What do you think was the greatest game-changing technology for the ­security industry in the last 20 years if you had to choose one?

Dr. Volker Brink: From our point of view, as one of the pioneers of electronic access management, there is no doubt that the compact, energy-efficient microcontrollers that came onto the market in the late 1990s played a key role. These microcontrollers enabled us to develop the breakthrough technology (bluechip) of small battery-powered cylinders that could be operated by a key without its own battery supply. Subsequent generations have long since become established: blueSmart – another breakthrough that gave the industry a new impetus – combines offline and online access management through so-called virtual networking. blueCompact is our locking system with full smartphone control, designed for smaller installations.

“The next ten years will be dominated by AI applications.” Why would you agree or disagree?

Dr. Volker Brink: Everyone is talking about it. It is still an emerging area in access management, at least in the strict sense. We suspect that a lot of what is being marketed as AI is actually based on analysing user data or movement profiles within the facility, or statistics related to usage times, for example. Our view is that AI will not be a game changer in access management. Instead, it is likely that efficient algorithms will make the management of the locking system more intuitive and effective. This could include processes such as maintenance or reusing similar access rights for another person within the facility, someone working in the same department.

Your company will have a great impact on the industry in the next ten years because…?
Dr. Volker Brink: With almost 170 years of experience in the development, manufacture, and distribution of security technology, Winkhaus has a wealth of experience, expertise, and innovation. We are constantly working on new technologies and tailoring them to the individual needs of users. As a result, we offer practical solutions for a wide range of applications that are convincing down to the last detail. You can be sure that we will continue to excite the industry with ground-breaking innovations. Some of these innovations will be on show at Light+Building 2024.