Opening the door to enhanced security and aesthetics
With the latest research from Evolution Money discovering 93% of people pass judgement on a property based on how it looks from the outside, kerb appeal has never been more important. However, security is just as important, with the latest Neighbourhood Watch Crime and Community Survey identifying 67% of respondents are worried about becoming a victim of burglary. As a result, today’s homeowners are demanding entrance doors that not only set the standard for aesthetics but also deliver ultimate levels of protection and peace of mind.
In addition, individuals are looking to streamline their daily routines through the adoption of home automation. Over 50% of homes in Britain now contain a smart device, and to put that into perspective, it’s over 2.2 million households*.
By taking a new approach that explores how to successfully meet consumer demand, fabricators and manufacturers are cleverly utilising connected technologies to design and engineer contemporary entrance doors that deliver unrivalled levels of security and connectivity, without compromising on visual appeal.
One such example is the collaboration between leading composite door manufacturer, Force8 and home security provider ERA to supply high-quality entrance doors manufactured with the latest advancements in connected security.
Force8’s popular Arched Composite Entrance Door is now available with the ERA TouchKey door security solution, which provides keyless residential door access by combining a smarter security door handle, an auto-firing multi-point lock and an anti-bump security cylinder.
Speaking of the partnership, Dennis Sumner, Managing Director at Force8, said: “We have worked with ERA for a long time and were one of the first fabricators to adopt its auto fire multi-point Lock for our composite entrance doors when it was first introduced to the market.
“We’re proud to now be one of the first door manufacturers to offer its innovative TouchKey system, which builds on the auto fire technology to combine the highest standards in security hardware with the latest innovations in home automation. We recently completed a project in the West Midlands where the homeowner chose our Arched Composite Entrance Door with the TouchKey solution. The results of the final installation speak for themselves, delivering real style and protection.”
The only system of its kind to combine five different entry methods into a single door handle, TouchKey facilitates the unlocking of the door via fingerprint access, the ERA Smart Home app, geolocation technology and voice-activated entry. For ultimate peace of mind, TouchKey also contains a hidden manual key override.
Featuring advanced fingerprint technology, up to 50 different fingerprints can be stored directly within the handle to provide users with instant access to the property.
When used with the ERA Smart Home app, TouchKey can be unlocked with a single touch locally, and when using digital e-keys, timed access can be assigned to individuals, such as family and friends, via the app. Voice command can also be utilised via the app to unlock the door on approach.
With geolocation technology, the system authenticates and unlocks via Bluetooth and grants access to the individual once they are within range of the property, without needing to physically use their smartphone.
Whilst the smarter handle is built for endurance and security due to the addition of a forged steel backplate and hardened plates that prevent potential attackers from removing the handle to access the lock, it also delivers on aesthetics.
The sleek, contemporary design is available in Fab&Fix’s Hardex Chrome and Hardex Graphite finishes, which are supplied with a 10-year finish guarantee.
To support Force8 in providing homeowners with the highest standards of security, TouchKey has been independently tested to BSI’s new Smart Residential Locking Device standard, which was developed in conjunction with ERA and combines the BSI Internet of Things (IoT) Kitemark with TS 621 for mechanical security with smart locking. It has also been awarded the Secured by Design (SBD) Secure Connected Device accreditation, which has been launched specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) connected products.
Kerry Blackford, Senior Category Manager at ERA, said: “It’s fantastic to build on our longstanding partnership with Force8 to meet the increasing customer demand for contemporary composite entrance doors that not only look great, but provide the ultimate standards of security and convenience for UK homeowners. By working collaboratively, we can ensure that the final installation delivers on both style and substance.”
For further information on ERA Touchkey visit our dedicated information page or contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email [email protected].
