Access Control: when optimal security is key

SHOWCASE Access Control: when optimal security is key

Access control has moved on from keys and mechanical locks, but that doesn’t mean digital solutions can’t utilise some of the advantages of traditional systems.

What do co-working spaces, retirement villages and multi-residential student facilities have in common? Apart from the fact that they’re all rising in popularity on an exponential scale… they also all present a particular challenge to facility and property managers and anybody else who has the responsibility for ensuring that building security is top of mind.

For those who need to monitor and control access to multi-tenant facilities – whether they be workplace related, institutional or accommodation-based – the reality of navigating streams of different people at any given time and ensuring that those who are authorised to have access to premises can easily do so, and those who don’t are prevented from entering, can be a huge challenge.

Fortunately, there are now so many different types of access control available that facility managers are able to liaise with their suppliers to specify a fit-for-purpose solution tailored to their exact requirements.

The Smart Key One of the most up-to-date solutions actually looks like one of the oldest. For those who find access cards too easy to lose or too reminiscent of hotel stays, there is now an electronic keying system, eCLIQ™ that combine the best of both worlds. eCLIQ keys look like regular traditional keys, with a head and a separated body, but they are much, much smarter than your traditional key.

Without the need for wiring, eCLIQ electronic keys offer features like programmable access rights, time scheduling, audit trails and blocking of lost keys. Simply put, if one of these is mislaid or taken away (either inadvertently or intentionally) the facility manager isn’t landed with the onerous task of rekeying the entire facility. The individual key can simply be blocked/blacklisted at the cylinder, therefore removing the keys access rights and blocking the operation of the key. And products like this are a one-key solution. There’s no need for cutting additional keys, as each one is blank.

With the eCLIQ system both the key and the cylinder contain electronics, but only the key has a battery, which then powers up the electronics in the cylinder when the key is inserted. These electronics have a unique code, which is designed for one individual element only and cannot be altered or corrupted.

Ease of Installation and Use As the electronic mechanism is embedded in the cylinder itself and is a self-contained unit, installation is simple and straightforward, both for new builds and retrofits.

For operation, it’s possible to use CLIQ Web Manager available in either cloud-based or server-based software, depending on customer preference. For those looking for the very highest level of security, the latter option is often selected.

It’s also a system that has many different applications and styles. The varieties of cylinders and locks includes padlocks and cam locks and there are sizes available that are suitable for systems of varying sizes. It’s possible to specify a lightweight software for smaller systems that can be managed via a web browser or mobile phone app. This is the height of simplicity and intuitive handling but has more limited functionality than a more sophisticated system – such as an enterprise full feature software with widespread application possibilities. The more powerful systems do require a measure of training for their implementation and use.

For retrofitting an existing door, all that is required is the fitting of a key and cylinder into the standard mortice lock. A simple procedure and one that is a much more cost-effective solution than monitoring people by installing expensive card readers, and the associated cost and complexity of running cabling across the facility. Benefits The beauty of digital access is its seemingly endless applications. Imagine you are a facility manager working in an office in Auckland and you are liaising with a contractor looking to access a remote site, secured by a padlocked gate, in Christchurch. Through either CLIQ Web Manager or CLIQ Go (can be managed via a remote programming device or a mobile phone app), it’s possible to program one of the eCLIQ keys and grant access – removing that access as soon as it is no longer needed. The access can be timed to the minute. Such a system is also a money and time saver, of course, as it removes the need for the contractor to visit a site office, pick up a key and return to the site to gain access.

Instead, as the facility manager you can grant the contractor access for an hour, all day, or a weekend… whatever it takes to get the job done. When you’re in control of the access for a facility, particularly one in which large numbers of people may be coming and going at any time, eCLIQ makes your job simpler and you, more efficient with your time.

eCLIQ™: A Cost-Effective Solution Changing organisational structures, the increased use of contractors, temporary and mobile workers are putting enormous pressure on those responsible for the security in a building or on a site. Designed with this in mind, ASSA ABLOY eCLIQ is the best choice for a more flexible and secure future. eCLIQ - a key that combines the benefits of digital technology, including passwords, authentication, audit trails, flexible access control and so much more, with the security of market leading, fully tested mechanical locks.