Integrated security solutions

Home safety and security systems and solutions have evolved in the country with the introduction of digital, IoT-based and smart locking and access systems. Construction Times explores the trend and the market outlook.  

With the residential real estate market is expanding with growing urbanization in the country, more townships and gated communities are being developed in the country. Such developments and modernization concepts are pushing the need for better safety and security solutions to effectively tackle any untoward incidents of security breach in residential and commercial buildings.

Advancements in safety & security

Buildings safety in gated communities and commercial establishments has been evolved and transformed over the years with the integration of advanced technologies. As Udit Jain, Director, ONE Group Developers, elaborates, “Modern systems now prioritize seamless yet secure access control, such as gates that permit entry only to pre-approved visitors via mobile apps. Smart keys, video doorbells, and AI-powered CCTV surveillance further enhance security by enabling real-time monitoring and remote access management. These innovations not only deter unauthorized entry but also empower residents with instant oversight, fostering a safer living environment.” 

Leading solution providers are at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge solutions that enhance both security and convenience. With the growing trend of smart homes, there is a growing demand for intelligent locking systems that integrate seamlessly with home automation. Häfele is a leading solution provider in this segment. Harshal Mundhe, Head – Category Management, Häfele India Product Line, elaborates, “Häfele’s range of digital locks, featuring biometric access, RFID technology, and mobile app connectivity using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ensure robust security while providing ease of access. Our door control solutions, including BIS-certified door closers, offer enhanced safety and durability for modern living spaces. As security needs continue to evolve, we remain committed to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions tailored to the Indian market.”

Emerging trends in access systems

Fool-proof security is non-negotiable today—frequent visitor traffic and urban crime risks necessitate systems that combine convenience with reliability. A single breach can compromise trust, making robust, multi-layered security essential for safeguarding lives and assets. Many a times, residences will be closed as the members are working professionals and will be away from home during the daytimes. This has necessitated increased focus on having increased and advanced safety and security systems, especially at residential buildings. Also, there is a growing trend of entry of unknown people for home delivery of goods and services at residential buildings. In this scenario, application-based access systems are rising in popularity, especially with the surge in quick-commerce deliveries. Jain highlights, “Mobile apps and QR codes allow residents to grant temporary access to delivery personnel, reducing security bottlenecks. Biometric scanners and facial recognition are also gaining traction for their precision.”

Access systems and solutions have been evolved over the years with the influence of automation and digital technologies. Mundhe adds, “One of the most significant trends we see today is the shift towards keyless entry systems. Homeowners and developers are embracing digital and biometric access solutions that eliminate traditional keys, enhancing security. Multiple authentication methods, such as fingerprint scanning, pass code and RFID access and mobile app integration, are becoming the standard in high-end residences and smart apartments.”

Technology innovations in locks and security systems

With the development of smart cities and more urban gated communities in the country, there is growing need for advanced safety and security systems and solutions. While smart keys, video doorbells, and AI-powered CCTV surveillance are now common in gated communities and urban residential areas, more advanced systems based on digital innovations and IoT are increasingly explored today. 

“The increasing penetration of IoT and smart home ecosystems has made digital locks an integral part of modern security infrastructure—both residential and commercial. Over the past two years, digital lock adoption has surged, reflecting a growing preference for advanced, tech-enabled protection,” says Shyam Motwani, Business Head - Locks and Architectural Solutions, Godrej Enterprises Group. The company has introduced the Advantis IoT9 smart lock, an epitome of modern safety technology. Seamlessly integrating IoT features, this advanced lock is a gateway to smart home automation and offers users enhanced safety, convenience, and remote accessibility. This lock marks a significant advancement in blending cutting-edge digital innovation with seamless, user-centric functionality, according to the company.  

According to Mundhe, Häfele’s digital locks, engineered with German precision, are designed to meet these evolving needs while ensuring user-friendly functionality tailored for Indian households. He adds, “Häfele’s digital locks come with different types of password options like one-time password, period password, scheduled password, Bluetooth key sharing and dynamic passwords, and various locking modes like auto locking, passage locking, privacy locking, manual locking and defence locking modes that allow various use cases for allowing access to individuals. Häfele’s Re-Inforce Digital Lock, for example, comes equipped with multiple password types and locking modes, that enable homeowners to choose the most convenient and secure way to enter their homes.”

There is a clear shift towards smart IoT-based connected locking systems. The latest technology trends in this space include biometric access through fingerprint and facial recognition, app-based remote locking and unlocking, real-time activity logs, and integration with smart home systems like Alexa and Google Assistant. These features are increasingly being adopted not just in homes but also in commercial and hospitality settings, where secure yet flexible access is critical. 

IoT and digitalization in locks

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized home security, allowing for seamless real-time monitoring and remote access. “Today’s homeowners want to control and monitor their locks from anywhere in the world, and Häfele is committed to providing this capability through its smart security solutions. Our Häfele Re-Inforce Digital Locks leverage IoT technology to integrate with smart home systems, enabling users to lock and unlock doors via their smartphones, receive alerts on security breaches, create and share different types of passwords for allowing different levels of accesses and even track access logs for added safety,” says Mundhe.

Safety outlook

According to Jain, as housing transitions from affordable to premium segments, tech-driven security is becoming a baseline expectation. Urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and exposure to global standards are fuelling demand for sophisticated systems like cloud-based surveillance and IoT-enabled devices. As the smart cities, luxury housing, and commercial real estate developments growing, the demand for reliable and innovative security solutions will see a major push in the coming years.