Sam Nussman, Vice President of Service at Boon Edam discusses how to align sustainability and corporate values for long-term success.

A new responsibility

What once was an optional strategy for many businesses has now become a central focus for organizations across industries.

The growing pressure from investors, consumers and regulators makes it essential for manufacturers to align their corporate values with sustainability.

This alignment enhances long-term profitability and ensures a company’s relevance in a world increasingly driven by environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations.

One of the key areas where sustainability can have a significant impact is the maintenance, retrofitting and upgrading of existing infrastructure – particularly in security entrance systems such as doors and turnstiles.

A comprehensive sustainability strategy that includes proactive service and upgrades can significantly extend the life of these products, ensuring they remain functional and efficient while reducing waste and environmental impact.

Evolving technology: the importance of keeping entrances up to date

For manufacturers, sustainability involves much more than adopting green initiatives.

It requires a comprehensive strategy incorporating service, retrofits and upgrades to extend the life of products, reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.

The concept of “cradle to cradle” highlights the value of ensuring that products are designed to be reused, repaired or upgraded, providing ongoing functionality without contributing to landfill waste.

Take security entrances, for example. Technology in this area is constantly evolving and regular maintenance, service agreements and upgrades can keep these critical systems functioning at peak performance while aligning with sustainability goals.

Rather than completely replacing older systems, manufacturers and facility managers can extend the life of existing equipment through retrofits and upgrades, significantly reducing environmental impact and maximizing return on investment (ROI).

Regular preventative maintenance helps extend the product lifecycle and ensures optimal performance for security entrances.

This approach minimizes the need for costly emergency repairs or replacements, reducing financial and environmental costs.

A tailored service agreement, including regular inspections and proactive management, can provide predictable budgeting, a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) and long-term reliability.

Upgrading and retrofitting entrances for enhanced performance and sustainability

The first step in deciding whether to upgrade or retrofit your entryway systems is to evaluate your current infrastructure.

A thorough assessment will help identify outdated equipment and potential vulnerabilities.

Pay attention to signs of wear and tear, obsolete technology and areas where security might be compromised.

Once you have assessed the situation, setting clear security objectives is crucial.

Are you primarily concerned with preventing unauthorized access, improving emergency response or enhancing surveillance?

Engaging key stakeholders ensures that all risks are considered and that any upgrades or retrofits align with the organization’s overall security strategy.

Beyond security and performance, retrofits and upgrades are essential for environmental sustainability.

Instead of opting for a complete rebuild, upgrading existing systems minimizes waste and supports your facility’s green initiatives by reducing landfill contributions.

This approach saves on costs and helps meet sustainability goals by minimizing environmental impact.

Planning for long-term security and sustainability

Sustainability in manufacturing also requires planning for long-term investments.

A well thought out approach to budgeting for upgrades and retrofits can prevent costly emergency repairs or system replacements.

It’s essential to consider the TCO, which includes maintenance and future upgrades, to ensure a sustainable investment that enhances both security and operational efficiency.

Proactive planning also leads to better resource management, reducing the overall environmental footprint of your facility.

By keeping your entrance systems functioning at peak performance with timely upgrades, you contribute to a more sustainable future while ensuring the safety and security of your facility.

Service for long-term product longevity

When managing security entrances, ongoing maintenance is critical to longevity and sustainability.

However, not all service providers offer the same level of support.

A tailored service agreement ensures that your entrances remain operational and free from unexpected breakdowns, which can disrupt operations and lead to unplanned expenses.

Preventative maintenance is a vital component of this strategy.

Regular inspections – including tasks like applying lubricants, replacing worn parts and upgrading software – maximize the life of your entrance systems.

By incorporating preventative maintenance into your service agreement, you not only extend the life of your products but also avoid unexpected failures that can be both costly and disruptive.

The smart choice: benefits of a service agreement

Investing in a service agreement for your entrance systems ensures smooth, long-term operations while supporting sustainability.

Regular inspections at least twice a year help maintain peak performance and prevent unexpected disruptions.

This proactive approach to maintenance not only extends product longevity but also helps safeguard your investment.

Key benefits of a service agreement include:

• Regular inspections: Bi-annual maintenance ensures optimal entrance performance
• Predictable budgeting: Avoid unexpected costs and operational downtime
• Proactive management: Free your staff from the burden of managing entrances
• Cost savings: Benefit from discounts on parts and labor
• Tailored solutions: Customize the agreement to suit your facility’s unique needs

By investing in a customized service agreement, your facility can ensure its entrance systems’ long-term sustainability and efficiency while reducing operational costs.

Why sustainability matters

Research shows that 90% of executives believe sustainability is important, yet only 60% of organizations have sustainability strategies in place.

This disparity highlights a crucial gap between intention and implementation.

Sustainable corporate strategies are not just about doing the right thing; they are fundamental to driving long-term profitability.

Investors increasingly expect companies to incorporate ESG factors into their decision-making processes, and customers are actively seeking out brands that prioritize sustainability.

For manufacturers, failing to address these expectations can result in lost opportunities, reduced market share and diminished brand reputation.

As sustainability continues to shape the future of business, manufacturers must align their corporate values with sustainable practices to remain competitive.

By integrating sustainability into every aspect of the product lifecycle – from service and maintenance to upgrades and retrofits – companies can reduce waste, extend product life and improve overall performance.

This approach supports environmental goals and delivers significant ROI for both manufacturers and their customers.

Companies that embrace sustainability will be well-positioned to thrive in the years ahead.