What Can Automatic Doors Contribute with in Future Smart Buildings?

Sammanfattning

This master thesis investigates the role of automatic doors within future smart buildings, with a particular focus on how data from doors can create value in the real estate industry. The study aims to understand the current relationship between automatic doors and building systems, identify functional needs and technical requirements, and analyze how ASSA ABLOY can differentiate its offering. The research is based on a qualitative case study, including 19 interviews with actors in the real estate industry, complemented by interviews with representatives from ASSA ABLOY, IT security specialists, and a GIS engineer. The findings show that automatic doors are currently associated with high investment and maintenance costs. However, there is strong acceptance of technologies such as IoT and AI, while the acceptance of new standalone systems is low. The study identifies key functional needs, including automatic fault reporting, remote monitoring, safety awareness, and proactive service. These needs can contribute to increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved safety, and extended product lifespan. A central finding is that value creation depends on integrating door data into existing systems rather than introducing new platforms. From a technical perspective, open APIs, strong cybersecurity compliance, and clearly structured data in the system are critical requirements. The study concludes that automatic doors can contribute to smart buildings primarily through data-driven services that enhance operational efficiency and safety, provided that solutions are integrated into existing systems and aligned with user needs.