Two years ago, Assa Abloy launched the Aperio platform to an expectant security marketplace.
In essence, the Aperio solution enables the wireless integration of mechanical locks with existing access control systems, in turn affording the end user a cost-effective and pretty simple security upgrade.
That was 2009, though… The intervening period has seen Assa Abloy increase the range for this product and, according to Matt Thomas, “establish a good installed base across the EMEA region.”
Not surprisingly, then, the key promotional element for the company next week during IFSEC 2011 is to update its customers – both present and potential – on the very latest developments.
Find out more about Assa Abloy entrance systems, locks and hardware
“Aperio provides an easy-to-install and cost-effective link between online access control and physical security allowing security managers to conveniently increase the number of doors that can be monitored with an existing system,” explained Thomas.
“The recent introduction of Wiegand connectivity has enhanced Aperio’s flexibility even further,” he continued. “The smart technology can now be used with any access control system that employs a Wiegand interface.”
In these austere economic times – and most notably with the public sector in mind – Aperio is an ideal way of securing doors in refurbished or remodeled areas within a hospital or school, for example, without the hassle and cost of introducing a completely new online security system.
The perfect scenario for end users
Why choose to attend IFSEC?
“In previous years,” explained Thomas, “we’ve found IFSEC to be a very useful platform for us. In 2009, for example, we invited key people on to the stand for what we would call a ‘good quality half an hour’ where the dialogue was open, instructive and very much two-way.”
This year, the company is intent on using IFSEC as a “European showcase”, and will be inviting practitioners from right across the EMEA region to the launch of what will be an EMEA-wide partner programme.
“We’re not looking to recruit masses of partners,” explained Thomas. “Somewhere in the region of 20 companies is more likely. We want this to be an exclusive club. It’s about people who are wiling to invest the time and effort in Aperio on the basis of taking the solution forward.”
If you’re a security or facilities manager and have key control problems that you’re finding both costly and time-consuming, Assa Abloy is absolutely certain Aperio is the right product for you.
Suitable for public and commercial building extensions, Aperio has been designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connect them to existing online access control systems with minimal modification to doors and premises.
“This provides end users in a variety of markets with a simple and intelligent way of upgrading the controllability and security level of their premises,” suggested Thomas.
“In addition, Wiegand connectivity has recently been added to the Aperio offering, allowing the system to connect with almost all access control systems currently available in the marketplace.”
Existing card credentials may be used on additional online doors, and will duly provide real-time audits and instant updates of access restrictions through the existing access control system.
Concentration on Cliq Remote
Although Aperio is the “first and foremost” focus for IFSEC 2011, also on display this year will be the Cliq Remote solution.
This is an advanced and flexible standalone electro-mechanical high security master key system combining already proven mechanical design with cutting-edge technology.
Complete electronic security management and control are achieved through the use of individually programmable cylinders and keys. These keys are authorised by a self-contained microprocessor.
A secure and scalable solution, Cliq Remote offers discerning end users a cost-saving extension to existing systems with extended functionality (including centralised administration, key management automation and automated audit trails).
“The telecoms and utilities sectors are the real concentration with this product,” reported Thomas. “We’ve had electronic data inside locking cylinders for some time now, but the move of late has been to allow end users to control locking system access rights over the Internet.”
Views on the security market
According to Thomas, the industry has been going through “tough times”: and there’s “no doubt” about that. He feels that statement is pretty much true of most of Europe, where the traditional markets have been “as tough as ever” they were before.
“That’s why we’re focusing on innovation, Brian, and different ways of looking at and solving problems from the end users’ point of view. They want to reduce running costs for their security systems,” asserted Thomas, “and anything over 400 doors is going to be a Board decision.”
There’s a desire for global growth across Assa Abloy just now, most notably in relation to those aforementioned traditional markets.
“The partner programme is designed to support our more innovative channel partners,” said Thomas, who was also open about the fact that the company has very deliberately invested plenty of time and money in R&D during this recession.
“Both Aperio and Cliq Remote are full ready now. We’re excited about the reaction they’ll receive when people visit the NEC.”
In terms of when Assa Abloy starts to prepare for any given IFSEC, Thomas is adamant that the company “does things properly” and with the greatest of attention to detail.
Last time out, the organisation chose not to have its own branded stand but rather hooked up with several other OEMs in the access control sphere. This time it’s back to a solely Assa Abloy branded offering.
“The decision was taken to exhibit at this year’s show round about the time of last year’s EMEA Board meeting, which took place in the autumn,” explained Thomas. “Planning begins immediately after Christmas. There’s always a big team involved in relation to this project.”
At the event proper, Thomas is directly responsible for introducing all new technologies to market while his colleague Paul Browne looks after the stand design and basic organisation-centric issues.
“Over 30 people will be briefed on manning the stand at some point during the four days.”
What happens in the immediate post-show period?
If IFSEC works for Assa Abloy this time around, as indeed it always has, then Thomas is more than confident the company will be “extremely busy” right up until Christmas when it comes to lead generation follow-up.
“This year, we’ll be developing joint sales programmes with our channel partners. This period pretty much sets the agenda for the sales and marketing team both here in the UK and across the EMEA region.”
Are there any enhancements Assa Abloy would like to see at IFSEC in the years to come?
“From a company perspective, it would be nice to see more end users treading the boards,” said Thomas.
“The show is already good for us in terms of the throughput generated by systems integrators and installers, and partially when it comes to consultants. More end users would be ideal, though. We don’t see as many of them as we’d like.”
On an individual basis, Thomas enjoys the “strong cohort of guest speakers” generated by the Conference and also likes the themed days.
Access control: prospects for the next 12 months
Not surprisingly, perhaps, Thomas feels that the Assa Abloy offering is “revolutionary” for the market place in which it presently sits.
“Our systems are going to have a big impact,” he said with bullish confidence. “There’s genuine innovation here for upgraded security at a lower cost for the end user. We’re the early adopters.”
If you want to find out more, visit the Assa Abloy stand at IFSEC next week. You never know… It might just change your whole outlook on access control.
Assa Abloy at IFSEC 2011
Hall 4 Stand C50
