6 Key Strategies for More Accessible Building Openings                      

CARMEL, Indiana – In recognition of the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Allegion US recently launched the Accessible & Inclusive Design: Elevating Compliance e-book to help security pros, architects, facility professionals and building owners create spaces that support greater accessibility, independence and belonging.

The e-book examines inclusive opening design from multiple perspectives, including design, code compliance and product solutions. It explores:

• How automatic operators support more inclusive doorway design
• Why ergonomic door hardware matters when designing for everyone
• How low-force door operation supports accessibility and more seamless access
• How tactile and auditory cues improve accessibility in door hardware
• How visual communication can make door hardware more inclusive and intuitive
• Why reducing physical barriers is essential to inclusive opening design

  “The ADA established essential requirements that have transformed the accessibility of the built environment, but code compliance should be viewed as the foundation rather than the finish line,” shared Lori Greene, DAHC/CDC, FDAI, FDHI, founder of the iDigHardware blog and Allegion codes and resources manager. “Thoughtfully considering inclusivity in totality can help building professionals move beyond checking boxes and make more informed decisions about how openings function for people with a wide range of abilities. We created this guide to clarify key considerations and help project teams design spaces that are not only compliant, but more inclusive and intuitive.”

Signed into law on July 26, 1990, the ADA has protected millions of people with disabilities from discrimination and advanced greater access to public spaces. For door and hardware professionals, its impact can be seen in the openings and environments designed to support safer, more seamless movement through a building.

“Inclusive design requires us to consider the full range of people who may interact with a product or space and recognize that each person may experience it differently,” said Ana Sofia Esquivel, Industrial Designer and Usability Specialist at Allegion. “Details such as the shape and placement of hardware, the amount of force required to operate a door, and the visual, tactile or auditory information available can have a meaningful impact on the user experience. By incorporating accessibility into the design process from the beginning, we can create products and openings that work better for everyone.” 

Learn more and download the free e-book at https://lp.allegion.com/accessible-and-inclusive-design-guide

NAPCO Expands MVP Access Platform

AMITYVILLE, NY – NAPCO Security Technologies has released the latest version of its MVP Access cloud-based access control platform, with five new enhancements that make it easier for security professionals to deliver a more connected, secure, and efficient solution for commercial customers.

Designed for installations from a single door to enterprise systems with thousands of openings, MVP Access is NAPCO's scalable, unified cloud platform combining access control, video, badging, security integration, and wireless networked locking in one affordable monthly per-door cloud service. Systems are deployed in minutes using the MVP-EZ App and its exclusive Scan2Enroll feature, which enrolls controllers and locks simply by scanning a QR code. Customers can manage users, credentials, schedules, and security from the MVP-EZ App or a customizable web browser interface, ideal for security, facilities, and HR departments. Supporting NAPCO cloud-ready controllers, readers, multi-technology wireless locks, virtually every credential technology, mobile credentials, and Multi-Factor Authentication, MVP Access easily scales as organizations grow.

The latest release adds Single Sign-On (SSO) and automated user provisioning through Microsoft Entra ID, allowing organizations to authenticate users with existing corporate credentials while simplifying IT administration and streamlining employee onboarding and offboarding. New integrations with ExacqVision and Milestone XProtect VMS video platforms (in addition to Hanwha Wave and DW supported) further unify access control and video by enabling operators to view access events, live and recorded video, alarms, users, and remote door controls from a single interface for faster verification and response.

The release also introduces Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), supporting both Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator to provide an additional layer of protection against unauthorized account access.

"Customers continue to look for tighter integration between physical security, video, and their IT infrastructure," said Rob Etmans, VP, NAPCO Fire, Access Control & Security Technologies. "These latest MVP Access enhancements make the platform even more valuable by simplifying user management, strengthening cybersecurity, and bringing more security information together in one place for faster, more informed decisions."

dormakaba Acquires Azure Access Technology and Apollo Security

dormakaba has acquired the operating businesses of Azure Access Technology Inc. (“Azure Access”), a supplier of innovative, adaptable electronic access control hardware, and ADME, Inc. (“Apollo Security”), a manufacturer of access control and integrated security systems.

 “Our acquisition of the assets of Azure Access and Apollo Security will accelerate the development of next-generation access control solutions and advance our components strategy in the U,S. Historically, dormakaba has mainly offered engineered solutions as a bundle. Going forward, we will strengthen our open component portfolio – including locks, readers, and controllers – to OEM partners, a customer segment we are now well positioned to support. This creates a new go-to-market opportunity for us to expand our position,” said Till Reuter, CEO of dormakaba.

Founded in 2019 in Newport Beach, California, Azure Access develops next-generation, adaptable electronic access control hardware for the U.S. commercial market. Its open architecture controller platform is designed for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and software providers, enabling flexible integration and customization. Apollo Security, also based in Newport Beach, is a leader in the development and manufacturing of access control and integrated security systems. Together, Azure Access and Apollo Security employ around 30 people and serve access control companies worldwide.

Azure Access empowers software organizations to deploy their own controller panels and accessories, enabling them to introduce new features to customers. By offering an open and adaptable controller platform, Azure Access enables partners to bring access control solutions to market more quickly and efficiently. Apollo Security complements Azure Access’ offering with its significant installed base and industry recognition.

Evan Zinger, Executive Vice President of Azure Access and Apollo Security, said, “We are thrilled to join dormakaba and to take our platform to the next level. Industry leaders have long acknowledged the strength of our solution, and this acquisition eliminates the remaining scale and adoption barriers, positioning us to establish enterprise adoption and global reach. By challenging the status quo together, we are significantly expanding our market reach while gaining the resources needed to accelerate our product roadmap and execute on our most aligned, ambitious vision.”

The signing and closing of the transaction happened on August 14.

Openings Studio 3.29 Enhancements

New Haven, Connecticut — Openings Studio, ASSA ABLOY's building information modeling (BIM)-enabled software platform for door hardware specification, opening coordination, and lifecycle management, announces version 3.29. The platform connects architects, specifiers, contractors, and facility managers with accurate opening data from design through ongoing operations.

The release introduces modernized BIM workflows, expanded Autodesk Revit and GRAPHISOFT Archicad integrations, enhanced mobile field tools, and new capabilities that improve collaboration across design, construction, and facility management teams. By connecting opening information from specification through ongoing operations, Openings Studio helps project teams reduce coordination errors, streamline documentation, and maintain a digital record of opening assets throughout the building lifecycle.

This release also marks the beginning of an integration with SiteOwl, bringing together door opening design and physical security lifecycle management. The integration enables users to transfer floor plans and electrified opening information from Openings Studio into SiteOwl, helping bridge the gap between design, installation, and ongoing facility operations. By connecting these workflows, organizations gain greater continuity of information throughout the building lifecycle while laying the groundwork for future capabilities that will further streamline project delivery and asset management.

At the center of this release is a refreshed user interface featuring light and dark themes that improve visual clarity across complex door schedules while aligning the application with ASSA ABLOY's updated design language. Beyond the visual changes, the release introduces several practical tools designed to address common project coordination challenges. These features help teams resolve errors early and manage complex documentation more efficiently.

“This latest release is all about openings made easy. It includes features that are custom-built to provide specification and field teams with tools to reduce friction and maintain real-time information, whether they’re at the office or off-site. We are listening to our users and ensuring that Openings Studio continues to deliver a world-class experience,” said Erin Desman, President, Building Technology Solutions.

BIM teams can now work in Revit 2027 and Archicad 29 without interrupting active projects. Field teams benefit from improved mobile keying and stronger NFC tag security, reducing the risk of overwriting information in shared workflows.

Apple Maps Won’t Allow Locksmiths to Advertise

In its upcoming Maps advertising rollout, Apple has announced advertising policies that ban ads from categories termed “home services,” which includes locksmiths as well as plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians. Additional banned categories include bail bonding services and cryptocurrency ATMs.

In contrast, those categories comprise some of the largest local advertisements on Google Maps, though the Google business verification process can be tedious and difficult for legitimate locksmiths and exploited by potential scammers.

Squire Partners With Craftmaster Hardware           

St. Louis –Squire North America has named Craftmaster Hardware as its newest authorized U.S. distributor, expanding access to Squire’s premium mechanical padlocks among institutional locksmiths, facility managers, security professionals and critical infrastructure organizations.

The partnership grew out of discussions held during the spring Security Hardware Distributors Association (SHDA) meetings. Squire and its North American representative, Channel Championz, met with Craftmaster leadership to explore opportunities within the institutional and high-security markets.

The announcement comes as Craftmaster celebrates its 75th anniversary. Founded in New York City in 1951, Craftmaster has grown into a national security hardware distributor supporting institutional customers with products from more than 180 door hardware and security brands.

“Craftmaster is exactly the kind of distributor partner we hoped to identify through our SHDA meetings,” said Jerry Burhans, Channel Championz founder and Squire’s North American channel development representative. “Their people understand high-security padlocks, institutional applications, and the needs of customers who cannot afford to compromise on performance. They also give us a highly credible path to serve utilities, government facilities and other critical infrastructure customers while maintaining Squire’s distributor-first approach.”

Craftmaster’s customer base includes institutional locksmiths, government agencies, correctional facilities, facility managers, and security professionals seeking specialized products for demanding applications. Its experienced sales team regularly helps customers identify and source high-security products that may not be available through conventional retail or general industrial channels.

“Our customers often come to us with a straightforward request. They need a robust, serious padlock rather than another commodity product,” said Dan Donohue, Vice President Sales & General Manager of Craftmaster Hardware. “Squire brings us a differentiated range backed by centuries of lock-making experience, tested security performance, and products designed for demanding outdoor and high-security environments. We see strong potential among our institutional customers as well as in utilities, government, industrial, and critical infrastructure applications.”

Founded in England in 1780, Squire is one of the world’s oldest lock manufacturers. Its commercial mechanical range includes keyed and resettable combination padlocks developed for high-security, harsh-weather and high-abuse environments. The portfolio also includes the flagship Stronghold platform as well as stainless steel, weather-resistant, and heavy-duty combination products for applications such as perimeter gates, utility facilities, telecommunications sites, oil and gas operations, warehouses, shipping containers and government properties.

The Craftmaster introduction will be supported by product education, technical information, digital marketing assets, application guidance and sales training. Plans also include adding selected Squire products to Craftmaster’s and Taylor Security’s e-commerce platforms, and introducing the brand through customer communications and product-focused email campaigns.

“Our distributor channel commitment is important,” Burhans added. “Our role is to help educate the market and put the right product in front of the right customer. Craftmaster provides the product expertise, availability, and trusted customer relationship needed to turn that interest into a successful long-term program.”

People in the News

Brooklyn, New York - Altronix has appointed Monica Mejia as director of new business development for Latin American (LATAM). Her more than 18 years of strong industry experience, relationships in the security/datacom space, and extensive knowledge of Altronix solutions and applications, will contribute exponentially to company’s growth in the region.

“Monica is the perfect addition to our team with her energy, passion and magnetic personality to build and strengthen relationships with new and existing customers in the LATAM region,” said Alan Forman, President, Altronix.

Based in Mexico City (CDMX), Mejia will be responsible for new business development throughout Latin America, working in parallel with independent rep firm LAR to support Altronix resellers, dealers, their end-users, and the consultant community.

"I am proud to join Altronix to lead business development across Latin America, and I want to thank Alan Forman and Ronnie Pennington for their confidence in me," said Mejia. "My focus is on supporting our network of distributors and systems integrators with reliable power, transmission, and intelligent infrastructure solutions for their projects. Together, we are going to build great things across the region."