March/April 2024

Smart Technology
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
SMART SOLUTIONS FOR
TECH-SAVVY CUSTOMERS
With smart technology increasingly becoming a permanent fixture in many homes, Sumier
Foster-Shah, Smart Security Product & Customer Support Manager at ERA, discusses
demand for devices that combine ease of use with peace of mind in a fast-paced world.
From setting reminders and reducing energy
consumption, to playing music and securing
our homes, more and more homeowners
are looking to smart home technology to support
their busy, modern lives. Last year alone, the
global smart home security market was predicted
to increase by 10.8%, according to Meltwater’s
Digital 2023 report.
With many people switching on to just how
impactful the introduction of smart home
technology can be, and with AI and Matter set to
offer even more convenience for consumers over
the next few years, it makes sense that smartsavvy
customers will continue to look to technology
for convenience and security combined.
So, how can fabricators be prepared for this
and what can they offer to customers who value
maximum convenience and peace of mind?
How can smart home security solutions
offer convenience?
From same-day deliveries and automated
subscriptions, to biometric access to our
smartphones, today’s consumers are used
to getting what they want, when they want it.
This has been driven by evolving technologies
that provide customers with the capability of
accessing the things they need faster than ever
before. As such, all aspects of our lives are being
transformed by technology that can make even
the smallest tasks easier and more efficient.
ERA’s TouchKey solution is a good example
of innovation that offers users maximum
convenience, when it comes to the secure entry
and exit of the home.
The only system of its kind to offer five different
methods of entry, TouchKey is perfect for a
ERA’s TouchKey
homeowner who wants the freedom of choice
without compromising on security. Customers can
choose to unlock their door via fingerprint using
the latest in secure biometric technology, using
the ERA Smart Home app, geolocation, voice
activation, or manually by a hidden key override.
For added efficiency and convenience, 50
authorised fingerprints can be stored directly
into the handle, providing easy, fuss-free access
to a property for approved users. What’s more,
users won’t find themselves repeatedly trying to
gain access on rainy days because its advanced
biometric technology offers a waterproof sensor,
tested to IP66 – the highest rating for waterproof
protection.
For those who prefer to access their property
hands-free, personalised voice command and
geolocation technology can be used to open the
door securely when activated by a registered voice,
or when a recognised smartphone’s Bluetooth
connection is within range of the handle.
In addition, with use of ERA’s Smart Home app,
TouchKey can be unlocked with the simple touch
of the app screen. App e-keys can also be sent to
offer timed access to permitted individuals, such
as family, health care professionals or domestic
workers, without the hassle of having to drop off
a key or be home for their arrival.
What does this mean for security?
While convenience is important, security is the
primary consideration for customers when it
comes to investing in smart home solutions.
It is vital that convenience isn’t favoured over
ensuring customer peace of mind.
It is possible to achieve both in one solution,
as evidenced by ERA’s TouchKey, which has
been independently tested to BSI’s new Smart
Residential Locking Device standard – a standard
first developed in conjunction with ERA. This
standard combines both the BSI Internet of Things
(IoT) Kitemark with TS 621 for mechanical security
with smart locking, and independently certifies
that a smart locking device has undergone rigorous
penetration and vulnerability testing.
In addition, TouchKey has been awarded Secured
by Design’s (SBD) Secure Connected Device
accreditation, launched specifically for Internet of
Things (IoT) products.
Solutions like TouchKey certainly satisfy the
appetite of consumers who are looking for
convenience in their day to day lives, but who
also want to ensure that their security and peace
of mind isn’t sacrificed in order to gain efficiency.
In a modern world with advances in technology
happening constantly, homeowners can now enjoy
the latest in fuss-free entry solutions, whilst
maintaining a premium level of home security.
Contact ERA:
01922 490 000
www.eraeverywhere.com
34 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN