Now more than ever, people are conscious of the surfaces they touch. When it comes to entering a door, any time you don’t have to touch a handle, it’s a relief. In the access control industry, the word “frictionless” has been a growing trend for a while; now it has even more benefit for end users. And when it comes to door activation devices — those push buttons, bars and switches — the most recent technologies and products introduced by some of the major manufactures tie in well with these concerns. In addition to touch-free options, some of the latest technology trends also help dealers, integrators and their customers save money, energy and time.
“Accessibility is the key to offering building occupants a seamless user experience,” says Jay Vaitkus, business development director, Norton Door Controls, ASSA ABLOY, New Haven, Conn. “With door activation devices, we’re seeing trends in the increased use of smarter technology; the inclusion of energy efficient options; the use of automatic door operators in more spaces like offices, conference rooms and bathrooms; and more of a focus on design and aesthetics. And considering today’s heightened concerns over the prevention of germ transmission, touchless door activation devices are now in high demand for all kinds of spaces.”