their perspective, and really evolve our view of what access control can be.”
And thanks to the network of partners, the solution didn’t take days or months to achieve.
“It only took a few hours of joint discussion until one of our OEM partners, Monitor Dynamics, said they could design software to work with our products and make it all happen,” Bruner said. “And within two weeks they had a working prototype. The ability to have those discussions, and work with companies that are nimble, willing and excited to take on the challenge means that when we have a new demand or need put in front of us, we get to solve it.”
The new solutions are being provided by Star Asset Security as FlexLocker and FlexDesk, utilizing software from Monitor Dynamics Incorporated – a manufacturer of unified security management systems that blend access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and identity products into an open-architecture, command and control IP platform – and the ASSA ABLOY HES K100 cabinet lock with Aperio®technology.
“The system enables building owners and employers to provide new co-working concepts in shared spaces,” said Sage Hirschy, Director of Business Development at Star Asset Security. “Having a background in these types of workspaces we saw a need for a connected solution that is fully customizable to the customers’ unique environment. We believe this system achieves that. Each day a different employee can access a locker or desk in an office, without any changes in the access control platform. This removes the traditional need to set up access through a gatekeeper, reducing operational time and cost for facility managers.”
The relationship between Star Asset and ASSA ABLOY allowed Hirschy to share his company’s insights with the ASSA ABLOY team, and thus, created a new solution in the industry built through consultation with end users and collaboration between partners.
“It’s another indication that the industry continues to see the need for innovation that is responsive and interoperable while remaining secure,” Bruner said. “Our goal at ASSA ABLOY is to both protect the people and places that matter most, and to provide our clients with exciting new approaches to that high level of security technology. That collaboration with our industry partners, integrators, and end users is critical to this type of innovation.”
Comcast Expands Partnership with Kwikset
PHILADELPHIA –Comcast announced that it has expanded its relationship with the Kwikset brand of Spectrum Brands, Inc. Now Xfinity Home customers can choose from four Kwikset door locks with Home Connect™ technology to remotely control access into and out of their homes.
“For many of our customers, connected door locks can help provide peace of mind and save time during the course of their day,” said Neal Foster, vice president of product management for Xfinity Home. “With Kwikset’s connected door locks and the Xfinity platform, our customers never have to turn the car around to see if the doors are locked, leave work because a child forgot their key, or run downstairs after bedtime to check to see if the doors are locked.”
According to Parks Associates, nearly a million smart door locks will be sold in 2017 and they are forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.5% to 1.7 million units by 2021.
“Smart door locks are among some of the most strongly adopted smart home devices with eight percent of U.S. broadband households reporting ownership in 2017,” says Brad Russell, Research Director, Parks Associates. “Smart door locks not only serve the recognized home security use case but are providing expanded value through integration with video cameras and doorbells for remote access control for everything from vacation rentals to home services and package deliveries.”
Keith Brandon, Kwikset Vice President of Residential Access Solutions, Spectrum Brands, Inc. – Hardware & Home Improvement Division said, “We are delighted to partner with Comcast and add three more of our smart locks with Home Connect technology to the Xfinity platform. Xfinity customers now have even more options to choose from and can select the connected door lock that works best for their home in the right style, finish, and color, within their price range.”
The Kwikset SmartCode™ 910 Deadbolt, SmartCode™ 912 Deadbolt Lever and SmartCode™ 916 Touchscreen Deadbolt join the Smartcode™ 914 Touchpad Deadbolt, August Lock, and Chamberlain MyQ garage controllers to help Xfinity customers manage access and secure their homes. These Works with Xfinity connected door locks and garage door controllers offer Xfinity Home customers the ability to remotely view status, lock/unlock or open/close their doors, view lock/unlock or open/close events in the activity feed, and create rules or automated commands to notify users if their doors are not locked (e.g., “At 10 p.m., notify me if my front door is unlocked.”). Additionally, customers who have an Xfinity video camera and Kwikset door lock can unlock their door remotely, which provides the convenience of granting access to a guest or service professional.
The Kwikset SmartCode 914 Touchpad Deadbolt will be available for purchase in many Xfinity retail stores across the country and directly online on the Xfinity website.
Comcast continuously expands its Xfinity Home business by integrating best-in-class third-party devices such as Kwikset door locks with Home Connect technology, Chamberlain MyQ garage controllers, Philips Hue color lighting products, August door locks, and thermostats, to give customers a single experience that connects and manages their home security and automation needs. Comcast also has lighting partnerships with GE, Lutron, and Sengled, allowing its customers to operate many connected home devices on the Xfinity Home platform.
For more information, go to www.xfinity.com/home-security.
Farpointe Previews Conekt™ Mobile Credentials/Readers
Sunnyvale, Calif., USA -Farpointe Data, the access control industry's global partner of choice for premium RFID credentials and readers, today announced that access control system manufacturers, integrators and dealers will be able to provide their customers with a mobile, smart phone application and hardware that provides free download, user's choice of smart phone or smart card, and distribution via existing or independent access control software. Multiple Conekt credentials can fit into a single smart phone wallet app. Installer adjustable read ranges can be in excess of 15 feet (4.5 m). Previewed at ISC East so that OEM customers can plan for their own introductions at ISC West in April (2018), the new Farpointe Conekt Series will provide extremely generous gross margins.
"Our channel customers have been requesting a mobile, smart phone solution that eliminates so many of the frustrations that they have discovered with present smart phone apps and hardware," announced Scott Lindley, general manager, Farpointe Data. "Therefore, we have gone the extra mile to assure that our Conekt solution provides the easiest way to distribute credentials with features that include allowing the user to register only once and needing no other portal accounts or activation features. By removing these and additional information disclosures, we've also eliminated privacy concerns that have been slowing down adoption of this technology.
"We feel this is the type of smart phone based access control our channel and their customers have wanted," continued Lindley. "With the Conekt Series, there are no physical cards to order, ship or store, making credential distribution much easier and more profitable. With this app and products, we help our channel customers more straightforwardly enhance existing installations and gain a competitive advantage when bidding on new opportunities. Farpointe has added the features that installers and their end user customers have been wanting for smart phone and wearables based physical access control."
With its core compliant to the Certified Common Criteria EAS5+ Computer Interface Standard, Farpointe's Conekt solution provides increased hardware cybersecurity to resist skimming, eavesdropping and relay attacks. With the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), among others, now holding the business community responsible for implementing good cybersecurity practices, such security has become an increasingly important consideration.
Leveraging the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), Farpointe's Conekt solution will interface easily with control panels or other security management systems, fostering interoperability among security devices.
Aiphone Emergency Station Tower Enhancements
Redmond, Wash. –Aiphone Corp., the leading international manufacturer of intercom and entry security products, today announced enhancements to its emergency enclosure products. Towers and wall boxes now feature built-in UL Listed electrical boxes to easily satisfy local electrical codes.
The new modular tower designs also include an optional CCTV camera arm module. Now a second camera can be mounted to the top of the towers, providing security personnel with a second line of sight to more accurately assess and respond to situations.
Additional new tower features include built-in mounting hardware for power supplies or accessories and rear access panels to easily pull wire from top to bottom. Aiphone’s unique modular tower design continues to save money. Smaller, segmented shipments reduce overall freight costs and only two people – without a crane – are needed for most installations.
The towers are compatible with either Aiphone’s network-based IX Series or hardwired IS Series emergency intercom systems.
Aiphone emergency intercom systems continue to offer:
- No monthly phone bills or annual licensing fees
- A mobile app for IX Series towers
- Compliance with ADA regulations and requirements
“With their added flexibility, Aiphone emergency solutions can be customized to satisfy a variety of applications while saving installation time and money,” said Bruce Czerwinski, Aiphone’s U.S. general manager. “Aiphone emergency stations should be considered an integral part of any large campus or parking facility security system to offer immediate assistance to individuals and help quickly assess emergency situations.”
For more information about Aiphone’s emergency stations, visit https://goo.gl/cDPs6G
Access Control-as-a-Service
Boulder, CO – ISONAS Inc., a leading Pure IP™ access control system manufacturer, is providing their certified partners a simple path to offering Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) with its integrator RMR license. Launched in 2016, Pure Access is a cloud-based access control software application that provides users the ability to manage their access control from anywhere at any time, on any device. In addition to providing a modern user experience and interface, Pure Access gives ISONAS certified partners an off-the-shelf solution to build a recurring revenue business model in the access control space. In recent years, ACaaS has grown into a mainstream product offering. With more and more cloud-hosted platforms available, integrators now have the opportunity to provide managed access control and pivot to an RMR business model. By offering a long-term and manageable solution to their end users, integrators possess the ability to create greater customer retention and provide additional products and services to their end user.
The ISONAS RMR license was created to help integrators minimize risk and increase monthly revenue with a simple model. “In the access control space a number of integrators have created managed platforms, but that required them to invest heavily in hardware and software and cobble together a solution to make that work,” says Robert Lydic, Global Vice President of Sales at ISONAS. “We wanted to develop a platform that is in the integrator’s best interest and provide a plug and play solution for managed services for our customers that is secure and incredibly flexible.” The ISONAS model allows the integrator to buy a single license and “host” an unlimited number of doors and up to 25 end users from a single login. It is an off-the-shelf managed platform that requires no hardware or infrastructure set up to start and removes all capital risk from the integrator.
Many ISONAS long time certified partners have begun the migration to a recurring revenue business model and have experienced great success. An example is Nighthawk Group, LLC a Northwest Chicago based IP integration company serving small and mid-size business segments, non-profits, manufacturing, and educational K-8 facilities, both locally and nationwide. As the shift continues to cloud-based products in the access control market, Nighthawk Group began to explore their options for offering Access Control as a Service to its customers. ISONAS offered the simplest solution when it came to recurring monthly revenue and ISONAS’s Pure Access Cloud Platform was the winner.
"We had a desire to build an RMR business model and an ISONAS Managed Service offering fit perfectly into our plan,” states Kevin Smith, President of Nighthawk Group. “The ISONAS integrator platform allows us pricing flexibility to better match the actual number of doors a client has, versus a block of doors, and to build service models that align more closely with their needs. The platform also allows us to be more proactive in monitoring a client’s environment. It eliminates the many issues associated with premise equipment, and provides for a more stable environment by always being current on software updates. It’s advantageous for integrators to build a monthly revenue stream and be less dependent on project or seasonal revenue.”
As customers pivot to an ACaaS business model, they must do so in a strategic manner to ensure success. With manufacturers taking on the heavy lifting there is limited risk, but driving an RMR business model requires strategic pricing models and specific service offerings for customers. For further information on this topic, integrators can review the 5 keys to offering cloud-based access control as a resource when moving to an RMR model. ISONAS has empowered its certified partners with an RMR model that is second to none and continues to provide an open path to the future in hardware and software in the access control market. For further information, visit www.isonas.com.
