Mobile Takeover at ISC West

• By Christina Miralla
• Mar 29, 2012

All attendees and exhibitors were introduced to “The Future of Security” early Wednesday morning; yet, many exhibitors came to Las Vegas armed with the mobile technology know-how to take on the new wave of mobile communication.

After the initial welcome about the future, the day wore on with a certain pattern visible throughout exhibits: the quest for mobile accessibility. Exhibitors on the ISC West show floor are well aware of the challenge to stay one step ahead of the security technology curve by developing the latest tools in the industry. One ISC West sponsor press conference held by ASSA ABLOY caught my attention.

As traditional door lock providers, ASSA ABLOY is known for delivering door-locking solutions across a wide spectrum – from residential to commercial use. Now the company is showcasing its mobile keys solutions for NFC (near-field communication) locking, wireless security and access control.

Mobile keys give users complete control over entry without the use of physical keys. Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Office Martin Huddart spoke about the company’s vision for the new NFC access control. “We hope this will be a trusted service manager for digital identities,” Huddart said.

Huddart explained how the average wire door system requires eight hours of work; now ASSA ABLOY works with that existing wire architecture and allows users to go through real-time control of locking via mobile device for 60 percent less of the time cost.

“Take away the key under the plant and put it on your phone,” said Huddart. “It only makes sense.”

ASSA ABLOY is still navigating through all parties involved in mobile devices before the product hits the market, but expect to see demos continuously pop up throughout the security industry.

On the other side of the spectrum, Barix is focusing on a more proactive approach to IP-based communications and control technology rather than reactive all while integrating mobile technology into their service.  The company’s new mobile app, Reflector, was introduced in December 2011 allowing customers the power to monitor audio streams on the go.

“Convergence allows people to use more companies for service across more platforms,” said Barix CEO Andrew Stadheim.

Both ASSA ABLOY and Barix demonstrated just how far the quest for mobility has come and on Thursday I hope to see more innovations into the mobile realm.