In The Boardroom™ With...

Phil Pitt
Director of Marketing
Stanley Security Solutions
www.StanleySecuritySolutions.com
Sargent and Greenleaf, Inc.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: Thank you for joining us today, Phil. Please give us an overview of your background and your role at Stanley Security.

Phil Pitt: It’s a pleasure to be here. Let me start with my current role. I’m Director of Marketing for Stanley/Sargent and Greenleaf; known by many in the industry as simply S&G. We are a Stanley Security Solutions company and part of the Mechanical Solutions Group. I lead marketing, product management and training for S&G. This includes managing a sizable portfolio of S&G products on a global basis and also working with the team to conceptualize, develop, and introduce new S&G branded solutions. I’ve been at S&G now for about eight years. My background includes a variety of marketing leadership roles in the consumer electronics and IT industries focusing on retail, healthcare, government, and financial market segments.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: We read with great interest in your recent Press Release about the new S&G® 2740 High Security Lock. We understand that it has been specifically designed to secure GSA approved security containers and vault doors that require a lock meeting Federal Specification FF-L-2740A for the protection of classified information. Please tell us about the product features and benefits this new product brings to market.

Phil Pitt: Yes, we have a new product called the S&G 2740 High Security Lock. The name comes from the fact that it is specifically designed to meet a very stringent federal specification called FF-L-2740A. This specification governs the lock that is installed on GSA approved security containers which are used to protect classified information. The S&G 2740 has been GSA approved and is on the Qualified Product List or QPL. Until the introduction of our 2740 lock, government, defense contractor, and lock technician customers had no choice when it came to selecting a lock that meets FF-L-2740A. Now they do. And of course we think ours has significant benefits for the user versus the competition. Let me expand on this.

First is security. Because this lock is used on security containers that protect classified information, security is of the utmost importance. This is why our design does not contain any electronics on the outside of the container. All electronics and cables are housed in the lock itself mounted inside the container.
The next competitive advantage revolves around installation. Customers told us that installing the competitor’s product was time consuming and complicated by so many small, delicate parts. It was not uncommon for these fragile parts to get damaged during installation resulting in failure or added time and expense. The S&G 2740 installs quickly and easily with far fewer parts. There are no delicate cables to contend with or tubes to cut. In fact, for installers familiar with installing a standard mechanical combination lock, our 2740 installs in the same fashion. In the end, this means installers save time and money and customers are happier.

Next, let’s talk about usability. We want the S&G 2740 user to be delighted. For example, we had feedback from users that the competitive product’s LCD screen was difficult to read. To make sure our 2740 dial numbers are easily seen in varied lighting conditions, we use bright white, laser etched numbers on the dial. These crisp, white numbers really stand out and make dialing a combination much easier. Also, with the competitive product, users have to spin the dial to power-up the lock before entering their combination. This took precious time. Some users reported glitches with this technology as well. With our 2740 lock, there is instant power. No need to spin the dial for to generate power. Simply enter the combination.

And finally, the S&G 2740 is backed by Stanley/S&G. S&G has been providing high security locking solutions to government and commercial customers for over 150 years.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: What are your key target markets for the S&G® 2740?

Phil Pitt: Our key target markets for the S&G 2740 includes persons within the government who specify and order GSA approved security containers that require a lock that meets FF-L-2740A. This includes personnel at government agencies and military bases. Common titles include Physical Security Officers, Information Security Officers, Security Directorate and Contracting Officer. Defense contractors are another good target for the 2740. Contractors typically use security containers in performing their work and these must meet FF-L-2740 lock requirements. Another target is the locksmith/servicer or technician. These people perform installation and repair services on the container and the lock. They could be a government employee within a government agency or be located on a military base. Independent locksmiths are also a target as they are contracted to do service and repair work on the container and lock as needed.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: Stanley Security is clearly one of the most respected, proven, and well-known brands in the security space. In addition to the new S&G® 2740, please elaborate regarding the complete menu of security solutions which S&G brings to the Military/Government market?

Phil Pitt: Happy to! As I mentioned earlier, S&G has been partnering with government for many years to provide them with locking solutions that meet unique specifications. Today, we have several that I’ll comment on. With the exception of the S&G 2740, S&G is the sole source provider for these products. The first is our 951 High Security Padlock. This padlock is unlike any padlock you may have seen. We designed it to meet Military specification MIL-DTL-43607J. It is used for indoor and outdoor security applications. It has a cast stainless steel body and contains exotic secret material for maximum resistance against cutting, drilling and sawing. The next product is a mechanical combination lock called the S&G 2937. The 2937 is designed to meet federal specification FF-L-2937. The 2937 is used on field safes, armory vault doors and weapons containers. We also have our 8077 Combination Padlock. The 8077 is widely installed throughout government and was designed to meet federal specification FF-P-110J. Common applications include securing file cabinets in combination with a locking bar and securing IT infrastructure gateway access points.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: Do you have any follow-on products relating to the S&G 2740 lock that you can talk about?

Phil Pitt: We have a product extension in the development pipeline right now. It is due out soon. It is designed to meet the requirements of federal specification FF-L-2890A. It’s a Pedestrian Door Lock solution that incorporates our S&G 2740 lock. The most common application for this product will be installation onto SCIF doors.

Phil Pitt: At www.sargentandgreenleaf.com/2740 we have many 2740 resources. One can find data sheets, operating instructions, installation instructions, and installation videos. You can also find a trained 2740 technician should you need one. Another useful link is to the DoD Lock Program web site. On this site they have information about the 2740 and you can see the QPL listing which contains the S&G 2740. Here’s the link in case your readers want to take a look portal.navfac.navy.mil/portal/page/portal/navfac/navfac_ww_pp/navfac_nfesc_pp/locks/CM_LOCKS/SG2740/TAB_PRODUCT As we create new and exciting 2740 materials, we’ll be sure to post them to our web site, so be sure to check back often.

Phil Pitt: My pleasure! Thanks for giving me this opportunity to speak with your readers about our new S&G 2740. We look forward to continuing to provide high quality, high security locking solutions to government for many years to come.