Switch Tech Provides Security Solution for Arizona Autism School
Located in Phoenix, the Arizona Autism Charter School (AZACS) moved into a state-of-the-art facility, which was constructed as its “dream school,” in 2020. The building is an abandoned art gallery that was rebuilt to help AZACS push the boundaries of education. The school had purchased all doors, frames and locks but hit a barrier when it wanted to install electronic access.
“This school is cutting edge and innovative in everything we do,” says Dan McCarty, AZACS operations and IT director. “From a security standpoint, we needed an electronic lock solution that would allow us to give and take access hourly or daily to accommodate both the educational needs of our students and the observation needs of our researchers. We hit a point of no return to run cabling and had to figure out a way to add wireless electronic access.”
A subcontractor suggested dormakaba’s BEST Switch Tech platform, including the Switch Core lock, which provides a digital replacement for mechanical small-format interchangeable cores (SFICs), and arranged a demonstration.
“Switch Tech was exactly the kind of product we were looking for,” McCarty says. “It’s an innovative, cutting-edge system. Competitive products require cabling or have a short battery life. Switch works everywhere and has the ability to scale and expand as we do. We can keep adding it to new doors, and it won’t be difficult to put into our system.”
AZACS uses Lenel OnGuard access control, which directly integrates with Switch Tech software to provide a seamless end-to-end solution. To date, 60 Switch Tech cores have been installed on classroom, research hub and administrative office doors across the campus area and a cabinet in the nurse’s office. McCarty is able to control access and track who enters and exits. He plans to install additional cores as AZACS grows.
McCarty uses the Switch Tech admin tool on his phone to access information and stats via the app. He also grants or denies access from the field quickly, an important necessity, because he moves across all parts of the AZACS campus frequently and is rarely in his office.
“It’s good to get tracking information and change credentials on the fly,” McCarty says. “It’s been pretty seamless.”
Switch Core operates through secure Bluetooth technology. Users simply unlock the core by using their smartphone or a fob instead of a mechanical key.
More info: timeforaswitch.com
ASSA ABLOY Buys Sure-Loc
ASSA ABLOY has acquired Sure-Loc, a supplier of residential locks and associated hardware based in Utah.
“I am very pleased to welcome Sure-Loc into the ASSA ABLOY Group,” says Nico Delvaux, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. “This acquisition delivers on our strategy to strengthen our position in the mature markets through adding complementary products and solutions to our core business.”
“The acquisition of Sure-Loc complements our mechanical hardware portfolio, supporting our ambitions to grow our residential business in the U.S.,” says Lucas Boselli, executive vice president of ASSA ABLOY and head of the Americas division. “Sure-Loc’s reputation for quality products and excellent customer service reflect our values, and I’m excited for them to become part of ASSA ABLOY.”
Sure-Loc was established in 2002 and has about 45 employees. The main office is in Salt Lake City.
NAPCO Provides Marketing Tools for Security Pros
NAPCO Security Technologies has introduced a Marketing Tools Portal for dealers or security pros, which enables them to market security services, upgrades and new systems more easily.
The Portal offers free customizable mailers or statement stuffers security pros can download and print, or they may request free physical copies. The Portal also has; customizable ready-made HTML emails and a library of high-res or web-ready downloadable images (by division and product brand). A large selection of free customizable marketing tools in one place, organized by targeted vertical market or product type, makes it easy to reach out to customers or takeover prospects.
Marketing mailers or statement stuffers are available for a variety of accounts and applications. Just add your logo and contact information. There also are customizable pieces to help sell or market connected service security systems for NAPCO and StarLink products and those of all NAPCO divisions, Continental Access, Alarm Lock and Marks.
More info: Napco Marketing Tools, or www.napcosecurity.com/starlink/customizable; NAPCO customer service, 800-645-9445
Trident Secures Cannabis Facility
A recent burglary attempt on a cannabis facility in Colorado failed because of the facility’s investment in Trident, Securitech’s premier multipoint lock. Armed with tools and a heavy-duty pickup, the would-be burglars used their truck to ram the facility’s door several times to no avail. The attempt, caught on video, showed that although the door was damaged, the Trident lock stayed secured and in place, which prevented entry.
This attempt comes on the heels of news that burglaries of retail facilities, and specifically cannabis facilities, are on the rise. According to the National Retail Federation’s Survey on Organized Retail Crime, 75% of large and midsize retail companies say burglary and robbery activity increased in the past year, up from 68% last year. A number of recent burglaries in cannabis retail facilities in particular have been recorded in California, Oregon and Colorado. In the past year, more than 120 burglaries at dispensaries occurred in Portland, Oregon, alone.
With many states legalizing marijuana, the security of dispensaries is becoming a primary concern for the cannabis industry. Dispensaries are in a unique position. They not only possess high-value goods, but these goods are also highly flammable. In addition, the safety and security of employees and customers must be factored in, as well. This makes the necessity for code-compliant and time-proven security solutions even more vital.
“The legal cannabis industry is expanding in the U.S.,” says Securitech CEO Mark J. Berger, FDHI. “But as more dispensaries open, they become targets for burglars, who may see them as underprepared for break-ins. Simply put, standard commercial locks are just not strong enough to hold up to these kinds of attacks. Growth must come with knowledgeable security if these locations are going to ensure the safety of their occupants and reduce loss.”
To this end, Securitech has adapted its series of code-compliant locking systems for the cannabis and retail industry. For example, the Trident, with its self-locking multipoint deadbolt system, secures the door to the frame at five different points. New multipoint models designed for high-traffic entrances used by staff and the public alike, such as the AutoBolt MAX, provide maximum protection against break-ins yet can be operated through a simple low‐pressure movement to unlock.
More info: securitech.com
Calendar
JULY
July 19-21: ISC West, Sands Convention Center, Las Vegas, and online as hybrid event. More info: www.iscwest.com
July 25-31: ALOA 2021, Orlando, Florida. More info: www.aloa.org/convention
AUGUST
Aug. 4-6: IML 2021 Texas Expo, San Antonio. More info: www.imlss.com
Aug. 7-8: Lockmasters PureAuto Training, Nicholasville, Kentucky. Two one-day automotive training sessions are offered by Lockmasters: Key Generation on Aug. 7 and Advanced Automotive Transponders on Aug. 8. More info: 866-574-8724
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 1-3: CEDIA Expo 2021, Indianapolis. Registration opens June 9. More info: www.cediaexpo.com
Sept. 15-17: IML 2021 Arizona Expo, Phoenix. More info: www.imlss.com
Sept. 20-24: SHDA 50th Annual Industry Advancement Summit, Phoenix. More info: www.shda.org
Sept. 27-29: GSX Global Security Expo, Orlando, Florida. More info: www.gsx.org/gsx-2021
OCTOBER
Oct. 21-22: DHI ConNextions 2021, New Orleans. More info: www.dhiconnextions.com
NOVEMBER
Nov. 3-5: IML 2021 Nevada Expo, Las Vegas. More info: www.imlss.com
To submit your events, email [email protected].
ONGOING
Alarm Lock, Marks USA and NAPCO Seminars: www.alarmlock.com/seminars/
Allegion Security in 30 Webinars: us.allegion.com/en/campaigns/Security-in-30.html
ALOA Security Professionals Ongoing Webinar Series: www.aloamembers.org
ASSA ABLOY University Webinars: www.assaabloyacademy.com
Detex webinars: www.detex.com/upcoming-training/webinars/
dormakaba webinars: www.dormakaba.com/us-en/support/training/webinars
H.L. Flake/ALOA webinars: lock.hlflake.com/event-directory/
Mul-T-Lock Academy: www.mul-t-lock.com/en-US
SALTO Systems webinars: www.saltosystems.com/en-us/training/
