Door Industry Journal - Summer 2019

21 THE door industry journal summer 2019 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Industry News obtain a unique code to gain timed entry. This innovative approach to hiring out space significantly reduced overheads and there is now no need to staff the site 24 hours a day. This business model has been incredibly successful increasing business growth. What are the key challenges facing the sector in the next 5 years? Fire rating and testing will always be an issue and I would like to see more standards and regulations around installation and the maintenance of door hardware products. New integrated technology will be a massive challenge, so it is essential that the industry has the knowledge to satisfy smart, connected products. It is extremely apparent that Asia are not standing still and are looking at the next generation of innovative projects. Whilst I was there, I saw innovative use of finger print readers and retina scanners, which were all very aesthetically pleasing too – something that we perhaps don’t consider enough over here. What should individual businesses do to prepare for developments in technology? It’s important that businesses recognise how people are living today, as well as what products they currently have and how these may or may not fit in the future. It’s not just about door locks anymore, especially not for Codelocks, lots of multi-occupancy offices use hot desks, so businesses need a solution where employees can lock up their personal belongings when they go for lunch etc. Particularly in towns and cities where parking restrictions and low emission zones are active, people need bicycle storage solutions where they can use an app to store their bike for the day. I think businesses, installers and manufacturers should learn as much as they can, whether it means reading industry articles, attending events or investing in training and innovation. What are you looking forward to in your remaining few months as IAI chair? I have made many key relationships via the institute, so I am looking to establish more connections and share my knowledge with IAI members, the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and Codelocks customers. I am also excited to see more changes in the IAI that will occur over the next 12 months through The One Future Vision work that is gathering momentum. I am sad that this role will come to end, I have really enjoyed it and now I don’t want to give it up! About Jo Milne-Rowe Jo has been in the industry for over 19 years with a wealth of experience in architectural hardware, mechanical security and electronic access control. Since 2016, she has served as chair for the southeast region of the IAI alongside her current role as national sales manager at Codelocks. Institute of Architectural Ironmongers: www.gai.org.uk Codelocks: www.codelocks.co.uk