Digital key systems: A growth opportunity for merchants

Because of this, the security landscape in the building materials sector has shifted significantly, with a growing demand for digital solutions. Digital key systems are making waves, offering flexibility, security, and convenience for both commercial and multi-occupancy residential buildings.

Research shows that adoption of digital key systems is widespread, with 79% of organisations already operating a wired or wireless electronic access control system[1]. What’s more, the use of mobile credentials on the rise, with 29% of organisations now utilising keyless access.

With this in mind, why merchants should embrace this shift and how digital keys are set to transform the way we approach building security?

The evolution of digital keys

Digital key systems, that were once deemed as advanced niche technology, are becoming much more mainstream due to product advancements and changes in industry standards.

At the start of the decade, digital locks and keyless entry systems were mainly used in high-security commercial environments, with major corporations relying on them to streamline access management. However, as the technology evolved, so did its accessibility, making it a viable option for smaller businesses, residential projects, and the rapidly growing build-to-rent market.

In particular, the Secured by Design initiative and standards such as SS504 and SS312 have paved the way for digital keys to meet the meticulous safety requirements that build upon the requirements for physical locking and include new elements for cyber security, data and IoT. These standards ensure that digital key systems are robust, reliable and capable of meeting security expectations across a wide range of projects.

The appeal of digital keys

The shift towards digital keys is driven by several factors, including growing demand for Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities, greater convenience and improved security features. For instance, digital keys provide an audit trail, enabling users to track who has accessed a property, when and for how long.

This offers a level of control that traditional mechanical locks simply cannot match. Additionally, digital keys are ideal for environments where frequent tenant turnover is expected, such as in rental properties.

Instead of rekeying locks every time a tenant moves out, with a digital key system, users can update and disable previous keys and grant access to new tenants without the need for physical intervention. This efficiency is a significant selling point for merchants catering to the rental and commercial property markets.

Addressing safety and trust

Despite growing interest in digital key solutions, safety remains a primary concern for builders and merchants alike. Merchants must be able to offer products that comply with current safety standards. The introduction of testing standards such as PAS24 ensures that digital keys are not only practical but come with assurance of safety and security.

PAS 24 is a minimum performance standard developed to address the security performance of doors used in various types of buildings, with a primary focus on residential structures. It sets out stringent criteria to test the resistance of doorsets against forced entry attempts.

Merchants should understand that while digital systems require a different level of expertise compared to traditional mechanical locks, they are increasingly being seen as the future of building security. With certifications and security guarantees now widely available, builders can confidently recommend digital keys as part of their security offering.

A merchant’s role in the shift to digital

Merchants have a crucial role to play in the adoption of digital keys. Beyond simply stocking the products, they must ensure their teams are equipped with the knowledge to educate customers on the benefits and capabilities of these systems. This is where additional training and support are essential.

The Abloy Digital Access Solutions Academy is a purpose-built facility to educate, install and test products, with a particular focus on the new digital solutions and ecosystems portfolio. The Academy provides free training courses for a range of solutions, with the recommendation to attend courses regularly to refresh knowledge and skillsets.

The future of building security

In the future, digital key systems are likely to become the standard for security across a wide variety of building types, from residential to commercial and everything in between. The increasing demand for smart buildings and connected technologies, along with the rise of flexible working environments and build-to-rent properties, means that digital access will become a necessity, not a luxury.

It’s now a trusted and mature marketplace, and with the stringent regulations that systems must now meet in place, UK customers can buy products with confidence. Particularly when selecting a reputable brand such as Abloy UK that offers a dedicated support help desk to guide partners through the journey of specification, installation, and ongoing updates and maintenance.

As a result, merchants have a unique opportunity to position themselves as experts in this field, offering solutions that meet the evolving needs of their customers. By investing in the right products and training, merchants can ensure they remain competitive and continue to offer value to their growing market of digital-savvy customers.

[1] https://www.abloy.com/gb/en/campaigns/2023-wac-report

For further information on products and services available from Abloy, call 01902 364 500, or email info@abloy.co.uk.