PSIJuly2018

Pete Hancox –
Allegion UK
Over the last 20 years, the
commercial space has already
shown the embracing of
electronic credentials, like
smart cards. The increasing
use of biometric and mobile
credentials in this sector gives rise to
speculation about whether other spaces, such
as residential, will follow suit.
Undeniably, advancements in technologies
are changing the way we live. Wireless homeassist
devices, such as the Amazon Alexa, are
implementing new technologies into the
residential space, providing a singular,
connected system both inside the home and
around the doorway.
Similarly, biometrics have been implemented
into our lives for a number of years. Facial and
fingerprint recognition in our smartphones has
us thoroughly familiar with these technologies
already. The automotive industry, too, is seeing
more and more use of keyless entry into
vehicles rather than the traditional key and
ignition.
Another factor contributing towards the
increasing use of access control and mobile
credentials is the way they are ingrained into
the lives of Generation Z. This generation has
grown up in a digital world and what’s more, we
can see a real growth towards wireless
electronics in universities and student
accommodation. Because of this, the
implementation of these technologies may
increase both in the residential space and in the
commercial space if this generation is to
“Ultimately, even though we’re still using
traditional locking systems in many areas, we’re
getting used to a world without keys”
become home-owners or decision-makers
respectively.
On top of this, open architecture such as
Bluetooth eliminates the use of a proprietary
system, aiding the shift towards widespread
use. Ultimately, even though we’re still using
traditional locking systems in many areas, we’re
getting used to a world without keys. Especially
as these technologies become less expensive
over time, the favouring of these systems over
traditional ones may become greater.
Will Butler – ERA
The key has been the
prevalent access control
device for so long because it’s
such an effective tool. Access
with a key is a two-step
process: take it out of your
pocket and unlock the door.
I’ve seen ‘smart’ locks that take this
simplicity and turn it into a five-step process:
take out your phone, unlock the phone, open
the app, select the door, wave the phone…
unless you are an early adopter, this kind of
system is never going to overturn the key in the
mass market.
The only way we are going to achieve mass
market adoption of smart locks is to improve on
the key in this regular at door interaction – the
additional benefits that smart locks can bring
such as sending eKeys and revoking access
remotely are somewhat diminished if every time
(continued over)
www.psimagazine.co.uk
25