London, August 2021 – Integration of Siveillance Access from Siemens Smart Infrastructure Suite with Aperio battery-powered access control from ASSA ABLOY puts security at the core of any smart building. These buildings become trusted environments for those who work there or visit, offering reputational benefits to their occupants. They are more resilient and more cost efficient to manage.

“Interoperability across management functions is critical to making buildings smarter and to powering the next generation of building automation,” says Richard Sharp, Product Unit Director Wireless Door Locks at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “This powerful integration helps to give security managers more granular control over doors and building usage.”

Wireless, battery powered locks, connected to a building management solution, make it simpler and more cost-effective to extend access control further into a building. This increases the overall security of the premises. Movement around the site can be monitored and measured to extract insights about building use, while reducing breaches and thefts. Filtering access deeper into a building — far beyond the perimeter or entrance door — provides an opportunity to harness this valuable business data.

Deeper access control also enables more flexible use of space: Access may be varied depending on the time of day or week, for example, making “touchless office” policies easier to implement. In the case of one-off events, open access can be extended widely then quickly returned to secure status.

Cost efficiencies from smarter, wire-free door security
A company’s choice of access control technology can significantly impact costs. According to recent ASSA ABLOY benchmarking analysis, choosing wireless rather than wired door locking, for example, brings a large reduction in energy use: more than 70%, or thousands of euros over a typical security installation’s life-cycle*.

Installing locks which do not need wiring around the door is also faster, less disruptive and more cost-efficient than wired door security. These cost savings present a strong business case for investing in wireless access solutions.

Integration collaboration with Siemens supports a growing number of devices from the Aperio battery-powered lock range, including the escutcheon (E100), cylinder (C100) and server rack (KS100). Each integrates seamlessly with the SiPass access control system, giving security teams control over almost any interior or exterior door — including wooden and glass doors, as well as fire doors — from a single, familiar interface.

Aperio locks are compatible with all major RFID technologies, as well as mobile access via NFC and Bluetooth. All communications between lock, credential and system are encrypted.

Extending access control at a landmark university site
An integrated system is already deployed at Hamburg’s HafenCity University (HCU), where Aperio wireless locks extend intelligent access control from Siemens. Around 500 battery powered Aperio cylinders are connected to and controlled by the Siemens system. Aperio locks have built-in RFID readers, so it was cost-effective to add access control to many more doors than would be feasible with traditional security.

HCU’s new building accommodates around 2,400 students plus 460 staff. It incorporates flexible-use spaces including a media centre and library, seminar rooms, laboratories, and offices. To enhance security, the validity period for any credential can be adjusted for different use authorizations, and a card’s access rights tailored to every individual.

The flexibility of Aperio means HCU’s facility managers now have greater control. They can respond to organizational changes in real time, only needing to administer one unified system. And they no longer have to deal with the daily workload of physical key management. The university campus is a more intelligent, responsive environment for those who work and study there.

To learn how Siemens and ASSA ABLOY make building security smarter — together — you can, Download our Cost Saving Solution Guide at URL https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/aperio-cost-savings

London, July 2021 – Retrofitting modern security to old or protected heritage buildings used to be an installer’s nightmare. Wiring could be complex; damage to ancient architecture or door hardware was a constant risk. Now wireless access control devices which match the protection and durability of wired technology, have made it straightforward.

 For a facilities manager, the security remit for any building or space is broadly the same. People and assets must be kept safe. Access to the most sensitive areas should be carefully filtered. Intrusion has to be stopped. Yet installation, wiring and larger modifications present a unique set of challenges in an older building.

Battery-powered access control devices can add equivalent features wirelessly, at lower and more predictable cost, because no cabling is required around the door. In a wireless system, locks for doors, cabinets and other openings communicate over-the-air with a network of hubs. These may be placed close to existing mains power sources, minimizing disruption to the building fabric. Software makes the access decision which is communicated back to locks via the hub. Everything happens almost instantly and wire-free.

In an old building, choosing to wire for door security opens up not only expense but uncertainty. Indeed, when working under old floors and inside walls which are 100 years or more old, surprises are guaranteed. At installation stage, big surprises can be very expensive.

Aesthetics is another concern. Wireless access control cylinders, for example, offer durable, certified electronic security paired with a minimal visual impact. At a heritage property, low-profile security solutions are a must. In addition, replacing mechanical locks with wireless electronic door devices reduces the manual workload involved in handling and tracking physical keys — saving time and money for property managers.

An example: retrofitting 21^st-century locks to a 16^th-century building

In updating access control for one school property in Spain, installers faced precisely these challenges. The Colegio Diocesano Santo Domingo in Orihuela is more than just a school. Its historic buildings date to the 1500s. An on-site museum needs protection from the same access system. This is a heritage site as well as a place of learning.

Hence, the brief for a new access system required minimizing disruption on two fronts. The college buildings are a Resource of Cultural Interest and on Spain’s heritage registry: They must not be damaged. School leaders wanted to avoid disturbance to everyday learning. Wireless locks were the answer.

“In addition to the main entrances and classrooms, access to private spaces such as lifts, offices, staff rooms, the church, the museum, the library and the IT room is constantly monitored,” says the school’s IT Manager, Francisco Fernández Soriano. “Thanks to our SMARTair devices installed at more than 300 doors, the security team can find out who has accessed which space and when, at any time. This increases security for children and for staff because no unauthorized people can enter the school.”

Installation of the school’s new SMARTair system demanded little work. Some doors are 500 years old, so major alterations were not possible. SMARTair door devices are easily fitted without drilling or wires. To install a SMARTair cylinder, for example, a professional simply replaces the existing mechanical cylinder with the battery-powered SMARTair device.

“The system was installed without a hitch and also without any disruption to classes,” confirms Fernández Soriano.

An example: adding flexibility for school and care home security

At the Vejle Friskole in Denmark, key management had been eating up “a very long time, approximately 5 hours a week,” explains Henrik Kækel, the school’s Technical Service Officer.

Now mechanical keys have also been replaced by a wireless access control system. More than 80 doors and cabinets around the school are secured with SMARTair locks. At a historic property like Vejle Friskole, the customer required that devices were easy and unobtrusive to retrofit.

“It was really bad [before] because we had big problems with keys that were lost,” says Henrik Kækel. “There was a lot of work on keying in and handing out.” Today, Vejle Friskole staff spend around 5 minutes a week managing their access system.

“It’s incredibly easy to figure out… it takes 1 minute to code a student,” he adds. Even managing the leasing of school buildings for non-school events is simple and secure. Facilities staff issue digital credentials for the duration of an event, then cancel them immediately afterwards via the software, with no concerns someone may have copied a physical key.

Pamplona’s Casa de la Misericordia, in Spain, also switched their century-old building from mechanical to electronic locking. To meet the day-to-day care needs of over 500 residents, they had a specific set of demands for a new access system. Real-time control over the premises was essential. “In a residence like ours it is critical to have real-time management that allows us to interact with a door at any time,” explains Ernesto Serra, Facility Manager at the Casa de la Misericordia.

The system also needed to be flexible and expandable, so it could be installed in two phases. Advanced wireless technology suited to retrofitting in an old building was another must-have: This 1930s building has large doors and walls up to 1m thick.

“A wireless solution that allows us to install access control without wiring up the buildings is a big advantage, the system has adapted to our present and future needs,” says Ernesto Serra.

To learn more about retrofitting access control without wires or cabling around the door, download a free SMARTairÒ Solution Guide at URL https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/smartair

London, July 2021 – The responsibilities of the modern facilities manager combine site security with employee health and safety. At Hydreaulys, a French water and waste management utility, a simple switch to programmable key-based access control helped them make improvements on both counts.

Complex security and workflow challenges throughout the utilities sector can push static, mechanical master-key systems beyond their limit. To upgrade their mechanical locking system, the Hydreaulys facilities team prioritized access control technology which was already trusted in the sector — and supplied by a leading global manufacturer with deep industry expertise.

Quality guidelines laid down by the utility’s Group Risk Manager were stringent: Alongside filtering access, the locking system should ensure only those with clearance can access potentially hazardous materials stored. Safety and security at their sites must go hand in hand.

Filtering access for employee safety
The solution was eCLIQ. Its programmable cylinders and padlocks are wire-free, so swapping existing mechanical locking for eCLIQ electronic access control was quick and easy. Installation did not require any cabling: Power is provided by the battery inside each user key. As a result, security and site safety are improved, because unauthorized staff are kept away from potentially dangerous materials.

Now, no one can handle risky products without access authorization, which is programmed on their personal eCLIQ key and changed whenever needed. Secure system management via the web-based CLIQ Web Manager software puts Hydreaulys’ security managers in total control of access rights: They can filter by building, zone, function or time period.

“Access control needs flexibility as our organization and management of the site is evolving, and the reliable eCLIQ system is evolving with us,” says Jean-Pascal Chuzel, Deputy Agency Director at Water France – Paris Seine Ouest.

Proven security that is tough enough for any conditions
Devices in the eCLIQ range are robust enough for the demanding environment of a wastewater treatment site: Alongside weather and extreme climate, eCLIQ devices are also resistant to chemicals, humidity and reagents. Their durability saves Hydreaulys both the time and cost of replacing locks regularly.

With their new eCLIQ electronic access control system, Hydreaulys has total flexibility in issuing access rights. Fine-grained access permissions ensure only accredited staff and visitors enter designated areas of their premises — enhancing safety. And because every interaction between key and lock is recorded and can be checked, thefts have been reduced.

When a key does go missing, it is easily blocked by the facilities management team, maintaining the security, health and safety of everyone who works at or visits Hydreaulys.

To learn more about eCLIQ programmable key access control, download a free Solution Guide at URL
https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/ecliq

London, July 2021 – Entrance design is about making a great first impression. Yet the journey from architect’s vision to the front face of a building can demand compromises, especially where heavy doors need closing aids for safe, barrier-free operation. Floor Springs make use comfortable and compliant, for any door, without clutter or unsightly furniture.

When an entrance needs to impress, the architect aims to realise their design undiluted. Achieving this can pose a major challenge when eye-catching, heavy, two-way doors are part of the vision; even more so, if glass doors are chosen for a showcase entrance. Floor Springs give these doors optimum opening and closing performance that works completely out of sight.

“Floor springs are a minimalist alternative to on-door mounted closers,” says Roberto Tassoni, Door Closer Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “They ensure an entrance meets the demands of regulations and inclusive design*, while retaining the ‘wow factor’ every great front door needs.”

Not all Floor Springs are created equal
Floor Springs from ASSA ABLOY smooth opening and closing performance to meet compliance demands. They make a minimal visual footprint: Everyone’s eyes stay fixed on the door design.

Installers don’t even need to fit hinges. The whole door mounts seamlessly on springs embedded in the floor — ideal for equipping doors in tricky materials like glass and to showcase minimalist designs. Any material, any weight up to 300kg, and double action, push/pull doors are all accommodated.

Hidden below floor level by an AISI 304 steel cover plate, ASSA ABLOY’s unique Cam-Motion technology does the heavy lifting, so building users don’t have to. Doors open and shut tight with minimal force. In real-world use, they require less effort for everyone who passes through them — a major benefit for safety and barrier-free inclusion.

Cam-Motion creates a memorable first impression
Required pushing force for ASSA ABLOY Floor Springs falls more rapidly than with similar closing technologies — providing comfortable opening for all. Further, they have independent valves, so latch and closing speeds may be adjusted individually. Little fingers (and their parents) appreciate this extra safeguard.

All valves are thermo-resistant for genuine fit-and-forget performance: When door speeds are set, they stay set, even at extreme temperatures. Every component is durable and suited to even the most heavily trafficked door.

For time-saving specification, adjustable power sizes make it possible to equip a building with just two models. All specification details can be delivered as BIM Objects and within Openings Studio software, for time-saving integration with popular design packages such as Revit.

Fully closed doors offer further benefits in everyday use: They create better soundproofing as well as a thermal seal. UNEP estimates that buildings consume around 60 percent of the world’s electricity**. Properly closed doors can contribute to minimizing energy waste.

Inclusive, barrier-free access requires the comfortable operation of exterior and interior doors. Thankfully, for architects and interior designers aiming to combine compliance with a memorable first impression, there is now an alternative to cluttered door hardware.

For more on ASSA ABLOY’s range of Cam-Motion Floor Springs, including detailed specifications, download a free solution guide at URL
https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/cam-motion-floor-springs