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ASSA ABLOY PULSE energy harvesting electronic locks fit the profile for a ground-breaking sustainable construction project

London, February 2023 – Businesses in every sector face the challenge of operating more sustainably. Construction is no different. As a Premium Member of Green Building Council Denmark, the developer of Esbjerg’s new “A Place To” housing complex sought efficient access control to complement a contemporary style and sustainability ethos. Energy harvesting technology provided the answer.

At A Place To, Esbjerg, more than 400 apartments connect with shared common “co-living” areas. There’s a cafe, fitness and yoga, a big screen, reading nooks and workstations, communal kitchens and more.

Sustainability is core to their vision. As they grow — at future properties in Copenhagen, Horsens and beyond* — A Place To aims for the operation and maintenance of all buildings to be DGNB-certified.

For efficient access control, they looked for an energy-saving solution which would operate without batteries or wires.

Other priorities included integration-readiness. Electronic locking at A Place To must work seamlessly with other building technologies including online readers and door-phones. They wanted cloud-based management, to keep staff in control 24/7 from anywhere. Managers also knew that any solution must be future-proof by design: New features or capacity anytime may be required at any time.

Energy harvesting access management  in the cloud

PULSE key-operated electronic cylinders with energy-harvesting technology now secure more than 300 apartments at A Place To: “We went for a future-proof solution which was maintenance-free and where we did not have to change batteries,” explains Peter Høpfner, their COO and Founder.

PULSE devices are self-powered and need no external energy source. The cylinder’s encrypted electronic security is energized with power generated by key insertion. “It was a big plus with PULSE that keys and locks are battery and cable free,” he adds.

A Place To’s security administrators manage access control with cloud-based software. They can change anyone’s access permissions online. Users update their own keys at integrated door-phones or online readers. This ensures resident access permissions are always current.

Each PULSE key also contains an RFID chip: It doubles as an access card for the entrance and communal areas, so tenants only need to carry one credential for multiple openings around the property. It’s more convenient and efficient.

How PULSE meets the challenges of more sustainable construction

Around 60% of the world’s electricity is consumed by buildings, according to UN Environment Programme estimates**. PULSE access control can help reduce energy use — one reason the technology won the 2022 Danish Building Centres Energy Award***, whose purpose is to “celebrate innovative products and solutions in construction and to increase knowledge of climate-friendly building materials.”

Self-powered and wire-free, a PULSE locking system operates day-to-day without any external electricity source — neither mains nor batteries. Installation is cable-free and low impact, too, which minimizes power consumption at what can be an energy intensive stage in a system’s lifecycle. At a retrofit project, all an installer needs to do is swap an existing cylinder for a PULSE device. It’s simple and requires no drilling.

“In addition, several PULSE cylinder types have an independently assessed Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) valid through 2026,” explains Daniel Totzeck, PULSE Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA.

“The EPD details the precise environmental impact of a device through its full lifecycle. EPDs are rich in details required by projects seeking green building certification, which is increasingly popular worldwide because it can deliver financial as well as ethical benefits for a building owner.”

To learn more visit https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/pulse 

Major oil pipeline project in Africa entrusted to Senstar

Senstar, a leading provider of sensing and information management solutions for the protection of critical infrastructure, is pleased to announce it has been awarded a major oil pipeline project in Africa. The project will reinforce the security of a major pipeline.

“Senstar will provide a comprehensive perimeter intrusion detection system with the aim of equipping multiple sites with innovative fiber optic technologies. Together with local partners, we will work on a multi-layered solution that maximizes safety and security,” said Managing Director of Senstar, Fabien Haubert. “We will also be providing a range of support services to ensure a smooth, ongoing operation.”

With innovative perimeter intrusion detection systems (including fence sensors, buried sensors, and above ground sensors), intelligent video management, video analytics, and access control, Senstar offers a comprehensive suite of proven, integrated solutions that reduce complexity, improve performance and unify support. For over 40 years, Senstar has been safeguarding people, places and property for organizations around the world, with a special focus in utilities, logistics, corrections, and energy markets.

To deliver a new Brussels office building, ASSA ABLOY’s specification expertise and Openings Studio™ software were critical

London, January 2023 – Project management for large building designs benefits from both collaboration and effective digitalization. On a landmark new office development in central Brussels, ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio™ software helped achieve the ultimate goal: excellence in design, balancing cost, delivery time and sustainability concerns.

Quatuor is a multi-purpose office, events and coworking space in central Brussels, with an innovative design certified Outstanding by BREEAM*. Designed and overseen by Jaspers-Eyers Architects, it was a large project with an ever-evolving nature. The final design incorporated 1,800 doors, of many different types and required standards.

For more than 15 years, Jaspers-Eyers has organized their projects around BIM principles. A successful BIM process maximizes the efficiency of collaboration and communication between their stakeholders. To help deliver door and security solutions, they sought out a partner with in-depth specification knowledge and experience.

For Quatuor, working with local experts at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions streamlined project collaboration with the developer client; with contractors and subcontractors; and with the building’s final end-users, the tenants.

Specification input from ASSA ABLOY was invaluable: “Throughout the project — from the call for tenders to site follow-up — ASSA ABLOY was present to provide assistance with updates, definition of new products and information,” says Gilles Bollens at Jaspers-Eyers.

Simplifying door specification

Specification for door and security solutions can be time-consuming. At Quatuor, ASSA ABLOY’s experience and expertise accelerated the process.

The local team of ASSA ABLOY BIM & Specification experts handled specification details and kept the central resource up-to-date and transparent, freeing up architects’ valuable time.

One key tool in successful collaboration was ASSA ABLOY Openings Studio. This software connected Jaspers-Eyers’ RevitÒ designs directly with databases holding specification data for the varied door solutions which ASSA ABLOY supplied. These included ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion® door closers; architectural hardware; Litto Project locks and cylinders; and ABLOY EL160 locks.

Openings Studio enabled rapid, accurate updating of in-process designs with object data and parameterizations. “The evolution of projects… makes this integration of configuration for objects — particularly hardware — essential,” explains Gilles Bollens.

“Use of the software is very intuitive. It is the only tool that enables the management of doors as a whole, in such a fluid and complete way.”

How Openings Studio streamlines building design workflows

Openings Studio is a key software tool for boosting specification efficiency on projects of any size. Its intuitive operation simplifies collaboration and information handling for all specifications around the door.

Seamless exporting of specifications to design packages including Revit® and ARCHICAD® saves time. It replaces time-consuming updating via Excel and other manual methods, which are slow and prone to human error. Every change is logged in the software, so it’s easy to “rewind” to compare previous design ideas.

Openings Studio also functions as a transparent communication channel for all stakeholders, available through a project and beyond via secure web login or a new mobile app.

To learn how partnering with ASSA ABLOY BIM & Specification experts has helped architects, property developers, facilities managers and many others, download a free reference bundle at https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/hubfs/AA_BIM%20CS%20references_final.pdf

Motorola acquires Rave Mobile Safety

Motorola Solutions has acquired Rave Mobile Safety, a leader in mass notification and incident management that helps organisations and public safety agencies communicate and collaborate during emergencies. The company is based in Framingham, Massachusetts.

State and local governments and enterprises, including hospitals, rely on Rave’s cloud-native, customisable platform to support emergency coordination. Users can effectively communicate operational updates and alerts, such as health emergencies, lockdowns and evacuations, so people are better informed to take appropriate action.

The platform is also used by thousands of K-12 schools and higher education institutions across the U.S. Rave’s panic button solution can immediately provide real-time incident details and essential data like location to 9-1-1 call takers and first responders, and its incident management solution helps to coordinate the emergency response across school safety personnel, administrators and first responders.

The Rave platform will be integrated into Motorola Solutions’ technology portfolio, which includes access control, video security, body-worn cameras, critical communications, command center software and weapons detection solutions.

Global security market set to be valued at $225.21 billion by 2030

The global security market size is expected to reach USD 225.21 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The adoption of security systems is increasing as the systems offer high-quality surveillance with optimised distortion. Illegal activities across the globe and stringent government regulations have led to a surge in the adoption of security systems.

New managed security services provide a cloud-native approach to securing communications between users on any enterprise application and device, regardless of location. Increasing competition in the market, owing to the introduction of advanced technologies, is driving the need for automation in organisations at various levels. In addition, the growing number of infrastructures across the globe has resulted in an increased demand for safety systems, such as access control systems and video surveillance systems for real-time monitoring.

Increased demand for high quality video

The increased use of cameras in various locations, such as airports, railway stations, and ports, for security purposes, is driving the demand for high-quality video cameras that enable effective monitoring. These systems have further been largely used by the military and defence sectors for surveillance purposes. As one might expect, the video surveillance systems segment led the industry in 2022 owing to the wide range of applications and efficiency of these systems, such as operational efficiency and improved security at premises. According to the researchers, the demand for security systems has been increasing over the years because of increasing security and safety concerns and the awareness of the adoption of advanced systems with real-time monitoring support.

North American dominates

The analysis shows that North America dominated the industry in 2022 and will remain dominant over the forecast period. The governments of various nations, such as the U.S. and Canada, have initiated the implementation of security systems and place an emphasis on cross border safety

In terms of end use, it is the military & defence segment that led the industry in 2022. The increased threat of terrorism and cross-border intrusions have impelled the military & defence sectors of various nations to implement the best security systems.

Some of the key players particularly mentioned in the research include, Assa Abloy, Apex Fabrication & Design, Apex Perimeter Protection, Anixter, Perimeter Protection Germany, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Zabag Security Engineering, Teledyne Flir, and, Axis Communications.

Iloq receives largest order to date in Sweden

Iloq has received a contract to deliver locking systems to all public schools in Gothenburg, which corresponds to 15,500 doors. The order is the largest so far for Iloq in Sweden.

During the first half of 2023, all doors of all public schools in Gothenburg will be equipped with Iloq’s S5 locking system. The locking system was introduced by Iloq in 2019 and is battery- and cable-free, just like Iloq’s other digital and mobile locking systems. The energy needed to confirm the authorisation and unlocking of doors comes from the kinetic energy generated when the key is inserted into the lock.

The locking system also minimizes costs and administration when it comes to key management. The administrator can update access to the schools’ doors in real time and members of staff only need one physical key in their hand to access them.

“We chose Iloq because costs and safety are important to us. We have previously had problems when an entire locking system had to be replaced when keys were lost. In the long run this is very costly; with Iloq, we avoid this,” explains Peter Granfeldt, Development Manager for security at the Elementary School Administration in the City of Gothenburg.

Iloq was founded in 2003 in Finland and has been an industry leader in the Nordics for a long time, and now also globally with a wide range of smart digital locking products. The order from Gothenburg’s Elementary School Administration is Iloq’s largest in Sweden and the second largest globally.

Home & small business security market driven by shift to interactive systems

Berg Insight has released new findings about the market for home and small business security systems. The analysts found that the number of professionally monitored alarm systems in Europe is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5 percent, from 17.6 million in 2021 to reach 21.9 million in 2026. In North America, the number of monitored alarm systems is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 3.0 percent, from 33.6 million in 2021 to 39.0 million in 2026.

Cellular connectivity is rapidly becoming a standard feature in security alarm systems for the consumer and small business markets, and the estimate for the numbers of cellular IoT connections for home and small business security systems in Europe and North America is a compound annual growth rate of 6.7 percent from 39.9 million in 2021 to 55.2 million in 2026.

Security systems for small businesses and private homes can be divided into three main categories – local, self-monitored and professionally monitored security systems. When activated, a local security system emits an alarm sound to alert the surroundings and scare off intruders. Such systems are not monitored and cannot be accessed from remote. A self-monitored security system is connected and informs the owner of the premises upon activation by sending a text message, email or push notification through a smartphone app. A professionally monitored security system is connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). When the system is activated, the ARC can dispatch a security patrol and contact emergency services.

Verisure is the clear leader in Europe

The traditional home and small business security systems market in Europe and North America is served by specialist home security companies such as ADT, Verisure, Brinks Home (Monitronics) and Sector Alarm; security service companies such as Prosegur, Securitas and G4S; telecommunications and cable television companies such as Comcast, Telus, Cox Communications and Bell Canada; as well as utilities, banks and insurance companies such as EPS (Crédit Mutuel), Crédit Agricole and Groupama. Traditional home security systems include professional alarm monitoring. Providers of DIY home security systems include Simplisafe, Frontpoint, Ring (Amazon), Yale (Assa Abloy), Arlo, Somfy, Scout Security, Canary, Minut and Wyze Labs. DIY security systems typically include self-monitoring as a standard feature and professional alarm monitoring services are offered as an option. ADT and Verisure are the two largest providers of professionally monitored alarm systems for homes and small businesses, with 6.3 million and 4.3 million customers respectively at the end of 2021. ADT is only active in the US while Verisure is active in 13 European countries and four countries in South America.

Shift to interactive systems

“The home and small business security system market in Europe and North America continues to grow steadily, driven by a shift to interactive systems which provide increased security and convenience for users”, says Martin Backman, Senior Analyst at Berg Insight. Security cameras are now also commonly part of new home security system installations, as the price for such devices has dropped in recent years and developments of video software has enabled a greater value for home and small business owners. “Modern security camera solutions can distinguish between humans, pets, vehicles and other objects and notify the user only if there is an actual threat to the premises” continues Mr. Bäckman. This provides an extra layer of security as the security system extends to the perimeter of the property. “Security and safety are basic human needs and therefore the home and small business security system market is anticipated to stay strong in the coming years despite high inflation and rising costs of living and doing business”, concludes Mr. Backman.

Acquisition brings together two key counterdrone security businesses

Dedrone, a market leader in smart airspace security, has made the highly strategic acquisition of Aerial Armor, a leader in counterdrone systems and integrator of drone detection hardware.

The acquisition will enable Dedrone to deliver a best-in-class technology platform to meet airspace security needs of the future as demand for counterdrone protections continues to increase in the US and around the world. As part of the acquisition, Dedrone will honour all Aerial Armor customer contracts and retain all employees. Customers of each company will continue with no changes to their solutions in the near term. Over time, Dedrone will leverage the best elements of both companies’ solutions, paving the way for customers to easily implement a multi-sensor fusion, CUAS (counter Uncrewed Aerial Systems) command and control (C2) platform into their security infrastructure.

Platform synergies

“We have created a fantastic rapport with the team at Aerial Armor and are greatly impressed with their technology, expertise and the strong customer relationships they’ve built. As we come together under the Dedrone umbrella, we’re confident we will continue to find great synergies in our respective platforms and bring new innovations to market for our customers,” said Aaditya Devarakonda, CEO of Dedrone. “All of our customers around the world will reap the benefits of our more powerful C2 CUAS system, powered by inputs from a multitude of sensors including radio frequency (RF), radars and cameras in a single UI.”

The move is the latest in a series of developments following Dedrone’s growth in recent months, including a rapid increase in global demand for detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation technology to protect airspace. Its platform and products, including Dedroneportable, are in use by governments around the world.

Dedrone most recently introduced Dedronedefender, a handheld, low-collateral mitigation tool designed for law enforcement in even the most complex of urban environments. Dedrone works across 40 countries and customers include four of the G-7 nation governments; nine U.S. federal agencies; more than 75 critical infrastructure sites; 20+ airports; and 50 prisons worldwide. The company actively provides counterdrone solutions for some of the most high-profile events around the world and works closely with more than 35 law enforcement agencies.

G4S wins contract to help protect Sizewell C nuclear power plant development

G4S Secure Solutions UK is set to create almost 100 jobs for those living near Suffolk, after the company won a security contract worth around £4.3m from EDF, as part of the Sizewell C nuclear plant development.

This contract for Sizewell C is expected to continue through 2023 and available roles will comprise of vetting employees; managing access to the site in the Access Control team, monitoring surveillance systems, the perimeter of the site and being involved in incident management reporting. G4S is also implementing the Sizewell C Induction Team. Almost 80% of these new roles will be filled by workers who do not hold a Security Industry Authority licence, meaning that they will gain a new qualification working for G4S funded by G4S.

Since July 2015, G4S has been working on a 10-year contract to provide security services during the construction of Hinkley Point C, the first new nuclear power station built in Britain for a generation.

“For over a decade, G4S has been committed to securing the UK’s critical national infrastructure and we’re incredibly proud of our work in creating thousands of job opportunities for local residents and sector specialists throughout the country.” said Alistair McBride, Strategic Account Director for G4S UK’s Nuclear Power and Utilities Sector.

The construction of Sizewell C is expected to take 10 years. Once constructed the nuclear power station will provide low carbon electricity for 6 million homes for at least 60 years.

Expert whitepaper can help inform more strategic facilities management

London, January 2023 — A new expert-authored whitepaper from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions considers practical security strategies which facilities managers can put into action right away.

 Written by Simon Wilson, a 20-year veteran of the security industry, “Modernizing facilities management” analyses the relationship between health, safety, access control and security — both physical and cyber.

He concludes with practical, actionable recommendations for streamlining the management of facilities with the right access control solution.

“Effective facilities management is vital to any organization,” says Simon, who works as CLIQ Business Development Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “It’s about much more than compliance and regulation.

“Facilities management can help deliver an organization’s strategic objectives. It also ensures a safe working environment, which is key to the success of any business.”

A checklist for strategic facilities management

The new whitepaper takes a step-by-step approach to the important questions — and potential answers — to tackling problems and threats which facilities managers face every day.

Rather than treating these issues in isolation, Simon examines the links between the key problems which modern facilities management must tackle.

The whitepaper also considers the “value-adds” that effective facilities management can provide: not only convenience and operational efficiency, but cost efficiency too.

The central role of access — controlling it, securing it, adapting it — is a theme throughout the whitepaper.

“Fundamentally, effective facilities management is about finding solutions,” adds Simon. “The right solution protects the health and safety of staff and visitors, and in the process gives a facilities manager peace of mind.

“In addition, by helping a business and its managers to work smarter, it can provide a critical competitive advantage.”

Download your free copy of “Modernizing facilities management” today at assaabloy.com/emeia-blueprint/en/images/campaign-landing-pages/cliq/modernising-facilities-management/AA_CLIQ_Facilities_Whitepaper_FINAL.pdf