PSIJuly2018

INTERVIEW
“I think we’ll see more
interoperability with
single screens
controlling more
aspects of the
building such as lifts
etc and you'll be able
to replicate that
screen on your PC or
mobile phone for
remote viewing”
20
(continued from previous page)
Are IP connectivity and integration also
driving the direction of the business?
The security industry has been talking about
networking and inter-connection for about ten
years and we started off interfacing with other
systems, for example when access control
interfaced with CCTV and alarm systems using
relays, and then we talked about integration on
a single network using one user-interface. I do
think that the industry has been quite slow with
integration but we are seeing increasing
installation of IP addressable systems where
you have CCTV, access, control and door entry
all on a single IP platform with complete
integration operated by a single piece of
software.
How much longer will we use keys for?
I think keys will always exist. We've had
contactless access control for many years and
we've talked about the theory of not using a
physical key, but the reality is that people like to
touch and hold something when it comes to
feeling secure. We're increasingly seeing
proximity systems in vehicles, but I think in
terms of homes it will be a slow process. For
apartments there is usually a combination of
solutions involved with a fob and a key both
being used. With the large apartment-based
developments in London most of those will have
a proximity system integrated into the front
panel, but that is not replacing the key to the
apartment and will often be combined with a
key. The fob is for convenience. We're a long
way from apartments being electronic-only for
access control.
How has your market changed over the
years?
Our thinking is that the installation should be as
hassle-free as possible for those people who
may not be specialists in door entry such as the
electrical installer. Therefore our kit concept
serves the market for smaller installations for
the non-specialist installer. Everything that the
installer needs is in the box including the panel,
power supply unit, handset and monitor. To
make it even simpler we developed DUOX
technology with which there are only two nonpolarised
wires to connect, meaning that they
can be connected either way; it is very difficult
to get the installation wrong! The reason we
focused on kits and making connections easy is
because people don't have the time to waste on
complicated installations or to read through
detailed installation manuals. We're about to
launch a Wi-Fi option to make the installation
even easier and to meet the demand of those
customers that want something similar to the
Ring style of system, but is more secure
because it also controls the locks. Obviously we
have to take a different approach for large
apartment installations for which we have
bespoke systems and a design team working
with consultants and architects-often involving
dedicated routers on large networks.
What changes will we see in the future?
In general, we will see more integration of
systems and we'll see technology being used to
demystify door entry and access control with a
move towards plug-and-play. To use DUOX as an
example, it is very difficult to get the installation
wrong and you see a similar approach nowadays
with software - you no longer need an IT expert
to install it, the whole process has been made
easier. I think we’ll see more interoperability
with single screens controlling more aspects of
the building such as lifts etc and you'll be able
to replicate that screen on your PC or mobile
phone for remote viewing. The user experience
will reflect what people see in the consumer
market as each new generation changes the
market as their expectations and demands differ
from those before them - the use of
smartphones is a good example. As a result of
which, more and more of the smart home
functions are being run through flat screens
which will likely be standard in all new builds in
the future.
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