Friday 29 July 2016

Old vs New – Rise of the Machines


We live in a digital age and technology has become an essential part of our lives, whether it’s 4K super HD TVs, computers or smartphones, machines are all around us. Technology is trying to make our lives easier, but is this always the case?


Technology is prevalent among the door hardware industry and brands such as SimonsVoss offer innovative, clever and secure keyless locking solution. For example, the brand new MobileKey from SimonsVoss is an electronic access control system that uses a transponder, pin code keypad or smartphone to lock and unlock a door, thus moving away from the traditional key.

Keys have been around for hundreds and hundreds of years. We know how to use them, and we know to call a locksmith if we have misplaced them.

So now with all this technology and smart devices allowing people to access buildings remotely, how safe and secure is it? And when are the traditional methods more suitable?


Advantages of electronic access control


Keyless locking systems are the very latest in state-of-the-art technology. The trusty key is replaced with a digital transponder, PIN code keypad or smartphone, and instead of a mechanical cylinder an electronic one is installed.

There are advantages of using electronic access control systems, like the MobileKey:

• Pick proof

Locks that don’t actually feature the traditional ‘keyhole’ that we think of, make it more difficult for burglars to gain entry. As there is no lock to pick!

• Ditch the keys

Maintenance managers and supervisors find themselves carrying around big sets of keys to access all areas of a building, with MobileKey keys can be ditched and replaced with a single transponder for all doors.

• Control

It’s important not to overlook the additional advantages offered by electronic locks that are not possible with mechanical systems. Logging, auditing, intrusion detection, monitoring, and remote or automated locking/unlocking allows those responsible for building security (such as facilities managers) to know who was in a room and for how long. Access rights can be modified with a smartphone as and when.

SimonsVoss MobileKey 


Advantages of mechanical access control systems


• Electrical failure won’t cause a problem

Some digital locks are powered through electricity, and although power cuts aren’t all that common in recent times, should there happen to be a power failure, the lock may cut out – restricting you from entering the building. However, some do not have to be hardwired in and are standalone, such as the intelligent SimonsVoss Mobilekey.

• Less maintenance

Having manual door and access controls tend to require less maintenance, but it’s extremely important to still check them regularly.


So what’s best for your building? Digital access or a good old-fashioned manual system?


The distinction between mechanical and electronic locks is complex, but important. In most settings electronic locks offer far more benefits than drawbacks compared to mechanical locks. It’s sensible to be cautious when adopting this new technology, but not so timid as to deny the numerous advantages electronic systems have to offer over mechanical ones.

Whether we like it or not, the digital age is here. It will stay and it will grow. Those who try to ignore it will get left behind, so why not give it a try and join the keyless revolution.

Allegion is a specialist security and safety manufacturer and provide a specification service called Inspec. For more information please visit www.allegion.com/uk





Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner


* Read more current and archived articles on our dedicated website *

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like this in return for a contribution towards our layout costs (typically £30 plusVAT), payable via PayPal or credit card  or receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you take display advertising or product and literature features in our printed and online publications, you will qualify for regular free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us.

For details on features and advertising rates please contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Avalon Innovations LLP Company Registration No. 06807833

No comments: