Tim Purpura, VP Global Sales & Marketing, Morse Watchmans explains the company’s plans for 2022 after being acquired by TouchPoint.
What is the biggest challenge in the key control sector currently?
This is a difficult question, especially since business these days is incredibly strong, but I would say complacency is the biggest challenge. We are sometimes too complacent that “everything is just fine” and a breach or security loss can’t happen. Key control is paramount to the business security plan and is often not considered.
Physical keys have been and will always be in the world for years to come. Not only can one key lost or put in the wrong hands result in theft but it can also mean the replacement of many locks which results in serious financial implications and possibly major safety concerns for a facility. Electronic key control is a proven and robust method of adding security as well as operational efficiency.
How has the company responded to the COVID-19 pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic has no doubt impacted most businesses and created an economic slow-down. At Morse Watchmans, we have been very fortunate to have been able to take the appropriate safety measures early and plan business activities accordingly. Categorised as an “essential business” in our state, we remained open and producing. We certainly experienced a hit in orders in early and mid-2020, however, the fourth quarter of 2020 was the strongest ever and we have been incredibly busy since!
During the early days of the pandemic, Morse Watchmans introduced a new anti-microbial powder coating for all of the key cabinets – this is now standard. This new coating, along with the stainless steel on the key cabinets, mitigates the transmission of microbes while using our system. It is quick, proactive moves like this that makes us an industry leader.
Whilst the world is still continuing to deal with the impacts of COVID-19, we have started exhibiting at live trade events and have a strong show lineup for 2022. We do hope the world settles and we can get back to some form of normal business life.
What does it mean for your customers now Morse Watchmans has been acquired by TouchPoint?
The TouchPoint acquisition offers Morse Watchmans resources, knowledge and expertise that will enable growth and opportunity. TouchPoint (TPI) strives to build a strategic relationship with the companies it acquires by offering guidance to existing management teams. TPI gives its companies the opportunity to develop and deliver upon their growth plans through their knowledge and passion for their customers, products and people.
We are now part of an organisation whose core values match those of Morse Watchmans’; our customers can expect the same quality product and excellent customer service Morse Watchmans has been built on.
How is Morse Watchmans looking to expand its product portfolio?
As the original designer and developer of electronic key control, Morse Watchmans is always looking at ways to improve and offer a product that serves the needs of our clients. We listen to what our customers say, study industry trends and do the necessary research to develop a technically sound product that provides business efficiency and security. Are we looking at what the next KeyWatcher will be? Absolutely. Am I looking at product opportunity as a result of the acquisition? Absolutely. So, time will tell!
This article was originally published in the January 2022 edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.