ISJ Exclusive Interview: ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions CI

Mervi Hiltunen, Business Development and Solutions Director, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Critical Infrastructure discusses the company’s work in the critical infrastructure market.

How has the critical infrastructure security market changed in recent years?

The pandemic has forced businesses to restructure and ensure that services are up and running, especially now many people relying on hybrid work are heavily utilising network infrastructure.

Now we are in the recovery and growth period, for the security sector, it’s all about new technologies that can boost operations, provide seamless experiences and accurate data for decision making.

We focus on security for critical infrastructure, such as telecoms, water, energy, oil, gas and mining and what we are seeing is that many operations have disparate systems in use for their physical security.

Today, however, there is a demand for unified solutions to overcome complexity and ensure that data is accurate and accessible.

Naturally, with new technologies, cybersecurity is of great importance. Strategies need to be robust for these kinds of operations, so all products and processes related to security also need to be cybersecure.

We implement multiple cybersecurity layers in our products to make them secure to use and to provide assurance to customers.

What makes you stand out in such a competitive market?

Our intention is to always be customer focused and we aim to really understand and address unique needs.

This approach has not only helped us to build strong relationships, but it has meant many of the tailored solutions we provide can be adapted in other markets and can be used by new customers.

In addition, we are in an exciting position internally within ASSA ABLOY because we can collaborate with our group companies to provide complete physical security solutions for wired and wireless environments.

Our customers can then have us as a single point of contact.

How has the ALCEA acquisition created strategic business opportunities for you?

ALCEA offers high quality and innovative digital solutions under a strong and well-known brand; the acquisition will further advance our position as a full solutions provider in Critical Infrastructure and we have already introduced ALCEA solutions to many potential customers and partners.

We are in 18 different markets today with our own offices and we offer local support backed up by our global support, R&D and other functions.

There is great potential, both with the ALWIN security management solution as well as with the key management system of ALCEA.

This acquisition also provides us with an opportunity to build targeted solutions for our critical infrastructure customers. There are many strategic business opportunities out there.

How important are keyless solutions, such as the ABLOY BEAT, for securing critical infrastructure?

Keyless solutions like the ABLOY BEAT are the future of securing remote critical infrastructure sites and assets. If we think about smartphones, for example, everybody’s carrying them; they are used for so much more than just connecting with people.

They can become a mobile key to access different areas on sites.

Battery-based solutions offer continuous power, addressing the reality that there are no maintenance-free locks, thereby enhancing security measures and enabling advanced functionalities for protection.

The use of batteries in digital ABLOY BEAT locks makes the solution futureproof with possibility to operate and monitor locks remotely, improving situational awareness.

We are constantly working in the background to make the ABLOY BEAT keyless solution even more comprehensive. Not only do these solutions offer convenience, but they deliver financial and operational efficiency benefits for our customers in critical infrastructure.

Be sure to visit our stand at International Security Expo (ASSA ABLOY #C132) and download our ABLOY BEAT whitepaper: www.abloy.com/abloybeat