The Future of Connectivity

Lifestyles have become more connected as more products are created. We change how we live, move, work, and communicate. For access control professionals, this change is not one to fear but one of opportunity.

“A smart, more connected world provides safe spaces in which to interact,” explains Jamie Carr, chief operating officer of Security Brands, Inc.

As an access control manufacturer and supplier, Security Brands designs and builds connected devices that provide security and safety for our customers to conduct business.

“As the industry moves into a more connected world, it is important to understand how this digital transformation will benefit our partners and customers,” says Carr. “While becoming more connected, we will be able to provide customers the ability to increase efficiency and productivity and provide higher quality services with increased functionality and convenience for customers.”

What does connectivity look like in access control?

A connected access control system means freedom. “It means a property manager, homeowner or business owner can program and monitor their access control system from anywhere in the world with a connection to the internet. It means the ability to troubleshoot a system without an installer or technician needing to travel to the site for initial inspection,” says Carr. “It means convenience for users who can use traditional credentials or newer soft keys and QR codes to access properties. The connected system keeps devices accessible for the users, installers, and property managers 24/7 from wherever they are.”

How are connected devices changing access control?

The name of the game is efficiency combined with convenience. Connected access control devices can be managed through a single software system which allows property managers and security officers an interconnected system to manage all access control assets.

“Residents and users access gates and doors remotely through a convenient app to access entrances and doors throughout the property, and easily grants access to visitors. Smart credentials allow an additional level of security and convenience for residents and users,” says Chris Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of Security Brands.

Smart cameras are a smart home solution residents expect to be installed and available throughout properties. Smart cameras that are part of a complete access control system provide additional layers of security and efficiencies for security teams. These smart devices produce real time audit trails that can be accessed from anywhere to monitor activity on a property.

How can your business grow with the advances in technology?

There is a lot of demand in the access control industry for connected devices. There is a term in the electronic world known as Internet of Things, or IoT. It refers to the network of physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software and other technologies to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. Techjury, an online service of business software reviews, reported that lnternet of Things (IoT) has the potential to generate $4 trillion to $11 trillion in economic value by 2025, and Reportlinker, an online market intelligence resource, shared that global loT security spending is expected to grow to $5.09 billion in 2022.

Multi-tenant and multi-family properties are a perfect market in which to expand, as they continue to experience exponential growth. Parks Associates reports that consumers living in apartments are more likely to be technology adopters than those living in all broadband households.

Smart access control systems are a necessary amenity for renters. A quality access control system will allow property managers to build trust and loyalty with residents. Additionally, the National Apartment Association found that renters are willing to pay higher rents when smart home devices and additional security are available.

When combined with a smart home strategy, access control provides immense value for the property manager.

How does Ascent fit into an access control system?

“The Security Brands Ascent family of multitenant products are cellular, which means you don’t have to be in close proximity to a wi-fi router to operate a gate or door. Because their cellular, Ascent systems do not require trenching for long cable runs,” explains Carr.

“We’ve taken advantage of an ever-expanding cellular network to accomplish something with our Ascent family that a handful of years ago was unattainable. We connected access control systems over large distances to control and manage them from anywhere in the world with our Summit Control software,” Brown says.

Cellular access control systems have a huge advantage over their hardwired cousins; no lengthy wire runs which gives you freedom to place your system wherever you need it, with an existing signal. “Security Brands’ interconnected systems allow you to install and control a complete system made up of many individual units over a large campus, or across multiple properties,” Brown explains.

“Summit Control is easily administered through a convenient online dashboard, providing important reporting features to monitor events and activities by unit, user, and location,” Carr says. “These reporting features provide insights into how your access points are used. Residents and users conveniently use the Summit Control app to grant access at gates and doors for guests and visitors.”

To learn more, visit www.securitybrandsinc.com.