The Door Data Systems platform, fast becoming known as the ‘National Fire Door Register’, exemplifies the practical application of the ‘Golden Thread’ theory by providing a comprehensive, digital solution for managing fire door information throughout their entire lifecycle.
This approach directly addresses the industry’s demand for transparency, traceability, and compliance in fire safety, especially in the wake of heightened regulatory scrutiny post-Grenfell.
What is the Golden Thread?
The golden thread, as defined by Dame Judith Hackitt’s review, is an accurate, up-to-date, and accessible digital record of a building’s design, construction, and ongoing maintenance. For fire doors, this means maintaining a seamless, digital audit trail that captures every stage— from manufacture to installation, inspection, maintenance, and eventual replacement.
DoorDataSystems Embeds the Golden Thread
Digital Records from Manufacture
Door Data Systems collaborates with leading door manufacturers to embed NFC data tags into each fire door at the point of production. These tags provide robust links to critical data to support ongoing trades in completing their tasks.
Manufacturers information such as certification, fire rating, parts and components used, create a “digital fingerprint” for each door. This ensures that every door’s journey is traceable from day one.
Installation and Commissioning
During installation, certified professionals use the Door Data Systems app to scan the door’s tag, confirm specifications, upload photographic evidence ensuring a benchmark system is instigated. All data is time stamped, ensuring accountability and real-time updates to each installer account. Door Data Systems reduces back room administration, produces detailed report supporting 3rd party certification schemes and provides a quick and easy transfer of data (regulation 38) to the client.
Inspections and Maintenance (stock condition and new door management)
Routine inspections and maintenance are streamlined with digital templates aligned to British Standards. Inspectors log findings, upload photos, and schedule remedial works directly via the mobile app. Every action is recorded against the specific door, maintaining an up-to-date stock condition and compliance record. The ease of use app utilising voice recognition and clear photo’s provides clear and precise records for maintenance engineers to understand exactly what is required.
Facility Management
The platform provides a central dashboard for stakeholders—housing associations, building managers, contractors, and regulators—to access the complete digital history of each fire door. This includes installation records, inspection reports, certifications, and maintenance logs, all of which are exportable to existing asset management systems. Managing a system of maintenance via the Door Data Systems platform is quick and easy, safe and places the Responsible Persons in control.
Supporting Best Practice and Compliance
By digitising the golden thread, Door Data Systems enables housing providers to evidence compliance with regulations such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. The system’s open-access philosophy ensures that no single party “owns” the safety data, promoting transparency and collaboration across the supply chain.
Find out more by visiting www.doordatasystems.co.uk or contact: enquiries@doordatasystems.co.uk.
