Integrating digital and physical security

As the marketplace of security solutions continues to advance and end-users navigate an equally evolving atmosphere of threats, it’s critically important to understand how both physical and digital security systems are integrating to present a comprehensive infrastructure for a variety of industries. 

Tom Smith, the new Vice President and Head of EMEIA for Traka, discusses the ongoing evolution of the access control industry and how end-users need to evaluate solutions like key and asset management technology as microcosms of their broader, integrated ecosystem.  

Tell us about your 12+ years at Traka and what you're most focused on achieving in your new role as VP & Head of EMEIA. 

I’ve been incredibly fortunate during my time at Traka to have held a number of different roles across the business. I joined more than 12 years ago and during that time I’ve worked with different sectors, customers and vertical markets which has given me a really broad understanding of how security and operational requirements can vary from one organisation to another. 

One of the things that experience has taught me is that there is rarely a one-size-fits-all approach. A hospital, distribution centre, data centre, airport, university or automotive business can all have very different challenges but there is a common requirement: making sure the right people have access to the right keys, assets and equipment at the right time. 

In my new role as Vice President and Head of EMEIA for Key and Asset Management, I’m truly excited about the opportunity we have to grow this part of ASSA ABLOY across the region. There is significant potential in many of our markets, and my focus is on helping our teams translate our technology into real outcomes for customers. 

For me that means demonstrating that key and asset management can deliver much more than security alone. Done properly it can improve process control, create accountability, increase operational efficiency and extend the value organisations are already getting from their access control infrastructure. 

How has the approach to access control evolved over the past 10–20 years, and what new challenges are end-users facing as technologies and security threats continue to develop? 

Access control has evolved enormously. Historically the conversation was predominantly about controlling a perimeter or a door: who is allowed through it and who isn’t. 

Today organisations are thinking much more broadly. They want to understand identity, permissions, movement, assets and activity across an entire operation. At the same time businesses are increasingly connected and the distinction between physical security, digital security and operational technology is becoming less defined.