BLOG

The trends driving entrance system innovation in 2023

A row of ASSA ABLOY dock doors and dock levellers at industrial commercial developmentA row of ASSA ABLOY dock doors and dock levellers at industrial commercial development

As industry the world over continues to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic and businesses target growth in the years ahead, the shifting global landscape is driving change in day-to-day operations.

As industry the world over continues to bounce back from the effects of the pandemic and businesses target growth in the years ahead, the shifting global landscape is driving change in day-to-day operations.

Businesses in the manufacturing, distribution & logistics and retail sectors are just some of those looking to adopt innovative technologies and solutions to improve their processes and drive efficiencies. As consumer habits change, sustainability requirements tighten and competition becomes fiercer, supply chain partners are well positioned to support businesses in actioning effective change.

Let’s take a look at some of the key trends which we can expect in the year ahead, and the solutions which can help to maximise efficiency and underpin growth.

Continued growth of Industrial & Logistics sector

E-commerce has been a fundamental driver of the industrial & logistics sector for several years. As consumers spend more time shopping online rather than in store, delivery partners are quickly developing their services and capabilities, while supermarkets and other retailers are investing heavily in their own purpose-built distribution channels.

This is a trend which is already underway, and something we will see much more of in 2023. We are working with several leading brands in the sector – including distribution specialists and retailers – to equip distribution facilities with entrance solutions which underpin smooth operations.

In 2022, our work with Evri saw 163 loading dock systems installed at their brand-new superhub in Barnsley, significantly increasing their capacity.

Working on a national scale, and backed by the global expertise of ASSA ABLOY Group, we are sharing our expertise to equip fast-growing businesses with the innovative, forward-thinking solutions they need to meet accelerating demand.

Responding to climate change

While sustainability is a familiar focus for businesses, a renewed focus from Government means fresh targets now need to be met. Most recently, the Autumn Statement outlined the need for energy consumption from buildings to be reduced by 15% by 2030.

Internal and external doors can play a key role in achieving this, and even support facilities managers to optimise efficiency and combat rising operational costs.

Designed for fast-paced environments, high-speed industrial doors can dramatically improve operational efficiency, while reducing noise levels and improving energy efficiency. Automating these solutions can further strengthen these benefits, alongside enhancing workers’ safety.

Moving to the building exterior, doors are essential in supporting efforts around the reduction of energy usage. When closed, entrance solutions can contribute to overall thermal performance, essentially creating more comfortable working conditions with less reliance on mechanical heating and ventilation systems. In addition to supporting environmental goals, heightened efficiency levels also help to reduce operational costs.

Building resilience in manufacturing

Following years of uncertainty triggered largely by political change, the pandemic and the ongoing situation in Ukraine, we will see a greater drive towards strengthening manufacturing and supply chain resilience in 2023. As well as helping businesses mitigate risk, this resilience drive will present opportunities to rethink existing strategies – from digital transformation through to maintenance.

While entrance systems will have their own role to play here, so too will their maintenance. Only by keeping systems in optimum condition can operations progress smoothly, efficiency be improved, and downtime be reduced.

Operating on a national scale, we have built a dedicated team of engineers who carry out planned maintenance on all entrance systems, whether they’re ASSA ABLOY branded or not. Backed by a brand-new spare parts centre, this approach allows services to be planned at convenient times and components to be replaced before they fail, optimising efficiency and maximising uptime.

As working environments evolve, technology will also be at the heart of maintenance moving forward. As businesses refine their digital transformation strategies, ASSA ABLOY can provide real-time reports on entrance systems, equipping facilities managers with valuable insights to inform their processes.

The year ahead looks to hold several opportunities for business in all sectors – from manufacturing through to distribution. Whatever the challenge, we have the entrance systems to keep goods and people moving swiftly.

Get in touch to find out how we can support your ambitions in 2023.