Meeting Modern Demands

Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces.

From ensuring robust security to simplifying complex installations, advancements in electric strikes, electromagnetic locks (maglocks) and specialty solutions are addressing the unique challenges of securing modern openings.

Evolution of Commercial Doors and Security
Modern commercial doors span a wide range of applications—swinging, sliding, folding and glass—all requiring customized access control solutions. This diversity has spurred a shift from traditional hardware to advanced electronics and integrated systems. These networked solutions connect to access control software platforms, providing real-time updates, dynamic monitoring, and seamless control through a centralized interface.

Alongside enhanced functionality, sustainability remains a priority, with more manufacturers incorporating lower power energy-efficient design strategies to align with green building standards.

Re-envisioning Retrofit
Retrofitting an opening is more economically efficient and a less carbon-intensive way of upgrading outdated buildings than demolition and rebuilding according to the Net Zero Carbon Guide, and some 80 percent of the buildings standing in the year 2050 will be already built. To address the growing retrofit market, entrance solutions now include new wireless devices integrated to door control and part of larger, online networked solutions.

Wireless locks, readers and electronics are increasingly reliable with longer signalling range, quick transmission and encrypted communications. These devices solve challenging installations like historic buildings or concrete structures where drilling is prohibited or too time consuming – while delivering robust, secure openings.

Electric Strikes: Versatile and Efficient
Electric strikes remain the most common method for adding access control to the opening. They offer dynamic functionality with exceptional security, providing greater flexibility for installers that allows them to use these types of solutions for the most complex all-glass door openings.

More advanced models provide integrated monitoring capabilities, enabling real-time feedback on door status and improving access control management. These devices continue to be refined to provide more flexible installation and programming features that shave off installation time in the field, making projects more profitable. Easy to install, electric strikes reduce labor costs and field time onsite, making them the preferred choice for installers and systems integrators alike.

Maglocks: Strength Meets Innovation
Maglocks have long been valued for their durability and simplicity, with no moving parts to wear down over time. Recent innovations have enhanced their functionality with features like built-in motion sensors and tamper detection. These advancements reduce wiring complexity, making installations quicker and cleaner.

Eco-friendly maglocks dramatically lower energy consumption, supporting green initiatives while maintaining high holding force and security.

For example, built-in door prop sensing technology de-energizes the maglock when the door is in an open position for a predetermined period, alerting users and throttling down power draw to save energy. Maglocks now include a wide range of configurations and programming options, as well as new styles and finishes to meet architectural designs. In addition to smaller maglock footprints for unobtrusive aesthetics, these devices connect to an entrance access control or building management system for live status updates on the opening.

Specialty Locks: Securing Gates and Cabinets with Innovation
In recent years, gates have become the first layer of defense in physical security design strategies and increasingly deployed in interior spaces like warehouses and data centers.

Electronic gate locks make installation easier by integrating advanced features, such as automatic dual voltage adjustment, latch monitoring and fail-safe or fail-secure options, ensuring flexibility and robust security.

These locks provide solutions for diverse applications, from residential pools to critical infrastructure, combining durability with compatibility for electronic access control. For example, gate locks with latch status monitoring can be integrated with a larger access control or building management software for real-time status that indicates the gate is closed and the latch strike is engaged and secure. Installer-friendly designs make upgrades seamless, while options like shock-absorbing mounts and wireless components reduce labor and extend hardware life.

Addressing the growth in data centers – driven by AI and information demands and the need to protect assets and information – are specialty server cabinet locks. These devices give users higher levels of security and accountability – with an audit trail at the cabinet level or configured as part of a networked access control solution.

The access control market continues to adapt to the evolving needs of modern facilities and every level of security. Innovations in electric strikes, maglocks and related technologies continue to raise the bar in security, efficiency and sustainability. As these solutions become more integrated and intelligent, they are ensuring that the buildings of today are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

This article originally appeared in the March / April 2025 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.