2016 Review
It’s been a busy year at ARGE…
2016 has certainly been a challenging year, full of unpredictable decisions and the sad end to many an era. But in spite of such a testing political and social climate, ARGE has seen positive progress this year and we look forward to continuing this momentum in 2017.
The ARGE Agenda
The year began by questioning what’s next for ARGE?
Initial thoughts centred on the connected home market, where it’s believed there will be 50 billion connected devices by 2020 and 25% of consumers expect to purchase a connected security system within the next five years. For ARGE it was felt critical that new security devices and connected systems were supported by clear and widely adopted performance standards to ensure user satisfaction and the reputation of the lock and hardware industry.
Throughout the year ARGE looked for input from its members, to help define and shape the future ARGE agenda.
EPDs
2016 saw the delivery of 14 industry representative EPDs – a strong achievement given that this first wave was originally eight EPD’s.
As momentum continued throughout the year, the two-year EPD project saw the production of Pan-European EPDs covering door closers, sliding door gears, locks, lock cylinders, panic exit devices, door and window handles, hinges and window fitting as well as letterboxes and shutter hardware devices.
2016 Conference
Attended by over 60 delegates, this year’s conference in Le Touquet Paris-Plage, hosted by the French Association UNIQ was one of the most successful to date.
Whilst the conclusion of the EPD project was celebrated with the Institute for Construction and Environment presenting eight of the 14 planned industry representative EPDs, the future ARGE agenda took centre stage.
Prior to the conference delegates had been encouraged to register their participation in one of the four workshop groups, set up to debate and discuss the ARGE agenda. These groups focused on the future direction of standard developments, security requirements for the administration of Master Key Systems, creating a recognised European quality brand and the application of standards covering smart homes, connected devices and elmech technologies.
As well as thought-provoking debate, attendees also enjoyed a lively social programme and topical and inspiring presentations.
The Future For ARGE
Following a successful conference, which demonstrated a high level of engagement with the future of ARGE, the conclusions from the four workshops were shared.
Designed to stimulate discussion, the outcome of all four workshops showed the need for more exploration and agreement, and next steps have now been agreed and will shortly be circulated to all members.
2016 has seen the culmination of the first wave of the EPD project, which has demonstrated the value of ARGE to its members.
But, perhaps more importantly, this year has laid the foundations for defining a strong and clear agenda for 2017. Whichever cause ARGE adopts it will be of commercial benefit to its members, with the roadmap for success and deliverables clearly defined and communicated to all our members.
2016 has seen ARGE increase engagement with its members and we look to continue this in 2017, whilst delivering value and support to businesses in the lock and hardware industry.