JULY/AUGUST ACCESS CONTROL TRENDS AND TECHNOLOGY 2016 S-9
During the last thirty years, four
inventions have not only changed
many other industries but have also
heavily affected the security industry.
Those four inventions are the transis-
tor, the computer, the cell phone, and
the internet. A common theme in each
of these innovations is newly found
ways to use electronics. Each inven-
tion by itself is not as important as
how ways have been found to use the
devices together. A perfect example
of how today's technology can inte-
grate into a secure solution is a cell
phone using an internet connection
to send signals to distant locksets or
key fobs that are wirelessly controlling
a secured vehicle or even a campus
dorm door.
Since many innovations introduced
in the security field during the last 20
years use a mixture of the inventions
mentioned above, it is difficult for
manufacturers to develop proprietary
products. Every company has the same
opportunity to use these new technolo-
gies. This may result in many versions
of almost every new type of security
product being available. As an example,
card-operated access control systems
are available from numerous companies
and an overwhelming number of CCTV
manufacturers displayed similar wares
Disruptive technologies are changing the security industry as we know it. Demand for the types of services formerly offered by
locksmiths is slowly declining. Image Courtesy of BigStock.com