In passive security systems, locks are a key element for access protection. With the development of digital technology, in fact, traditional locks are progressively giving way to more advanced solutions, which can also offer remote access management and registration of entry/exit activities, thus allowing greater control and providing useful data for risk prevention. Therefore, the synergy between passive security and digital technologies represents the future of home and business security.

How is the sector evolving and how is demand changing in the public and private sector?

We talked about this with Gianluca Cerlini, President of ERSI, Esperti Riferme Serrature Italia (Locksmithing Italian Experts), who confirmed that digitalization plays a major role also in this sector: “[...] For several years we have been witnessing a clear transformation not only of private homes and buildings, but of entire neighbourhoods and in some cases cities, thanks to technological innovations capable of improving and facilitating lifestyle and behaviours aimed at sustainability and respect for resources. A digital evolution that is propelling us into the concept of a totally connected intelligent reality, taking into account different aspects related to Home and Building Automation, Renewable Energy, Energy Saving, Big Data and IoT, Comfort and, above all, Security of the systems used. As a matter of fact, we must never forget that every great opportunity often hides several risks: network-connected devices with different properties often present considerable cyber security risks. Suffice it to say that each individual device creates an access point to the network, thus increasing greatly the vulnerability of the entire system to cyber threats, as also demonstrated by the numerous hacker attacks suffered by companies and individuals in recent years. In this regard, it is important to emphasize the great work that is being carried out with respect to the new European legislation, which aims to increasingly protect the data of companies and consumers and ensure that only products that comply with EU standards are released in the market.”

In such an ecosystem, what will be the role of ERSI at SICUREZZA 2023?

 “Raising the awareness and promoting a Culture of Security has always been a high priority for our Association. As a matter of fact, ERSI pays particular attention to professional development and the exchange of skills, knowledge and experience, aimed at fostering both individual and collective growth. From the very beginning, training has been a strong point of the Association, which now sees itself committed to expanding its activities with specific training courses, which above all shall support its members in the different moments and aspects of continuous professional growth. ERSI training is carried out on the basis of the competences, knowledge and skills required by the UNI 11557:2023 standard for locksmiths and safe technicians. Law 4/2013 provides that competences can be attested and certified through compliance with the relevant UNI standard. In accordance with the law and the reference standard, ERSI can qualify its members. In addition, we are registered among the List of Associations of the Ministry of Economic Development that can issue the Quality Certificate.”

Nowadays passive security is also closely linked to the topic of design and Building, given the fundamental role of locks in the protection of any type of place.

How can MIBA - Milan International Building Alliance, offer opportunities and added value to this sector?

“The digital evolution is rapidly changing the way buildings and related services are understood, creating new expectations for users who are increasingly connected and accustomed to personalised services.” Cerlini concluded: “This new scenario offers great opportunities, but at the same time poses new challenges to all those who design and create new buildings. In a new interconnected building, the design of the communication network is something crucial: the quality of the network determines the quality and availability of the services offered, the security of the system, protection against intrusion, and the privacy of the connected users. MIBA will allow us to address these issues through new connections within an increasingly interconnected and mutually exchangeable context, in order to achieve an increasingly correct design of our future.”