Smart, Subtle, Secure.

'Total openings' solution for optimal doorways

As a provider of "total openings solutions," the Security and Safety Group of Ingersoll-Rand Co. (IR) is committed to combining aesthetics, high quality, and superior security and safety for any passageway for the commercial, institutional,

Q: How responsive are today's facilities professionals in addressing security in a proactive manner?

A: There's a driver in the industry for higher security in schools, as well as in offices, in corporate campuses, etc. Although past tragic situations have drawn attention to potential security problems, we suggest the following to end-users: Don't necessarily put security on the front burner, but put it on a burner. We also say there are ways to accomplish higher security without spending lots of dollars.

We base our business model around the issues and opportunities in and around the openings in a facility, promoting the concept that end-users can have a more secure facility -- using a more subtle approach -- by simply looking at the way the doorways function. We can take conventional hardware products and provide features that secure a doorway better for a facility.

Q: How does IR's "total openings solution" benefit the building owner/facilities manager community?

A: At IR, we're becoming more of a consumer-centric, customer-centric company, thinking more about services and solutions for those customers rather than [specific] components or products.

Aesthetics factor in as well. In the after-market, there has been a lot of [products, components, and such] put on doorways that's not very attractive. We think that by looking at a total solution, we can hide things in the door that [were formerly and] normally attached to the door or the frame or the side of the door. We have a great deal of interest in making a doorway as simple -- but also as secure and as functional -- as possible. Additionally, we match up the design of the products -- "suite" them -- for a complete, seamless design element.

Q: What present-day and futuristic technologies does IR offer to meet these increasing expectations?

A: One is the electrification of a doorway and the ability to integrate more electronics and make our hardware smarter. The second step is the ability to network that hardware across the facility, so that a facilities manager can actually see what's happening around that doorway -- on-site or remotely. The third piece is to add additional technology. Recent acquisitions include Recognition Systems, San Jose, CA, which makes hand geometry readers and other biometrics systems that can act as a front end to a doorway and the security of a facility; and Interflex Gmbh, a German company that brings to us additional integration of technology. Inteflex has taken the front end -- the access control -- and integrated it into the people management process. It brings together a combination of access to a building, time and attendance, and workflow management.

Linda K. Monroe (linda-monroe@buildings.com) is editorial director at Buildings magazine.

Secure in Diversity

Woodcliff Lake, NJ-based Ingersoll-Rand Co. is a diversified, multinational manufacturer of industrial and commercial equipment and components. The company serves four global growth markets: climate control, industrial productivity, infrastructure, and security and safety. The Security and Safety Group offers product lines that cover architectural columns; automatic doors; bath fittings and accessories; biometric access control products; door closers and controls; door locks, latches, and lockets; doors and door frames (steel); electronic security products; exit device and more; and includes such brand names as Dor-O-Matic, Interflex, LCN, Locknetics, Recognition Systems, Schlage, Steelcraft, and Von Duprin. Visit the IR website (www.ingersoltrarand.com).