Over the past two years there has been a surge in the use of new technologies and digital processes across the access control industry. Housing professionals have sought to remain connected with residents and streamline efficiencies – despite social distancing and working from home guidance.
So, what does 2022 have in store for access control? We’ve asked five of our own experts – our Area Sales Managers – for their predictions for the coming 12 months and what trends we can expect to see next year…
Powerful GSM
Dan Bacon, our Area Sales Manager for Wales, believes that wireless and remotely managed access products will gain further popularity in 2022: “With more emphasis on remote working and social distancing, demand for GSM-powered, wireless intercoms is as strong as ever and will continue to grow. Residents love controlling door entry with their preferred digital device at an unlimited range, and housing professionals really benefit from managing their properties remotely, without the need for site visits.”
Matt Holmes, our representative for East London, agrees: ‘Since the start of 2021, I’ve seen more and more property managers fully understand the benefits of installing a wireless GSM-powered solution, as opposed to a traditional wired system. With COVID-19 still very much ongoing, a quick installation with minimal intrusion on the residents is now becoming the preferred and safest option for many of my clients.”
It’s not just the speedy installation that makes GSM-powered access control devices so attractive. Jack Wylie, our sales manager from the North West, says: “The feedback I’ve received from the housing industry is that mechanical key management has been a real issue for them. Property and building managers want to become more efficient in the management of doors, locks and access – and GSM technology is a real benefit for those with large estates to manage.”
(For more information about how GSM technology can truly transform property management, don’t miss our blog on the subject here!)
The digital revolution
On a broader note, James Summerland – Intratone’s Area Sales Manager for the Midlands – predicts that new, innovative technologies will transform the sector in the coming years: “Take mobile phones, for example. They’re such a key part of our lives today, and now they’re being effectively integrated into access control systems, with residents able to use smartphone apps to grant door entry. The next digital solution could transform the industry in ways we can’t yet even imagine.”
For Matt, the introduction of new technologies is unstoppable – but it’s crucial to ensure that all residents are catered for: “The biggest concern from residents in my area of London, when a new Intratone door entry panel is installed in their building, has been digital exclusion. Residents worry about not having a phone or smart device to receive calls from the intercom. That’s why we make a point of creating and sharing clear residents’ manuals to ensure a smooth introduction to the technology. Plus, our wireless systems can also be connected to landline phones too to ensure inclusion.
“However, it’s worth mentioning that over the past 18 months I have seen this concern become less common, with digital communication taking place more often over social media, video calls and Teams meetings. We are really in a digital world now and I believe 2022 will be the year when wired solutions are usurped as the go-to for door entry systems.”
Video-first
For our new Area Sales Manager in North London, Steve Harris, video is the trend to look out for: “I believe we’re going to see an increase in the demand for video-powered door entry systems. With this technology rapidly becoming more affordable and the popularity of recent private home video doorbells like Ring or Arlo increasing, why not incorporate this functionality within a new multi-dwelling intercom installation?”
For James too, video is also a key trend for 2022: “The way we live has rapidly changed over the last two years – and we have more items than ever before being delivered to our homes. Being able to see who’s calling your flat when not at home is an added benefit, especially if you can remotely let them in to a communal area. Verifying a visitor’s identity before granting access is a really effective security feature too.”
New year, new… access control?
With 2022 just around the corner, here at Intratone we’re looking forward to helping the property management industry embrace new technologies in the new year. Whether it’s to make residents’ lives easier or streamline operational efficiencies, you can rest assured that we’ll be keeping an eye on the latest trends!
If you have any questions about our portfolio, get in touch with the Intratone team today.
