Allegion plc - Experts & Thought Leaders

Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralised system software with support from Allegion US, a pioneering provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specialises in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Multifamily access control challenges The upscale 65-unit apartment property previously issued all residents a fob for perimeter access and a key to access the mechanical lock at their apartment door.  Property manager was experiencing significant challenges with its perimeter access control system Between legacy fobs and keys, patchwork infrastructure, and a steady flow of traffic throughout the complex – the property manager was experiencing significant challenges with its perimeter access control system. “By running disparate systems, it became a complicated and time-consuming process for me to create new fobs for residents when they moved in and then deactivate them when they moved out,” says Sally Caron, Residential Property Manager at the Artisan Apartment Homes. “Plus, it was costly to replace lost fobs and mechanical keys." Seamless solutions After a careful review process with its integrator Comfort, the Artisan moved forward with an ecosystem of solutions from Allegion. In 2022, the mechanical locks on all 65 apartment unit doors were upgraded to Schlage Control® smart locks with ENGAGE™ access control to give residents keyless entry. The following year, the Artisan upgraded to the Zentra cloud-based software platform from Allegion, which manages perimeter, amenity and unit access all in one centralised system. Enrolment and move-out process “I absolutely love having everything on one platform as it has made my job easier in so many ways,” says Caron. “Anything state-of-the-art is always more convenient and easier to manage. I’m now able to give temporary access to people for grocery or online deliveries, UPS, Fed-Ex, or housekeeping. Residents now have an overall better experience not only during the enrollment and move-out process, but every day." Residents to access the building Mobile resident key in Apple Wallet was introduced as a way for residents to access the building Most recently, the mobile resident key in Apple Wallet was introduced as a way for residents to access the building and their individual apartment units by using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The Artisan is also on track to be the first multifamily property to deploy resident keys in Google Wallet in mid-2025. Adoption of mobile credentials “Our residents love the security and convenience of resident key in Apple Wallet and are adapting to the change quickly,” says Caron. “Residents have expressed that they feel safer, and that the adoption of mobile credentials has given them the freedom to go for a jog or a walk without worrying about carrying anything with them but their iPhone or Apple Watch for reentry.”

Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and Denison College have partnered with Transact + CBORD and Allegion US to implement mobile credential technology across their campuses. The initiative aims to enhance satisfaction by enabling students to connect to their campuses using the technology they use most: their mobile devices. This collaboration highlights both institutions' commitment to leveraging innovation to improve campus life.  New mobile credentials The implementation of Mobile Student ID in Apple Wallet® and Google Wallet™ allows students to access facilities, residence halls, and campus amenities using their phones, eliminating the need for traditional ID cards.  The new mobile credentials will seamlessly integrate with each school's established secure and configurable access control system, CS Access.  Allegion hardware infrastructure The process involved replacing only the reader modules on existing Schlage AD-400 wireless locks At FIT, the shift to mobile credentials required upgrading an established Allegion hardware infrastructure, which included Schlage MT readers. The process involved replacing only the reader modules on existing Schlage AD-400 wireless locks, streamlining the transition.  In contrast, Denison College, which installed its Allegion hardware infrastructure in 2021 with Schlage MTB readers and LE/ NDE mobile-enabled wireless locks, was already prepared to support mobile credentials, enabling a seamless and efficient transition.  Impressive adoption rates "With the successful mobile Wallet launches at FIT and Denison, it’s evident that mobile credentials are a viable solution for campuses of all sizes and profiles,” said Jeff Koziol, Business Development Manager at Allegion. “Congratulations to Denison and FIT for their well-executed rollouts and the impressive adoption rates achieved since implementation earlier this year."  New standard for campus security FIT’s needs to update its legacy infrastructure and Denison’s recent adoption of modern secure hardware Despite differences in their starting points, FIT’s need to update legacy infrastructure and Denison’s recent adoption of modern, more secure hardware, the shift to mobile credentials at both institutions is a direct response to student feedback and the growing need to align campus services with the needs of students.  By reducing the reliance on physical ID cards and enabling secure access through mobile devices, FIT and Denison College are setting a new standard for campus security, connectivity, and convenience. Digital expectations “By adopting digital IDs, schools like FIT and Denison are doing more than modernising credentials — they're showing an earnest commitment to student success," said Rasheed Behrooznia, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Campus ID and Commerce for Transact + CBORD. "Digital IDs have proven to remove barriers, foster a greater sense of belonging, and meet digital expectations. Today’s announcement marks an important shift toward an inclusive, secure, mobile-first campus experience for students at both of these schools.” 

Allegion US, a pioneering provider of security products, technology and solutions, announced the launch of Overtur™ Key System Management, a cloud-based subscription solution that offers authorised users a simpler way to view, manage, track and update a building’s key system – regardless of complexity. Overtur Key System Management is an extension of the Overtur digital environment, which empowers project teams to collaborate in real time on the design, specification, construction, and management of openings – helping them to be more effective and efficient all while improving project outcomes and client satisfaction. Complementary key system design One of the subscription-based levels of Overtur Key System Management can unlock features With the new Overtur Key System Management offerings, facility managers, locksmiths, and distributors can now access complementary key system design tools that empower users to survey conditions, collaborate, filter data, design hierarchies, assign symbols, utilise cloud-based features, and create detailed key schedules.  Moving to one of the subscription-based levels of Overtur Key System Management can unlock features that will help protect sensitive information, manage key control and building access, helping to create secure and efficient management of key systems. Use of innovative solutions “Overtur was created to facilitate collaboration, with the mission of making it easier for project teams to design, construct, and manage door openings and the corresponding hardware,” said Holly O’Haver, Overtur Business Pioneer at Allegion. “Overtur Key System Management is the evolution of this vision, offering advanced tools to streamline key system design and management, helping to preserve the integrity and simplify management of the key system through the use of innovation solutions.” Three tiers of Overtur Key System Management Overtur Key System Management is available to security professionals in three tiers: Overtur Key System Design is complementary for Overtur users and streamlines key system design and data capture with features that allow users to: Build and visualise a key system hierarchy and schematic Survey existing conditions on site using the mobile app Conduct key meetings using the collaborative tools and add notes directly within the platform Assign and view as many key symbols as needed per building and per opening Focus on specific data using customisable data filters Enjoy unlimited users, automated updates, and secure cloud storage Generate comprehensive key schedules with fully configured part numbers Level 1: Key System Design + Manage Bitting/Pinning: A level 1 subscription lets you do more by utilising all the complementary aspects of the Overtur digital environment plus: View available bittings Request next available change keys and get results within minutes Get on-demand bitting lists and pinning charts Import key symbol descriptions and associated openings Get started with an online hour-long training session with an onboarding specialist Level 2: All Level 1 Features + Key Control: The level 2 subscription builds on previous levels with customised onboarding and advanced features that include: Track issuance and return of keys and key rings Upload the key holder list View and manage key holder by opening/associated symbol Create key rings Identify a specific key holder by key assignment using system-designated serial numbers Store key holder agreements as attachments Create and save custom views to quickly filter and search information Enjoy customised training and personalised step-by-step set-up assistance for a faster start Significant challenges of the key system management solution Without a proper key system management solution, organisations can face significant challenges such as difficult auditing, security risks, and inefficient tracking of key issuances.  Overtur Key System Management addresses these issues by providing a comprehensive, cloud-based solution that provides the tools for secure data storage, efficient key control, and accurate tracking. By leveraging Overtur software, organisations can enhance their security, streamline operations, and maintain precise control over their key systems.

Companies at GSX 2023 emphasised new ways that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud can address long-standing issues in the security market. Among the exhibitors at the event in Dallas were companies seeking creative ways to apply technology, lower costs, and make the world a safer place. Reflecting on the exhibition, here are some additional takeaways. Expanding AI at the edge  i-PRO is a company reflecting the continued expansion of edge AI capability in the security market. Today, more than half of the company’s lineup supports AI at the edge so the customer has a wide choice of form factors when seeking to leverage the feature set.  AI processing relay, extended warranty i-PRO is increasing their warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases I-PRO also has an “AI processing relay” device that accepts non-AI video streams and applies edge analytics. AI has progressed from a high-end technology to a feature available in a variety of cameras at different price points. i-PRO is also increasing its warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases depending on a customer’s refresh schedule and lifecycle management. Active Guard, MonitorCast The company’s video management system (Video Insight) is continuing to build new features including “Active Guard,” an integrated metadata sorter. Their access control platform, MonitorCast, is a Mercury-based solution that is tightly integrated with Video Insight. Their embedded recorders now have PoE built in.  “We can move at a faster pace to fill out our product line since leaving Panasonic,” says Adam Lowenstein, Director of Product Management. “We can focus our business on adapting to the market.” Emphasis on retail and other verticals  Shoplifting is a timely issue, and retail is a vertical market that got a lot of attention at GSX 2023. “We see a lot of retailers who are primarily interested in protecting employee safety, but also assets,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s SVP of Product and Operations. “Shrinkage is a CEO-level priority.”  “Retailers are getting more engaged with security posture, instead of letting perpetrators walk,” Davito adds. Intrusion detection Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm On the alarm side, Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm, and operators can review videos to confirm the alarm. Other capabilities seeking to discourage trespassers include sirens, strobes, and “talkdown” capabilities.  International expansion Verkada continues to expand internationally with 16 offices in all, including Sydney, Tokyo, and London. The core value proposition is to enable customers to manage their onsite infrastructure more simply, including new elements such as PTZ cameras, intercoms, and visitor management. Verkada emphasises ease of use, including a mobile application to allow access to be managed across the user base. Forging partnerships “We are committed to the channel and industry, and we continue to build relationships and expand our reach,” says Davito. Among the industry relationships is a new partnership with Convergint, which was hinted at during the show and announced later the same day. They are also expanding their partnerships with Schlage, Allegion, and ASSA ABLOY.  Working with other verticals They offer new features for K -12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage Verkada has also found success across multiple other verticals, notably healthcare, where they integrate with an electronic medical records system. They offer new features for K-12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage. They are integrating wireless locks to secure interior doors in schools, looking to secure the perimeter, and installing guest management systems. Transitioning the mid-market to the cloud  Salient is squarely focused on the “mid-market,” a large swath of systems somewhere between small businesses and enterprise-level systems. Pure cloud systems are not as attractive to this market, which has a built-out infrastructure of on-premise systems. Adding a camera to an existing system is easier and less expensive than tying it to the cloud. Benefits of cloud It’s a market that may not be ready for the pure cloud, but there are benefits to be realised from adding a cloud element to existing systems. “We are continuing to augment our premise-based solutions with added cloud capabilities and flexibility,” says Sanjay Challa, Salient’s Chief Product Officer.  The feedback Salient hears from their customers is “I want to own my data.” The hybrid cloud approach offers the right mix of control, flexibility, and unit economics. Cloud add-on capabilities We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive" Cloud add-on capabilities include bringing more intelligence about system operation to the user via the cloud. Over time, Salient expects to sell more cloud-centric offerings based on feedback from integrators and customers. “We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive over time,” says Challa.  Vaidio AI technology Salient seeks to be a transition pioneer to help customers realise the path to the cloud. Their approach is “crawl, walk, run,” and helping customers make the transition at each stage. Salient has added AI to its product offering, incorporating Vaidio AI technology from IronYun into a powerful suite and broad array of on-premise analytics, which are gaining traction. The seamless approach makes it easy for customers to embrace AI analytics, although Salient remains broadly committed to open systems. Addressing ‘soft’ features for integrators AMAG is in the process of enhancing its product line with the next generation of access control panels. However, “product” is just part of the new developments at AMAG. In addition to “hard” features (such as products), the company is looking to improve its “soft” features, too; that is, how they work with the integrator channel. Integrator channel Rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence" “We have the depth of our legacy customer base we can learn from, we just need to close the feedback loop quicker,” says Kyle Gordon, AMAG’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and commercial Excellence, who acknowledges the value of reinstating face-to-face meetings after COVID. “We are laser-focused on nurturing our integrator channel,” he says.  “Developing new features takes time, but rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, that’s relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence,” says Gordon. More cohesive internal communication is another useful tool, he says.  Disrupting the cloud based on price  Wasabi is working to make cloud applications less expensive by offering a “disruptive” price on cloud storage, $6.99 per terabyte per month (80% less than hyperscalers). Contending “hyperscalers” like AWS are charging too much for cloud storage, Wasabi is using its own intellectual property and server equipment co-located in data centres around the world. Wasabi sells “hot cloud storage,” which refers to the fact that they only have one tier of storage and data is always accessible. In contrast, a company such as AWS might charge an “egress fee” for access to data stored in a “colder” tier.  Cloud storage “We saw that several video surveillance companies had not yet adopted cloud storage, and we saw an opportunity to make it easy to use,” said Drew Schlussel, Wasabi’s Senior Director of Product Marketing. “We just install a little bit of software that allows them to store data in the cloud and bring it back from the cloud.” Performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies such as Genetec and Milestone. Emphasising performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price, their data centres are certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.  Faster throughput for weapons detection Xtract One is a young company focusing on weapons detection in a time of accelerated concern about gun issues post-COVID. Founded in Canada and based on technology developed at McMaster University, Xtract One has found a niche in providing weapons detection at stadiums and arenas. These customers already have budgets, and it is easy to shift the money to a newer, faster technology. Madison Square Garden in New York City is among its customers.  Cost savings solution Xtract One can increase throughput to 30 to 50 people per entrance per minute (compared to 5 to 6 people per minute when using metal detectors). The solution doesn’t require anyone to empty their pockets and the system alarms on items beyond guns and knives. Using Xtract One allows customers to reduce the number of screening lanes and security staff, providing additional cost savings, all while getting fans through the screening process in half the time. Purpose-built sensors The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties In addition to stadiums and arenas, Xtract One, formerly Patriot One, is also getting “inbound” interest from schools, hospitals, manufacturers, and other verticals that makeup 50% of their business. “We’re on a rocket ride, mainly because the weapons issues are not going away,” says Peter Evans, CEO and Director at Xtract One. The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties, all correlated by an AI engine.  Providing early warning of violence ZeroEyes is another company focused on weapons detection. Their AI gun detection system works with video images to identify if someone is “brandishing” (carrying) a weapon. In other words, the system does not detect concealed weapons. Identifying someone carrying a weapon provides early warning of a possible violent act. Increased response with AI-enables images Images are identified by AI and sent to a monitoring centre where a human confirms the image before contacting first responders. Knowing the location of a shooter enables staff to lock entry points, move people to safety, and direct first responders. The company was founded to leverage existing camera views to stop mass shootings and gun violence by reducing response times. 

PropTech (property technology) is a term that describes electronic tools used in the real estate industry. It’s a buzzword that has made its way into the physical security industry, often in connection with access control. For the latest insights on the trends of security in PropTech, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of security as property technology (PropTech) transforms the real estate market?

Technologies and trends in the security marketplace come and go with some regularity. But how can you tell which trends are gaining traction and which amount to ‘the flavour of the month.’ For guidance, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Which new security trend do you think is here to stay?