The company placed a concerted focus on connected solutions, because both facility managers and homeowners can harness connected access control to boost security and convenience, whether the site is a vast commercial property or a domestic residence.

“In both commercial and residential markets, the importance of real-time security is growing,” says Thomas Schulz, EMEA Marketing and Communications Director at Assa Abloy. “And it’s connected, wireless locks that are really making the difference.”

At commercial premises, the integration of wireless, battery-powered locks into the same access control system as existing hard-wired doors can bring many more doors under monitoring than would ever be cost-effective with a traditional system. Controlling access through more doors upgrades site security instantly.

Assas Abloy’s Intersec stand featured live integration demos showcasing Aperio wireless locks working seamlessly with third-party security systems from Axis Communications and Nedap. With Axis Communications, an online integration allows Aperio wireless locks to communicate with the Axis system via the powerful Axis A1001 IP network controller. “This online Aperio integration gives security staff invaluable real-time status information about their premises,” says Karim AbuAmer, Assa Abloy’s Aperio Sales Manager for the Middle East.

“The market wants security devices from multiple manufacturers to interoperate seamlessly within the same installation,” adds Thomas Schulz. “With integrated solutions and open platforms, enterprise and domestic customers can choose the very best device for a task, rather than being forced into walled gardens.”

In the residential sector, huge interest surrounded smart home security solutions and the growing Yale smart lock portfolio, including a new connected Entr lock. Entr enables homeowners to open their front door with a smartphone or tablet app, keypad PIN, remote control or even via fingerprint. A live integration at the Assa Abloy stand demonstrated Entr working within the Fibaro connected smart home system.

“If you examine the consumer smart device market, security is often the missing piece in a smart home ecosystem — especially connected locks that households can trust,” adds Thomas Schulz. “We continue to invite integrators and installers to get in touch to explore how they can expand their product range and close this ‘security gap’ in the smart home market, with connected locks from brands like Yale, who have decades of experience protecting homes all over the world.”