Why design standards must evolve in the access management industry
As buildings grow smarter and security threats more sophisticated, the access management industry finds itself at a critical point in time.
While traditional mechanical locks have, to date, been governed by established standards, these often fall short in reflecting the real-world challenges modern locks face – especially with the shift toward digital smart-locking solutions. It’s becoming increasingly obvious that design standards must evolve to meet the rising demands in the field.
The gap between standards and reality
Mechanical design standards for today’s locks tend to focus on baseline performance requirements. This is a useful starting point for product development. However, when these locks are installed in actual environments – ranging from high-traffic commercial buildings to remote infrastructure sites – they are exposed to torque forces, environmental variables, and usage scenarios that far exceed the scope of these standards.
Field data shows that locking systems, particularly in harsh or high-security environments, are subject to significantly higher torque than what most current certification tests anticipate. Factors like repeated heavy use introduce practical challenges that standardized lab conditions cannot fully replicate.
Access in stressful situations
Another critical shortfall in many existing standards is the lack of consideration for so-called abusive use. This doesn’t mean vandalism but refers to the kind of excess force that occurs when users are under pressure, frustrated, or in a hurry. Whether it’s a resident rushing to get into their apartment with children, dogs and bags of shopping or a maintenance worker struggling to get access to a critical infrastructure site in an emergency, these real-world stressful moments result in loads that are higher than normal. Unfortunately, many standards don’t include specific tests for these load spikes, leaving a gap between compliance and actual usability. At iLOQ, we design our products to withstand these unexpected, real-life forces to ensure continued operation and user safety even under duress.
Designing for the real world
At iLOQ, we recognize that fulfilling a standard is not enough. True innovation lies in understanding and addressing the real conditions our customers face every day. That’s why our design and engineering philosophy goes beyond the lab and into the field.
We start by analyzing the full spectrum of environments – from telecom towers in remote locations to high-traffic entrances in smart buildings. These environments are far from uniform. They require access solutions that are robust, adaptable, and capable of withstanding higher mechanical stress, unpredictable torque, and even digital security threats.
Our commitment to high-performance design is evident in how we build our smart locks. Every product is engineered not only to meet industry standards but to exceed them. They are tested rigorously under worst-case scenarios and with higher torque levels to ensure smooth operation, consistent performance and reliability.
Embracing the digital shift
As the industry shifts toward smarter and more connected access, the margin for error narrows. On top of traditional mechanical requirements, digital access introduces new variables such as cybersecurity and data integrity. iLOQ systems-thinking approach puts us in a leadership role.
Our smart-access solutions are not just keys and locks; they are complete ecosystems. We prioritize battery-free operation, integration, and encrypted communication without compromising on mechanical durability and operational reliability. In short, we design smart access solutions that are as strong as they are smart.
Pushing for higher standards
iLOQ isn’t content to simply comply with existing standards; we’re working to raise the bar. Our goal is to advocate for updated design and performance benchmarks that reflect modern demands. This includes pushing for testing protocols that incorporate higher torque forces, environmental stress simulations, abusive use scenarios, and real-world usage conditions.
We believe that better standards mean better security, fewer maintenance issues, and greater peace of mind for users. As a company deeply embedded in the future of access management, we see it as our responsibility to lead the industry in this direction.
Entering new markets and countries
Traditionally, access management has been a fairly market- or area-specific business with local players dominating local markets. However, globalization of the industry has accelerated in recent years, driven by increasing demand for security solutions across diverse markets and regions. As urbanization and digital transformation expand globally, locks and access control systems are no longer confined to traditional markets like Europe and North America. Emerging economies in Asia, Africa, and Latin America now require advanced locking technologies for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. This may lead to situations where products will end up in environments that are not covered by locally developed standards.
This global demand is pushing manufacturers to look beyond requirements of local standards for safety, durability, environmental resistance and security and adapt their products to meet wider regulatory standards and ensure that they are compliant in their intended use environment.
Redefining quality and reliability
The traditional locking industry is in the throes of a digital revolution, and with it comes the need to rethink how we define quality and reliability. Standards must evolve, not just to keep up with innovation but to ensure safety and usability in the real world.
At iLOQ, we are committed to leading by example – by exceeding expectations, anticipating the challenges of different environments, and building smarter, tougher, and more resilient access solutions. As buildings get smarter, so should the solutions that protect them.
