News, People Jan 2026
Allegion enhances LCN Senior Swing Series Auto Operators
CARMEL, Indiana — Allegion US has released a series of enhancements to their LCN 2800IQ and 9500IQ Senior Swing series operators, including the patent-pending, self-adjusting technology.
Built for durability and efficiency, the LCN Senior Swing offers year-round performance and peace of mind in heavy-use applications including healthcare, offices and other high-traffic areas. From the fully loaded controller to groundbreaking AdaptivIQ and Smart Power Boost technology, this self-adjusting, self-calibrating automatic door operator reacts to seasonal and daily variations and external pressures like wind, carpet drag and HVAC stack pressure, allowing smooth, consistent operation and less ongoing maintenance.
The LCN Senior Series delivers:
- Self-adjusting technology for smooth, consistent operation in any environment
- Smart Power Boost to counter wind and pressure without slamming
- Lower maintenance and fewer service calls for high-traffic facilities
- Simplified installation with hands-free hardware and intuitive controls
- Easy upgrades for existing Senior Swing operators
"Our unique combination of AdaptivIQ and Smart Power Boost set the LCN Senior Swing apart from our leading competitors," said Jason Fodstad, the Senior Swing's project lead engineering manager. "Real-time adjustments are a game changer for any opening with inconsistent wind or stack pressure. The ability to engage and disengage as needed allows the operator to address those external forces and minimize the risk of slamming. It's not simply on or off, like many competitors."
The LCN Senior Swing meets the needs of installers and end-users alike, saving time and energy with fewer maintenance requirements. Installation is simplified with new hook-and-cleat hardware, allowing easier and safer hands-free holding of both the motor gearbox and control box during setup. The new control box is fully loaded, offering 23 customizable user settings, an intuitive user-friendly LCD screen, a self-calibration cycle and real-time diagnostics.
"Our aim with the LCN Senior Swing enhancement was to meet our customers' needs beyond controlling the door, and we've far exceeded that goal beyond what is in the market today," said Emily Zentz, product manager for LCN Automatic Operators. "We've provided a product our customers can not only customize and configure to each opening but also trust to operate reliably all year long."
Customers with existing Senior Swings can also gain all these new features and technology by installing the updated motor gearbox and new controller box. LCN has upgrade kits available to purchase.
Top Physical Security Trends for 2026
Genetec Inc. has shared its top predictions for the physical security industry in 2026.
Choice and flexibility will define the next phase of cloud adoption. In 2026, the conversation around cloud adoption will continue to mature. Organizations will prioritize solutions that offer deployment flexibility and scalability. Rather than committing to a single deployment model, enterprises will evaluate each workload based on performance, cost, and data residency requirements. They will then choose the environment that best supports their operational needs, whether it’s on-premises, in the cloud, or a hybrid approach.
Open architecture solutions will give end users the freedom to choose the devices and applications that best support their operations. This approach will extend the life of existing infrastructure while allowing teams to adopt cloud services where they add the most value. Vendors that offer full-range deployment options and strong interoperability across environments will be best positioned to meet these expectations. In contrast to proprietary systems that limit choice and create lock-in, open solutions provide a more adaptable path that supports long-term flexibility and control.
AI moves from hype to intelligent automation. In 2026, the conversation will shift from AI and LLM hype to practical, outcome-driven Intelligent Automation (IA) solutions that streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and enable faster, smarter decisions. IA will increasingly automate repetitive tasks, enhance monitoring precision, support predictive maintenance, and extract meaningful insights from growing data volumes.
Rather than adopting technology for its own sake, users will focus on features that genuinely improve daily operations, such as intelligent search to accelerate investigations, reduce false alarms, and strengthen situational awareness. By optimizing response and reducing manual overhead, IA allows operators to focus their time and energy on important work and decision-making that requires human judgment.
As the market matures, expectations around transparency and responsible implementation will rise. Users will demand clarity on how AI is used, how systems are built, and how data is collected, processed, and protected. They will also expect vendors to prioritize cybersecurity and ensure that IA features are deployed in a safe, controlled, and accountable way. Organizations will move away from innovation for its own sake to delivering measurable, trustworthy, and meaningful outcomes powered by intelligent automation.
Access control modernization will accelerate. Access control will remain a top priority as organizations modernize legacy systems and focus on maximizing ROI. The value of access control is expanding well beyond locking and unlocking doors to deliver measurable business outcomes, such as energy efficiency, occupancy management, and operational insights.
Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) adoption will accelerate as organizations prioritize easier maintenance, greater scalability, and predictable operating costs. Enterprises will favor hybrid deployments that combine on-premises and cloud capabilities. Unifying ACaaS and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) will further enhance visibility and streamline management across sites.
Mobile credentials and biometrics will continue to transform identity management, offering greater convenience and security while decentralizing ownership of identity data. As mobile wallets and ultra-wideband technologies become mainstream, users will gain more ease and flexibility in how they authenticate and interact with secured environments and facilities.
Connected systems will bring intelligence and efficiency to security operations. Over the next year, the number of connected devices will continue to surge as organizations integrate IoT sensors, building systems, and smart devices into unified security and operations platforms. Bringing this information together in one place will give teams a clearer view of what is happening across their facilities and help them respond faster and with greater confidence.
The convergence of IT, operational technology, and physical security will accelerate, enabling real-time data sharing and smarter decision-making across facilities. End users will expect open, scalable platforms that connect diverse devices securely and deliver both operational and security value.
As the landscape grows more complex, organizations will seek guidance on how to deploy the right technologies and manage them effectively. The leaders in this space will be those who unify diverse devices securely, offer cloud-native and hybrid options, and embed cybersecurity and data residency into their design.
For more information about Genetec, visit: https://www.genetec.com
Salto Celebrates 25 Years
Oiartzun, Spain — Salto, a global pioneer in smart access technology, celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025. Marking a quarter century of transformative innovation, Salto continues to lead the industry by redefining how people experience access and secure spaces worldwide.
Founded in 2000, Salto began with a bold vision to create universal, wire-free, and networked smart locking systems. From its early days as a small startup in northern Spain, Salto has grown into SALTO WECOSYSTEM — a global force uniting industry leaders Gantner, Salto, and Vintia — to deliver advanced solutions in smart access, ticketing, identity management, and electronic locking technology.
Today, Salto's technologies power over 100,000 installations and 10 million access points, securing access for more than 40 million daily users across 40 countries. With more than 1,850 employees worldwide, Salto's dedication to innovation and human-centered design has made it a trusted partner across numerous industries.
"For 25 years, Salto has been a community of curious, collaborative pioneers committed to staying one jump ahead," said Marc Gomez, CEO of SALTO WECOSYSTEM. "Our anniversary is both a celebration of the remarkable journey so far and a declaration of our ambitious future. We will continue advancing smart access with cutting-edge technologies to create safer, smarter experiences worldwide."
Revolutionary Approach
In 2000, Salto's founders set a clear goal: bring smart access features to any door without the cost or complexity of hardwired systems. At the time, access control was fragmented and inflexible. Salto changed that with one system, one language, and one seamless user experience -- an all-in-one smart access platform that works anywhere.
The company pioneered the first wire-free, networked smart locking system using RFID technology. Technologies such as the Salto Virtual Network (SVN), wireless online systems, and cloud-based mobile access positioned Salto as a market innovator. Wire-free meant faster installations with less disruption, while wireless networking enabled remote updates and management.
Global Impact
Salto's reach now includes over 40,000 projects across 13 industry groups and 40+ offices worldwide. The company maintains a strong commitment to sustainability, achieving carbon neutrality through emission reductions across the product life cycle and using 100% certified green electricity.
As one of the top three leading manufacturers of electronic locks worldwide, Salto continues driving the massive replacement of mechanical keys with electronic access systems.
Looking Forward
Salto's anniversary campaign, Timeless Access, Limitless Experience, ran from late October through December 2025, bringing together employees, partners, and communities worldwide.
As it celebrates this milestone, Salto continues investing in AI, biometrics, cloud solutions, and digital identity platforms. The SALTO WECOSYSTEM represents more than a group of companies — it's a community empowering access to places, experiences, and opportunities through collaboration and innovation.
ASSA ABLOY Acquires Door Frame Manufacturers
ASSA ABLOY has acquired International Door Products (IDP), a U.S. manufacturer of standard and custom fire-rated steel door frames. Founded in 1977, IDP manufactures prefinished steel door frames that are kerfed or non-kerfed, adjustable or fixed, including fixed sidelites and borrowed lites, as well as other door components and accessories such as casing, sills, and custom stained glass. The company is located in Southfield, Michigan in an 83,000-square-foot facility with state-of-the-art equipment for stamping, forming, welding, and powder coating.
IDP has 80 employees and 2024 sales were approximately $29 million with a strong EBIT margin.
"I am very pleased to welcome IDP to ASSA ABLOY. This acquisition delivers on our strategy to strengthen our position in mature markets through adding complementary products and solutions to our core business,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.
"This acquisition marks an exciting milestone for ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas as we welcome International Door Products Inc. into our family," says Lucas Boselli, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of the Americas Division. "This acquisition allows us to offer an even broader range of solutions to our customers. IDP’s premium product portfolio and rapid lead times complement our existing capabilities, ensuring we can meet the evolving needs of construction markets with speed and excellence."
ASSA ABLOY also acquired Metal Products Inc. (“MPI”), a U.S. manufacturer of custom-made hollow metal doors and frames.
“MPI has built a strong reputation in our industry for trusted, consistent delivery and exceptional customer focus,” says Lucas Boselli, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of the Americas Division. “Their best-in-class lead times for custom metal doors and frames, combined with their strategic footprint in the US, make them a valuable addition to our division. This acquisition enhances our product offering and strengthens our ability to serve customers with speed, reliability, and regional expertise,” said Delvaux.
MPI was founded in 1980 and has 170 employees. The main office and factory are located in Corbin, Kentucky.
Sales for 2024 amounted to about $22 million with a good EBIT margin. The acquisition will be accretive to EPS from the start.
Alfred International Smart Locks Achieve INTEREL Certification
Toronto, Canada — Alfred International’s ML2 Smart Mortise Locks and DB2S Smart Locks with Zigbee have achieved INTEREL certification, enabling seamless integration with the EOS 2 all-in-one thermostat hub for smart building deployments. This certification positions Alfred as a key partner for property management companies seeking cost-effective, scalable access control solutions across multi-family properties.
The integration eliminates the need for dedicated Zigbee hubs by leveraging the EOS 2 thermostat as a unified gateway for all in-unit IoT devices. Property managers can now deploy Alfred's commercial-grade Zigbee smart locks alongside climate control via a single, powerful API, reducing hardware costs, simplifying installation, and streamlining ongoing maintenance across entire properties.
"This INTEREL certification represents a milestone for Alfred as we expand our footprint in the multi-family housing sector," said Brad Cook, Head of Product & Integrations at Alfred International. "Our smart locks were engineered with property managers in mind, offering the durability, flexibility, and security required for high-traffic residential environments. By integrating with INTEREL's EOS platform, we're delivering a proven playbook optimized for multi-family properties that require secure, manageable access across hundreds of units."
Alfred's Zigbee-certified smart locks connect directly to the EOS 2 thermostat via Zigbee 3.0, instantly becoming accessible through INTEREL's enterprise-grade smart building API. This architecture provides property management companies with unprecedented control over access management at scale, while enabling seamless integration with existing property management systems, building automation platforms, and resident mobile apps.
"Alfred's commitment to building code compliance and commercial-grade security makes them an ideal partner for our multi-family ecosystem," said Florian Gallini, CEO at INTEREL. "The ML2's unique ability to retrofit existing mortise locks and the DB2S's RFID capabilities address real challenges property managers face daily. Together with EOS 2, we're delivering a unified solution that dramatically simplifies smart building deployments while enhancing both security and resident satisfaction."
The integration supports both new construction and retrofit projects, with Alfred's ML2 being particularly suited for older properties with existing mortise locks—a common
Property management companies, smart building integrators, and multi-family developers can learn more about deploying Alfred locks with INTEREL's EOS platform by visiting www.alfredlocks.com.
KwikSlide Technology Wins HBS Dealer Golden Hammer Award
LAKE FOREST, California —Kwikset’s patented KwikSlide technology has been named a Golden Hammer Award winner by HBS Dealer. The annual awards recognize standout new products in the hardware and building supply industry based on innovation, value and shelf appeal. KwikSlide, replaces the traditional thumbpiece with an intuitive slide-to-unlock grip. Once the deadbolt is unlocked, homeowners simply slide the grip downward, using a hand, wrist or elbow, to retract the latch and open the door. The mechanism creates a smooth, ergonomic experience that supports accessibility for busy households, families with children and aging adults.
“We’re honored that HBS Dealer has recognized KwikSlide with a Golden Hammer Award,” said Amanda Archer, group manager of product marketing at Kwikset. “This technology brings a modern, intuitive approach to everyday entry. By improving ergonomics and eliminating friction, KwikSlide makes home access easier for everyone.”
KwikSlide has drawn industry attention since its debut and was also the winner of the 2024 ASSA ABLOY Innovation Challenge across the Americas. When paired with Kwikset’s patented SmartKey Security and a BHMA Grade AAA rating, keyed handlesets with KwikSlide deliver a balance of security, design and performance.
KwikSlide was first introduced with the Caerus front door handleset and is now expanding across the Kwikset product portfolio. Kwikset will continue integrating KwikSlide into future Signature Series products to support the next generation of the brand’s mechanical entry hardware.
Kwikset is an ASSA ABLOY Residential brand. For more information, visit kwikset.com.
People in the News
Appleton, Wisconsin — Jeske Hardware Distributors is excited to welcome Nick Philemon, of Greensboro, N.C., to the Jeske sales team as the account manager for the company’s Mid-Atlantic sales territory. As an account manager, Philemon will be responsible for servicing accounts and developing relationships with customers in North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland and northeastern Tennessee.
Before joining the Jeske team, Philemon worked in various roles at several lumberyards, including 84 Lumber, Carter Lumber and Guy C. Lee Building Materials, and brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, management and operations to the role.
“At Jeske, we want to be more than just another distributor for our customers – our goal is to provide creative solutions and outstanding service,” said Ray Powell, national sales manager for Jeske Hardware Distributors. “Nick’s 20-plus years of industry knowledge, established customer relationships and enthusiasm for customer support make him a great fit for our team and a vital asset to our customers in the Mid-Atlantic territory.”
Jeske Hardware Distributors is a wholesale hardware distributor headquartered in Appleton, Wis. The company sells residential and commercial door locks and hardware to lumberyards, millworks, hardware showrooms and other retailers. Since 1962, the company has partnered with leading hardware brands such as Kwikset, Baldwin and Schlage. The company is also the exclusive wholesale distributor of Stone Harbor Hardware. For more information about Jeske Hardware Distributors, please visit www.jeskehardware.com.
Plano, Texas — ALCEA, an ASSA ABLOY company and global provider of total security solutions for critical infrastructure, has hired Jeff Slaughter as the Head of Business Development. Based in Dallas, he reports to Dominique Jardin, who was appointed as ALCEA’s Vice President, Head of Americas six months ago.
Slaughter brings more than two decades of experience building high-performing teams, launching advanced security technologies, and leading enterprise-level national accounts. His career spans every layer of the security ecosystem, from frontline system design and integration, to managing multi-state sales organizations and pioneering technology rollouts.
In 2020, Slaughter took an entrepreneurial step and founded his own security integration firm in Dallas. For five years he led the business, delivering large-scale access control, video, intrusion detection, and automation systems for customers across healthcare, utilities, K–12, commercial buildings, and major religious facilities. Building and selling a security integration company gave him a deep understanding of the integrator mindset, which is a perspective he now brings to ALCEA as it strengthens its security channel partner strategy in the U.S.
“Technology, integration, and solving real security problems have been my passion for over 15 years,” Slaughter said. “ALCEA is uniquely positioned to deliver a complete critical infrastructure solution, from ABLOY PROTEC2 CLIQ mechanical and electromechanical hardware to ALWIN security management software. I’m excited to help take these capabilities to the customers and verticals that need them most.”
In his new role, Slaughter will focus on accelerating ALCEA’s growth in its top vertical markets: energy and telecommunications, oil and gas, and transportation, while also preparing the company’s channel partners for a broader, more coordinated nationwide push. His immediate focus includes the ramp-up to the North American launch of ALWIN, ALCEA’s advanced security management software platform that integrates access control, intrusion detection, video, visitor management, and key management within a modular, scalable system.
“ALWIN has already proven its value in securing high-risk and remote infrastructure sites across Europe,” Slaughter added. “There is enormous potential to replicate that success here in North America as we connect ALWIN to our complete keyed and keyless solutions portfolio.”
Wavelynx has named S. Jay Lawrence as its new Chief Executive Officer. Lawrence brings more than 30 years of technology leadership experience and a history of scaling companies from early stage to billion-dollar operations.
Before joining Wavelynx, Lawrence served as CEO of Equus Compute Solutions, where he oversaw revenue growth and market expansion. His career also includes CEO roles at NexxCom Wireless and GigaBeam Corporation, with a focus on delivering technology innovation and strong financial performance. His background spans ultra-low latency networks for financial markets, advanced AI systems, cybersecurity for edge computing, and major technology transformations for Fortune 500 companies.
The leadership change comes during a period of momentum for Wavelynx, including the launch of its APEX reader, expansion into international markets, and recognition on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list. Since Triton Partners’ investment in October 2023, the company has added to its executive team and accelerated product development.
Dave Hansen, Chairman of the Board, said the appointment strengthens the company’s ability to serve customers while maintaining focus on innovation and customer engagement.
As part of the transition, President Rob Lydic will leave the business at year-end to take a break and consider future plans. The company noted his contributions in helping build Wavelynx and said he is working with Lawrence to ensure a smooth handoff. Lydic said he is confident the company will thrive under Lawrence’s leadership and plans to remain an investor and supporter.