In the world of cybersecurity, ethical hacking proactively identifies security vulnerabilities before malicious actors (i.e., unethical hackers) can exploit them. By simulating real-world attacks, organisations can strengthen defences, protect sensitive data, and maintain public trust. In the physical security world, ethical hacking can transform cybersecurity of security systems from a reactive struggle into a strategic safeguard. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of ethical hacking as it relates to physical security?

Next-generation (Next-Gen) technologies are products, services, or infrastructures that represent a significant leap forward rather than a small, incremental update. In the physical security industry, NextGen products are those that enable disruptive change, breakthrough performance, and a fundamental change that renders previous products obsolete. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the next generation of physical security solutions, and how will they change the industry?

Emphasising proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are security systems transitioning from reactive to proactive, and what is the benefit?

Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally. At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioural insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimisation, and smart building initiatives. Risk, impact operations and experience The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organisations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration. These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed. HID Global’s commercial focus HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organisations digitise their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value. “We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations. The impact of digital transformation Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey. HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.  Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.” The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.  In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organisations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximising the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution. Digital credentials and mobile access Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organisations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul. A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates. Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organisations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time. Applying biometrics and mobile identities Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organisations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.  In addition, 80% of organisations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.    Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander. HID holds multiple globally recognised certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2 and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today. “Ultimately, this means organisations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.” Developing green and sustainable solutions A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards. Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.  Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimisation by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification. What is the latest in smart buildings? Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on. Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space. Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetisation, and monetisation funds further improvements. Achieving technology impact in the real world One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed used development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimisation, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviours. By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.  Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards.  Buildings with recognised sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.

Industrial Decontamination Services UK (IDS UK) has strengthened its UK leadership team with the appointment of two highly experienced figures from the fire and emergency services sector. Andy Slater has been appointed UK & EU Managing Director and joins the European Board, while Dave Graham takes up the role of National Operations Manager. The appointments come as IDS establishes its presence in the UK, bringing more than 30 years of specialist PPE decontamination expertise in Australia to the UK fire, emergency services and industrial sectors. The company is currently establishing a state-of-the-art PPE decontamination facility in Northamptonshire, due to open by the end of the year. Improving firefighter safety Andy joins IDS UK from PGI Inc, where he was Managing Director for the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions, supporting the protection of frontline personnel through advanced, technology-driven protective equipment. His move to IDS UK is a reflection of his long-standing commitment to improving firefighter safety. Andy comments: “As an industry, it’s vital that we take action to reduce the health risks associated with firefighters’ exposure to contaminants. IDS in Australia is renowned for its expertise in PPE decontamination, and it’s exciting to be bringing such a high level of service to the UK fire market. Our approach combines advanced low-temperature decontamination as standard, along with specialist PPE care, all supported by live asset tracking. As a result, we can provide fire and rescue services with greater visibility and confidence in the care, condition and availability of their critical equipment.” Frontline firefighting equipment Andy’s transition to IDS UK will be strengthened by a partnership with PGI Inc, whereby IDS UK will assist in the fulfilment PGI’s UK operations, providing continuity of service for its customers and managing stock. He adds: “I’m delighted to be joining IDS UK while continuing to work in partnership with former colleagues at PGI, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service for valued customers.” Dave Graham joins IDS UK from Royal Berkshire FRS, where he was Operational Equipment Support Manager, with responsibility for supporting the availability, safety, compliance and maintenance of frontline firefighting equipment. As National Operations Manager, he will play a key role in establishing IDS UK’s operational capability and ensuring the company delivers a consistent, high-quality service to fire and emergency services customers across the UK. Protective clothing and equipment Dave comments: “After more than 35 years in the fire service I’m excited to be joining a team that’s set to transform PPE care in the UK. The thorough cleaning of PPE is essential but it also needs to be affordable and efficient. At IDS UK we plan to keep things simple by ensuring full decontamination and a fast turn-around every time, with no hidden costs.” IDS UK’s complete care service is designed to provide cleaning, decontamination, repair, live tracking and lifecycle care for protective clothing and equipment, from operational jackets and trousers to SCBA masks, boots and helmets. The company’s low-temperature decontamination approach is designed to protect the integrity and longevity of PPE, with the new UK facility set to provide asbestos-level decontamination to the NFPA 1850 standard every time, within 48 hours. Establishing additional sites The service will also incorporate IDS’s end-to-end live asset tracking and trace system, giving firefighters and administrators visibility of equipment status throughout its lifecycle through the DECON Connect app. Ben Jones, Managing Director of IDS Group, said the appointments mark an important milestone for the company’s UK expansion: “Bringing Andy and Dave into the IDS UK team is a significant step as we establish our presence in the UK. Both bring a deep understanding of the fire and emergency services sector, from complementary perspectives. Their experience will be invaluable as we develop a service that responds to the operational realities facing UK fire and rescue services today.” The Northamptonshire facility is the first stage of IDS UK’s UK expansion, with the company planning to establish additional sites as the business grows. IDS UK will be exhibiting at the Emergency Services Show at the NEC, Birmingham, from 16-17 September on stand D67.

Gallagher Security has been named Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer at the 2026 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), presented at GSX in Atlanta. Gallagher's third win since 2023, the award recognises the company's vertically integrated approach to designing and manufacturing access control, perimeter, and intruder alarm security solutions. Intruder alarm security solutions "With Gallagher, you're dealing with one manufacturer end-to-end that makes upgrades simpler, support clearer, and security more assured," says Mark Junge, Chief Executive of Gallagher Security. "Winning this award is strong recognition of that approach, and of the work our teams put in every day to build products our customers trust to protect what matters." Operating from its global headquarters in Hamilton, New Zealand, Gallagher has a long-established commercial and operational presence across the United States. Product innovation remains central to that growth: Gallagher delivers new platform generations every three to five years, and two Command Centre software releases annually. Recent releases include QuickSwitch and the High Security Controller 7000, which was developed in direct response to market demand across the Americas, from high-assurance federal environments to distributed and remote infrastructure. Integrated security solutions "To be recognised here in Atlanta, on home turf for our growing Americas business, is a fantastic endorsement of the products we've brought to this region and the partnerships we've built with our Channel Partners and End Users along the way," says Matt Butts, Executive Vice President Americas at Gallagher Security. The OSPAs celebrate outstanding performance and innovation across the global security industry, recognising products, organisations, and individuals making a significant impact on the sector. Announcing the win, OSPA judges said: "Gallagher Security is recognised for its integrated security solutions and continued investment in innovation, with 15% of annual revenue invested in research and development. Its extensive security credentials, vertically integrated ecosystem, and focus on quality, resilience and emerging threats demonstrate a strong commitment to the evolving needs of customers." The Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer category was sponsored by Royce U.S. Protective Service. Evolving needs of customers "This recognition reflects the strength of our people, our long-term investment in R&D, and our focus on building solutions grounded in real-world needs," says Junge. "We're incredibly proud to see that recognised here at GSX." Gallagher was also represented in this year's Outstanding Young Security Professional category, with Federal Business Development Manager Mariah Rimbert shortlisted for her work across the company's federal government programs.

Entrust announces new capabilities for its Cryptographic Security Platform (CSP) that help organisations turn Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOMs) data into action. Government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare organisations, and other critical infrastructure operators are navigating increased cyber threats, shorter certificate lifecycles, the rapid growth of machine and AI identities, evolving compliance requirements, and the transition to post-quantum cryptography. Evolving compliance requirements Managing these changes depends on a comprehensive view of where cryptography resides and how assets and systems depend on it. Growing focus on cryptographic inventory and post-quantum readiness from industry groups, standards bodies, and regulators around the world, including the recent U.S. Executive Order and the EU’s DORA and NIS2 regulations requiring CBOMs-based inventories, reinforces the need for organisations to understand their cryptographic assets, dependencies and risk exposure. Organisations can now connect cryptographic discovery and inventory with governance, automation and post-quantum migration planning, helping them identify and address risks across complex environments. With new CBOM import and export capabilities, the Cryptographic Security Platform helps organisations build more complete cryptographic inventories, understand dependencies, and translate cryptographic visibility into operational action. On-premises deployment options For example, organisations can identify cryptographic assets that may be vulnerable or noncompliant, determine which systems and applications depend on them, assess the associated risk, and prioritise remediation efforts. Additionally, the platform can now be deployed as-a-service or on-premises, giving organisations a faster and more flexible way to access the new CBOM capabilities while retaining on-premises deployment options. “A CBOM is more than a static inventory,” said Michael Klieman, Global Vice President of Product Management at Entrust. “Security teams need to connect CBOM data with the systems and applications that depend on cryptography, understand where risk is concentrated and determine what actions to take next. The addition of CBOM support to the platform helps organisations move from documenting cryptographic assets to actively governing and securing them.” Reducing cryptographic risk Once organisations establish visibility into cryptographic assets and dependencies, they must translate that insight into governance, operational resilience, and readiness for future cryptographic change. CSP helps connect discovery with action across each of these areas: Strengthen governance and reduce cryptographic risk: Organisations cannot manage cryptographic risk without understanding where cryptography exists and how assets, systems and applications depend on it. New CBOM import and export capabilities, combined with cryptographic discovery, compliance, and operational health capabilities, help organisations build more complete inventories, correlate inventory data with discovered assets and dependencies, and strengthen governance across keys, certificates, and secrets across the enterprise. Scale certificate operations across complex environments with new Ansible-based capabilities: As certificate volumes grow across public and private PKI environments, organisations need automation that can keep pace with increasingly complex infrastructure. New Ansible-based capabilities extend certificate lifecycle automation, enabling teams to automate certificate deployment and management across highly customised environments at scale, reduce manual effort, and help minimise service disruptions. Prepare for post-quantum and emerging identity requirements with expanded support for composite algorithms and SPIRE-based capabilities: Preparing for post-quantum cryptography starts with understanding where cryptography exists and which systems depend on it. Expanded support for composite algorithms helps organisations pursue phased post-quantum migration strategies while new SPIRE-based capabilities support trusted identities for AI agents and other non-human workloads. CSP is now available as a service or for on-premises deployment, giving organisations greater flexibility to meet operational, security, and data sovereignty requirements. Data sovereignty requirements By connecting cryptographic inventory, governance, automation, and post-quantum readiness in a unified platform, Entrust helps organisations turn cryptographic visibility into action and build the operational foundation for long-term crypto-agility. "Knowing where cryptography lives isn't enough anymore. The number of certificates and other cryptographic material is growing rapidly. Machine and AI identities are multiplying, and the deadline to transition to post-quantum algorithms is closing in. Security teams cannot treat cryptographic inventory as a static exercise. Organisations that connect cryptographic inventory, governance, automation, and post-quantum readiness will be better positioned to manage crypto-agility as standards evolve," said Jennifer Glenn, Research Director for Information and Data Security, IDC.

Cellebrite DI Ltd., a pioneer in AI-powered digital investigative and intelligence solutions, announces expanded resources and new leadership for Cellebrite Labs, the team responsible for much of the core mobile research behind the company's access, extraction and decoding technology. Cellebrite Labs is operating under the leadership of Chris Wade, Cellebrite's Chief Technology Officer, and is now part of the company's Innovation Hub that Wade has led since joining Cellebrite, following its acquisition of Corellium. More sophisticated and challenging The ability to access the broadest range of mobile devices and rapidly convert extracted data into digital evidence and actionable intelligence is central to Cellebrite's leadership in digital investigations. As mobile security grows more sophisticated and challenging, Cellebrite is committing additional infrastructure, AI resources, research tools and talent to help Cellebrite Labs maintain its leadership across operating systems as the technical environment continues to rapidly evolve. "Cellebrite's trusted, innovative digital forensics expertise is at the heart of what makes Cellebrite the trusted partner for digital investigative practitioners around the world, and Cellebrite Labs is where much of that capability is created," said Cellebrite Chief Executive Officer Shiv Ramji. "Giving Labs dedicated leadership from Chris, a world-renowned expert in mobile vulnerability research and backed by greater resources and investment, will help sharpen our focus and accelerate our speed at exactly the moment the mobile security landscape demands it." New opportunities for growth The Innovation Hub, which Wade leads, brings together focused efforts in high-impact AI research, hardware and software technology initiatives across Cellebrite. Adding Labs to the Hub will concentrate expertise and resources around the capabilities that strengthen Cellebrite's core business and create new opportunities for growth. "Cellebrite Labs does some of the most technically demanding work in the company, and it deserves a level of focus and investment to match," said Chris Wade, chief technology officer at Cellebrite. "I'm looking forward to working closely with the Labs team, and with our Product and Technology organisation, to turn that research into capabilities our customers continue to rely on."

The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn is one of the four Inns of Court and operates as an active and thriving society of lawyers, sprawling across 11 acres in central London and dating as far back as 1422. The title of “Lincoln’s Inn” refers both to the Society and the location, which houses the Society’s own facilities, numerous barristers’ chambers and several solicitors’ offices. The Inns of Court originally provided accommodation for law students who learned their craft by attending court. Different levels of security Today, the Inns exist to aid students in pursuing the legal profession and serve as landlord, custodian of historic buildings, banqueting and events venue, and tourist attraction. To fulfill these many functions, Lincoln’s Inn required security that would meet their own high standards while protecting buildings that had been in continuous operation for centuries. As the Inn not only provides services to law students, but also operates as an attraction and a hosting venue, many different levels of security need to be in place for a variety of users—full-time employees, temporary contractors, event staff, students, and others. For this reason, it was essential that Lincoln’s Inn have a comprehensive system to track and monitor their many keys for the extensive venue. Improving key control For some time, keys at Lincoln’s Inn were managed manually through an analogue system, with staff retrieving keys from an open cabinet and recording key usage with pen and paper. However, because at times manual recordkeeping can be less than diligent, this allowed for confusion as to who had what keys when, and made it possible for keys to be stashed away or used by unauthorized persons. With the variety and quantity of people moving throughout Lincoln’s Inn on any given day, a more secure solution was needed. To update and improve key control, Chief Porter Nicholas Bracey turned to the KeyWatcher Touch key control system by Morse Watchmans. Key storage and management “KeyWatcher Touch provides us with a fully secure means of key storage and management. We considered a number of products on the market and found the Morse Watchmans solution to be the most flexible and easy to use system,” said Mr. Bracey. “The high quality and ease of scalability were two of the top features we required, and the KeyWatcher Touch was a perfect fit for our key control needs.” Lincoln’s Inn installed two KeyWatcher Touch units configured for a total of 192 keys or keyrings in January 2016, and the system has been in daily use since the installation. It utilizes the Inn’s IT network and is fully integrated with the PCs in the security office and the office of the Chief Porter in order to provide maximum flexibility and ease of use. Providing maximum flexibility Tracking keys as they were removed and returned was a top concern, so the ability of the KeyWatcher to record who has removed what key and when was exceptionally important. “The keys are always secure, rather than being openly accessible to staff. There is no longer paperwork to be managed for logging, it is all taken care of with the KeyWatcher software,” continued Mr. Bracey. “Audits and reports are fast and accurate, and it has led to our staff becoming more responsible overall.” KeyWatcher Touch has provided Lincoln’s Inn with the functionality and security it requires to easily manage its 192 keys, while also providing an easily accessible audit trail. In addition, the system has proven hardy and resilient in daily use over two years. “We have had continuity with Morse Watchmans since day one,” finished Mr. Bracey. “Demonstrations of function, installation, and training were all handled almost entirely by the same representative, in addition to subsequent orders. The continuously exceptional service has ensured that we were getting exactly the product that would best serve Lincoln’s Inn and provide us with the security we need.” KeyWatcher Touch Features: Email and SMS Notifications Scheduled Reports via Email or SMS Centralised User Database Scalable, Modular Design

Genetec Inc., the global pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that TEPCO Power Grid has deployed Genetec™ Security Center as the foundation for a next-generation physical security platform that supports its broader digital transformation strategy and scales with its growing operational requirements. The platform will centralise management of more than 30,000 cameras and support future innovation across the TEPCO Power Grid network of 1,600 substations and service centers. TEPCO Power Grid manages and operates the transmission and distribution network that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses across the Tokyo metropolitan area. The company is using advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency, strengthen disaster response, and modernise critical infrastructure. Modernising critical infrastructure As its camera network expanded over the years, TEPCO Power Grid needed a platform capable of supporting large-scale camera management, integrating with image analysis technologies, and expanding access to video across a broader range of devices. After evaluating several options, the company selected Genetec Security Center for its functionality, scalability, proven track record, and customisation capabilities through its software development kit. “The response from users has been very positive, and we're already seeing new ideas emerge for how the system can be used across the organisation. Beyond supporting our current operations, we see an opportunity to leverage accumulated video data alongside AI technologies to support future operational and technology initiatives, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Genetec,” said Tomoyuki Soma, Group Manager, System Development General Affairs Group, System Development Center, DX Promotion Department, TEPCO Power Grid. Improving operational efficiency TEPCO Power Grid selected Security Center for its scalability and open architecture. The platforms broad camera support allowed the company to bring together camera models from multiple manufacturers into a unified environment, helping preserve existing hardware investments while giving teams room to evolve. The Security Center software development kit also enables the company to customise the system and integrate additional technologies as requirements evolve. Security Center gives TEPCO Power Grid a unified view of its camera network while allowing teams across the region to support sites in their respective areas. Activities such as adding cameras and updating maps, which were previously managed centrally, can now be performed by individual workplaces, helping improve operational efficiency. Digital transformation strategy Authorised personnel can also use the Security Center web app to view video from computers and mobile devices. During an incident or emergency, managers and field teams can remotely assess the situation and coordinate their response. The platform also helps teams identify camera malfunctions across the network, making it easier to locate and address issues TEPCO’s 1,600 geographically dispersed sites. In addition to video management, the company sees potential opportunities to leverage accumulated video data and integrate emerging technologies as operational requirements evolve. The company is also evaluating additional capabilities available within the Security Center platform as part of its longer-term digital transformation strategy.

In a sector where budgets are always a focus of attention, delivering concrete returns to every investment is crucial. By digitalising access, healthcare premises – whether large hospitals or small clinics – can benefit from day one. They can improve staff and patient safety; quickly implement more efficient, time-saving workflows; and painlessly meet compliance demands. Healthcare sites always present complex access challenges. They must be welcoming, accessible public spaces. They often occupy large, sprawling areas; unfamiliar faces and first-time visitors are around every single day. At the same time, these premises inevitably have valuable and/or sensitive assets, including confidential data and medicines, which must be secured. Patients, doctors, nurses and support staff must feel safe. In labs and treatment suites, restricted materials and valuable equipment need both security and a compliant system for logging every access event. This has always been healthcare’s ‘business-as-usual’: it is a complex environment for any security manager. Meeting compliance demands Modern hospitals and clinics, however, now face an extra level of challenges – and opportunities. Their access system may benefit from integration with fire detection, CCTV and other building solutions, for example. With so many temporary and contract workers employed on-site, access is in constant motion. It needs to be tailored to specific and very different needs and, equally, revoked when any time-limited tasks are complete. In case of a security breach, rapid investigation is essential. Tracing and logging access to specific areas may also be a legal requirement, especially with new NIS2 regulations introduced for critical infrastructure, which demand proactive “hybrid” cyber/physical security frameworks for many healthcare premises. Relying on manual or siloed systems to complete these tasks could eat up hours or even days for security and even medical staff. Happily, there is a better way to work. Digital access devices The solution is access digitalisation. Digital access devices and credentials help to keep every hospital user safe. Unauthorised access is minimised because unapproved key copies rarely circulate and lost credentials are cancelled with a click. Employees and equipment are safer because more access points may be digitally secured. Issuing contractors and temporary staff with digital or even mobile credentials can further simplify the granting, amending and revoking of site access. Security teams waste less time handing out and collecting keys. Intelligent, intuitive software helps facilities managers stay in control even while they are off-site. Logging access to specific assets or areas becomes quick and simple: a few clicks rather than the laborious process of keeping manual logs up to date. “Access is such an important part of any holistic approach to safety,” says David Moser, SVP and Head of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Digitalising access immediately puts powerful tools in the hands of hospital management, delivering tangible daily benefits to meet security challenges head-on, improving efficiency and regulatory compliance at the same time.” Implementing digital access “There’s now a device to extend existing systems with digital control at almost any access point, whatever building solution is in place. Alternatively, we can equip customers with whole solutions to implement digital access from scratch, without invasive installation. So many efficiency and security benefits are within reach.” Below are three of many real-life examples which illustrate the ways healthcare premises have benefited from digital access beyond the most obvious security and safety aspects. By choosing ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® wireless locks, integrated natively with an ARD access management solution, Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie (CHMS) could issue access rights tailored to individual staff and contractors and implement real-time control, helping to boost site safety. Because Aperio locks are wireless, the hospital introduced more layers of security without incurring excessive installation or operating costs, including for sensitive offices and drug stores. Access point functionality at CHMS now includes real-time management logs and remote door opening. Real-time management logs For convenience, staff now carry one credential programmed with their individual tailored permissions. “Having just a single badge, and not having to carry around heavy keys, has been a major advantage for us,” explains Béatrice Dequidt, Health Executive at CHMS. “We have implemented internal HR management procedures, creating badges that are automatically integrated into ARD's operating software,” adds Alain Gestin, CHMS’s IT Systems Architect. Aperio and ARD maintain compatibility of credentials with the French government’s electronic Health Professional Card (CPS), for added staff and management convenience. Personalised access permissions Hospital MAZ, in Zaragoza, also implemented a new ASSA ABLOY digital solution, SMARTair®, with real-time access functionality. Their online wireless access management system saves security managers’ time because they can implement all changes via the central system in real time, without needing to waste time walking through the hospital. Staff convenience is further enhanced: they now carry a smartcard programmed with their personalised access permissions. Custom-made cards double as employee IDs, so 625 staff and approximately 100 contractors only need to carry one. Their ASSA ABLOY system is also mobile access ready, making it easy for the hospital to issue and manage mobile keys in the future without hardware changes. “Digitalisation presents opportunities for healthcare organisations of every size and type to improve security while they also reduce costs ‘hidden’ in daily workflows,” explains David Moser. Convenient secure access Managing physical keys can impact nursing care, as pharmacy managers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham discovered. An older, mechanical system made it difficult for them to keep track of who held the right key. Searching for that person wasted time. They identified a better solution for convenient secure access to controlled medicines: programmable keys. With their CLIQ programmable key access solution, power to digital and electromechanical locks is supplied by a standard battery inside every key, so no wires are required – making it an ideal retrofit solution for hospital doors, cabinets and mobile drug trolleys. Audit trails for locks and padlocks are available on demand: nurse managers can quickly see who has accessed cabinets or drug trolleys. Key access solution “The message from all nursing staff is that patients are getting medicines much easier and in a more timely fashion,” says Inderjit Singh, Chief Pharmacist at QE Birmingham. “For us, the key return on investment is the quality of service we’re providing.” “Our expertise in access, established over decades, enables us to work with customers to get their access ready for what’s ahead,” adds David Moser. “With ASSA ABLOY, they digitalise with confidence.”

Metallic, highly reflective surfaces are among the most challenging objects to inspect in machine vision applications. Reflections obscure details, defects often only become apparent from certain angles, and the quality of manual visual inspections varies throughout the working day. The Austrian company Danube Dynamics, in collaboration with EVVA, a manufacturer of mechatronic access solutions, demonstrates how these challenges can be managed with an AI-supported testing system. The system captures components placed in an orderly manner in a box in one step, automatically assesses surface defects, and integrates quality control reproducibly into the production process. Strict quality specifications Background: Challenging surfaces, high requirements - At EVVA, metallic components undergo several process steps and must meet strict quality specifications. These include, among others, locking cylinders, cylinder cores, and other finely machined or galvanised precision parts from access technology. Mechanical defects such as scratches under 0.1 mm and galvanisation errors must be detected – deficiencies that are often hardly visible to the naked eye. The central difficulty: Highly reflective surfaces reflect light and may conceal relevant features. For a reliable assessment, multiple viewpoints are often necessary. In practice, this complicates maintaining a consistently high quality of manual inspections. A solution was sought that reliably detects defects, supports employees, and integrates stably into the production process. Mechanical locking cylinder with a high-precision metal surface – test object of the AI inspection. Solution: Closed test box, coordinated lighting, AI To reliably solve these challenging inspection tasks, an AI-powered inspection system was developed in collaboration with Danube Dynamics. AI-powered inspection system The system captures components arranged in a 400 × 300 mm Eurobox in one step, automatically assesses surface defects, and integrates quality control reproducibly into the production process. Up to 126 components are arranged in the box and are tested in one pass. To 1/4 create constant conditions despite reflections, a closed test box with customised lighting is employed. Four individually controllable RGBW bars allow for different colours and lighting angles to make various defect patterns visible. The coordinated interplay of lighting, image quality, and AI evaluation was crucial. AI-based Inspection System: Arranged components in the Eurobox during optical inspection. The image capture is performed by a monochrome industrial camera of the type IDS uEye U3-36P0XCP-M GL Rev. 1.2. It is based on the 19.80 MP sensor AR2020 from onsemi, delivers 5K UHD resolution with 5136 × 3856 pixels, and is suitable for inspecting the finest surface details. High-contrast representation The 1/1.8-inch rolling shutter sensor in a 4:3 aspect ratio supports detailed imaging of even the smallest defects. The system is complemented by an IDS lens with a focal length of 8.5 mm (Type 20M11-C08528). “For us, it was crucial that we could capture many arranged components on a large testing area in one step while still reliably detecting the smallest surface defects. Only the interplay of lighting, high-resolution image capture, and AI evaluation makes this quality control robustly manageable,” underlines Edwin Schweiger, Co-Founder and COO at Danube Dymamics. The camera captures the entire Eurobox in high resolution. The image data obtained in this manner enables the detection of the smallest defects in each individual component using AI subsequently. What is crucial is not only the pixel count but also the repeat accuracy under defined lighting conditions. The monochrome version additionally supports a high-contrast representation of relevant surface features. AI detected deviations “Especially with highly reflective surfaces, it is essential to depict fine differences stably and in detail,” emphasises Jürgen Hejna, Product Owner 2D Cameras at IDS. “The camera's high sensor resolution and easy integration provide a solid foundation for industrial applications.” Ease of integration was also a decisive factor for Danube Dynamics. The camera can be integrated into the overall system via a standard interface. This reduces the development effort and ensures stable testing results during ongoing operations. Measurable benefit - The potential of the solution became evident during the first live deployment: The AI detected deviations that even experienced professionals hardly noticed. Above all, the significantly reduced testing time made the benefit immediately measurable. The previously manual visual inspection of more than 30 seconds per Eurobox has been reduced to under five seconds. The basis for this consists of four defined lighting scenarios, from which four images per component are generated. Subsequent AI inference The subsequent AI inference occurs with a runtime of approximately 10 milliseconds per cylinder. At the same time, the testing process has been fully digitised. Testing results are now systematically documented and statistically evaluated. Scrap and deviations that were previously not recorded are now transparently traceable. Manual quality control is therefore not replaced but specifically supported. Employees are relieved, testing processes are reproducible, and quality is measurably integrated into the production process. Another milestone is the ability to retrain the AI independently. EVVA can integrate new product variants and error patterns into the system by itself. This enhances the future viability of the solution and allows for adjustments to growing requirements without altering the fundamental system structure. AI-based evaluation The demands for automated quality control are increasing. At the same time, awareness is growing regarding what is possible with coordinated image capture and AI-based evaluation. While standard applications are relatively simple to implement today, this project demonstrates the potential in the inspection of demanding surfaces. It illustrates how even optically challenging, safety-relevant components can be reliably inspected using lighting, high-resolution camera technology, and AI. Customer - Danube Dynamics Embedded Solutions GmbH is a technology company based in Linz, Austria, which has specialised in intelligent embedded system solutions for industry since 2020. The company develops tailor made solutions at the interface of software, AI and electronics with the aim of driving automation and digitalisation forward in an efficient, secure and future-oriented manner through "AI at the Edge". Mechatronic access solutions Today, Danube Dynamics has over 30 customers across Europe and employs a team of more than 15 highly qualified developers and engineers. For over 100 years, EVVA has been synonymous with mechanical and electronic access systems at the highest technical level. What began in 1919 with the founding of the ‘Invention-Testing-Utilisation-Institution’ (EVVA) is now a central part of the company philosophy: EVVA conducts its own research, develops and produces independently, and realises innovative mechatronic access solutions. As a family-owned business, EVVA is among the most successful companies in the industry internationally: Over 300 patents have been registered; subsidiaries in ten European markets and worldwide distributors ensure international presence.