'A-brand components for automation and access control connected like puzzle pieces'

Applying electronics, access control and automation systems in windows and doors offers control and convenience and opens up a world of possibilities. For example, for elderly or disabled residents, who can easily open the front door for family, friends and/or caregivers from their chair or bed using their cell phone or remote control. But also for working people, who for example can let the domestic help, babysitter, package deliverer and/or mechanic enter remotely (once). Moreover, by adding a chain or spindle motor, windows can be opened and closed automatically, allowing natural ventilation/free night cooling.

Electronics, access control and automation systems are being embraced in more and more homes as well as commercial buildings. And with good reason. In fact, Lecot, one of the leading suppliers of window, door and furniture hardware, tools, machinery, security materials and ironmongery in Belgium and the Netherlands, believes that electronic locks, access control systems and automation of windows, revolving and sliding doors will become the new standard.

Especially now that the solutions are becoming increasingly accessible to a broader target group. With the specialized division Protecta, Lecot offers a complete, specialized division for electronic building hardware and electromechanical installations around windows and doors, optimally supporting building owners in Belgium and the Netherlands.

With the automation of swing and sliding doors, Protecta is not only in line with the trend for greater convenience, but also in line with the developments surrounding the COVID-19 virus.

"In Belgium, a complete team of specialists is active in the development, consultancy, installation and commissioning of a wide range of A-brand products," says Pieter Theys, Protecta division manager at Lecot. "We are now extending the knowledge and expertise we have gained within this team to the Netherlands. An inside and outside sales team here - in consultation with Belgium - provides customized advice. In the foreseeable future, this service will be complemented by an assembly service."

Electric locks, access control and automation of doors and windows

Protecta has clustered its solutions into three product groups, starting with electric locks. "Whenever we automate a door or provide access control, an electric lock is indispensable," Theys emphasizes. "This is the foundation on which we base our project consulting. We invariably start with an inventory of the project wishes, requirements and possible problems. Should there be a simple (single) electric door opener? Or a motorized multi-point lock? Is a panic lock desired? And do they want to be able to operate the door with a card, remote control, smartphone, fingerprint scanner or iris scanner?"

The second product group involves access control, he says, which ranges from fully wired systems to wireless solutions where an antenna communicates with readers or hardware on the door.

"We also provide offline solutions with batteries. Although these solutions function standalone, they are linked to a software platform and programmed like a wired door. This allows, in case of modifications, the user's key card to be used to transfer the new information."

Roller Shutter Automation

Different systems can be combined as desired. "Furthermore, users can choose communication via a wall reader, the hardware or directly in the cylinder. The latter solution is particularly interesting for renovation projects, as chopping and breaking is then not an issue."

A final product group includes the automation of swing and sliding doors. With this, Protecta is not only in line with the trend of greater convenience, but also with the developments surrounding the COVID-19 virus. After all, people no longer need to make physical contact with swing and sliding doors.

"For the automation of swing doors, replacing the standard door closer with a swing door operator is already sufficient," Theys said. "For sliding doors, we offer a complete package including door wings, in which the sliding door operator can be concealed invisibly."

Finally, for window automation, the installation of a chain or spindle motor suffices, after which, for example, free night cooling becomes possible.

Puzzle pieces

To arrive at the right products for each project, Protecta is happy to guide projects from A to Z. But it is also possible to keep certain items in-house. "Because we are not dependent on one brand or supplier, we can select the best fitting A-brand components for each project," says Theys. "Like separate puzzle pieces that together form a custom solution. That's what sets us apart from many other market players."