A key characteristic of many successful companies is that good ideas come from everyone, not just specific departments or job titles. What one person sees as obvious may be questioned by someone else who is less familiar with the product or process.
This simple interaction can spark a whole new, faster, and better approach. While valuing tradition is important, if someone uses the phrase “that’s how we’ve always done it,” it’s essential to analyse the process to ensure it remains optimal.
Business conditions change rapidly, and what was considered a perfect process last week may need adjustments this week.
Comprehensive approach to innovation
This comprehensive approach to innovation fosters continuous improvement across all aspects of the organisation
Innovation should permeate every level of an organisation, from product development and customer experience to sustainability practices and employee training.
This comprehensive approach to innovation fosters continuous improvement across all aspects of the organisation, allowing companies to stay agile, competitive, and in tune with their customers' constantly evolving needs.
Addressing real-world challenges
At the heart of pervasive innovation in the security industry lies the development of smart products and solutions that address real-world challenges. This approach integrates advanced technologies to enhance security while improving user experience.
For instance, the integration of mobile credentials, biometrics, real-time wireless locks, intelligent keys, and cloud-connected access control systems exemplifies how technology can streamline operations and provide users with seamless and secure access.
Offering user-friendly solutions
These advancements reflect a deep understanding of user needs and preferences, offering solutions that are not only secure but also convenient and user-friendly. A notable example is UniKey's Kēvo, the first Bluetooth-enabled touch-to-open smart lock, introduced in 2013.
Developed in partnership with Kwikset, this innovative product allowed users to unlock doors simply by tapping the lock with a compatible smartphone.
By continuously innovating across various aspects of security products and solutions, companies can ensure that their offerings remain relevant and effective in addressing the evolving challenges of the security landscape.
Design-driven features
Products designed for quick and straightforward installation reduce labor costs and minimise downtime
Innovation extends beyond technology to encompass design-driven features that prioritise user convenience and satisfaction. For instance, ease of installation is a critical factor in the adoption of new door hardware.
Products designed for quick and straightforward installation reduce labor costs and minimise downtime, making them more attractive to both installers and end users. For electronic locks, long-lasting battery performance is essential for minimising maintenance and ensuring reliability.
Products with extended battery life reduce the frequency of replacements and enhance user confidence. Incorporating antimicrobial finishes into door hardware addresses growing concerns about hygiene and cleanliness. Taking hygiene a step further, touchless technology in door hardware minimises physical contact, reducing the potential for cross-contamination and enhancing user convenience.
Sustainability initiatives
Sustainability initiatives in door hardware have evolved from niche considerations to central pillars of modern product development, not least of which is the growing consumer demand for sustainable products, which is influencing purchasing decisions.
According to a Nielsen report, 66% of global consumers are willing to spend more on a product if it comes from a sustainable brand, leading many companies to prioritise the use of recycled and recyclable materials in their products. Beyond material selection, manufacturers are also refining their production processes to minimise environmental impact.
Finishing processes are evolving to use non-toxic and low-impact finishing methods, such as powder coating and physical vapor deposition.
Energy-efficient door hardware
Energy-efficient door hardware plays a significant role in the overall energy conservation of buildings
Energy-efficient door hardware plays a significant role in the overall energy conservation of buildings. Properly designed door hardware can help maintain a building’s thermal envelope, reducing heating and cooling demands.
For instance, the HID® Signo™ access control reader includes improved power supply technology and energy-saving features that ensure reduced energy consumption when the reader is in a resting state.
Environmental Product Declarations
To further demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, many manufacturers seek certifications validating their environmental efforts. Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications have become key indicators of a product’s environmental performance.
An EPD provides detailed information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle, aiding in the transparency that architects and builders require to make informed choices.
Similarly, LEED certification emphasises energy savings and broad environmental priorities, including water efficiency, CO₂ emissions reduction, and improved indoor environmental quality.
Customer service and training
Innovation is also making great strides in the behind-the-scenes efforts of customer service and training. Predictive maintenance technologies are revolutionising how companies manage product performance and customer support.
By utilising data analytics and IoT technologies, companies can offer maintenance alerts, remote diagnostics, and connected support services that anticipate issues and failures before they occur.
This shift from reactive to predictive maintenance minimises service disruptions and enhances customer trust by ensuring products operate at optimal levels.
Digital training initiatives
Digital training initiatives equip employees and customers with the skills needed to utilise new technologies In parallel, digital training initiatives equip employees and customers with the skills needed to utilise new technologies in a cost-effective and accessible manner.
Digital installer certification programs, learning portals, and customer enablement initiatives are all part of a comprehensive strategy to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
By investing in comprehensive training programs, companies foster a culture of adaptability and competence, ensuring that customers can fully leverage technological advancements. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also strengthens customer relationships by empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Incremental improvements
While groundbreaking innovations often capture headlines, it’s the steady, incremental improvements that consistently deliver real-world value. Companies can achieve sustained growth and success by focusing on continuous innovation across all facets of the organisation.
This quiet progress, though less visible, is often more impactful as it builds a solid foundation for long-term achievement. In a world where change is the only constant, fostering a culture of pervasive innovation is the key to sustained relevance and growth.
- Biometrics
- Commercial security
- Radio frequency Identification
- Voice recognition systems
- Electronic door locks
- Network cameras
- Door security
- Door access control
- Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)
- Corporate Security
- Fingerprint Locks
- Network Video Recorders
- Power Supplies
- Touchless Security
