Cover story - Flexibility is the key

Flexibility is the key

Security managers get the versatility they need from programmable key access control systems

Businesses face a mounting challenge from the increased flexibility in the ways we work. How can they both enable and control the movement of staff, visitors, contractors and everyone else who uses their premises?

Static mechanical security was not designed for such a demanding task: a mechanical key, once issued, is out there forever. The key-holder can either unlock a door — or they cannot.

Key use is hard to track or monitor. It’s almost impossible to know who is using the key and when.

If it goes missing — and it will almost certainly go missing at some point — there’s a risk to premises which is only fixed by changing the locks and rekeying.

In addition, mechanical key management is expensive for organizations and time-consuming for facility managers.

The solution is programmable electronic keys. Managed with software which enables tracking and auditing, they control access more efficiently than any mechanical system.

Programmable keys streamline facilities management

Intelligent keys put the powerful features of electronic access control into a convenient technology. They have the advantages of traditional lock-and-key security: familiar and user-friendly. But they have evolved.

The experience at a door is the same as ever. The important difference is that every unlocking decision is made electronically — and logged — by the software. Audit trails generated by these logs simplify control and incident investigation.

For added security, keys are easily blacklisted if lost, without needing to change locks or pay for recutting. Using intuitive software, facility teams can manage everyone’s access from anywhere, at any time.

An electronic key solution from an industry leader

Over 100 years of ASSA ABLOY Group expertise in locking has gone into creating, enhancing and patenting an innovative programmable key technology. Their CLIQ system is based on wireless locking devices and intelligent keys. With CLIQ, a facility manager chooses who goes where and when, by issuing individual access rights to each site user on their personal programmable key. Keys stay under the facility manager’s control: They can be reprogrammed anytime using the software and a choice of updater devices, including mobile updating via Bluetooth and a smartphone.

System installation and operation are simple. To fit, an installer swaps out the mechanical cylinder for a CLIQ electronic or electromechanical cylinder. There’s no wiring or drilling. Because CLIQ keys run on standard batteries with a long lifetime, they take electronic access control anywhere — far beyond the reach of power cables.

Key-holders enjoy the convenience: Everyone carries one key programmed with cleared access permissions. They no longer carry bulging keyrings or waste time hunting for the right key.

Simple 3-step configuration

It is straightforward to design and deploy a CLIQ system. First, choose from a broad range of cylinders and padlocks for almost any opening: interior and exterior doors, gates, cabinets, lockers, vending machines, alarm housing and more.

Second, issue authorized employees and contractors with their own programmed key. All keys work together seamlessly in any CLIQ system and are protected against climate, dirt and dust. The battery is standard.

Finally, a choice of software options allows facility managers to design their own efficient admin setup.

“Unlike traditional electronic access control systems, CLIQ uses no mains electricity,” says Stephan Schulz, CLIQ Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA.

“Relying on energy-efficient battery power minimizes disruption when making the switch to CLIQ. Because no cabling is required around the door there’s no need to schedule, or pay for, invasive electrical wiring.”

Easy management with your choice of software

Running CLIQ is straightforward. Keys are programmed with the easy-to-use software, either locally installed (CLIQ Local Manager) or web-based (CLIQ Web Manager).

The CLIQ Web Manager (CWM) administers keys and users

securely online. It takes multiple administrators and multiple sites in its stride and can run in a self-hosted IT environment or with a choice of Software as a Service (SaaS) packages.

Designed for smaller premises, CLIQ Local Manager (CLM) software runs from a standard PC. It manages up to 3,000 locking cylinders; keys are updated via a desktop or wallmounted programmer.

With either version, missing keys are quickly de-authorized, cutting the risks created by loss or theft. Facility managers can generate an audit trail on demand, to find out who has opened which locks.

Trusted devices with low maintenance demands

CLIQ devices filter entry through doors and many other openings. Robust, durable cylinders and padlocks in multiple sizes and formats protect lifts, server racks, furniture, gates, mailboxes and cabinets.

Cylinders operate safely between –25°C and 85°C. Waterproof padlocks work outdoors in almost any environment, however harsh.

Keys are equally durable, compact and waterproof. They are easy to program, enabling timelimited access permissions for an employee or contractor. When a key’s standard battery runs low, it is easily replaced without tools. However, with a typical battery lifetime of 10 years, most keyholders will never need to.

Streamlining access for remote sites and a mobile workforce

Comfort Charge is a Bonn-based Deutsche Telekom subsidiary which operates charging stations for electric vehicles throughout Germany. A modern locking solution was needed for their network of rapid-charge stations. The major requirements were that it should simplify key management and have the flexibility to adapt to a large, mobile user group of service technicians.

Comfort Charge GmbH opted for eCLIQ electronic smart key access control. This system — which has already proven its worth at parent company Deutsche Telekom — offers maximum flexibility with its programmable key system management.

“We were looking for a locking system that we could put into operation easily. That’s why we chose eCLIQ, the ideal solution for us with its fast, easy parametrization,” says Robert Miehle-Huang, Engineer, Technics & ICT at Comfort Charge.

With eCLIQ, changes in any keyholder’s access authorizations are easily and conveniently defined by assigning rights via the intuitive system software. Lost keys can be deactivated at short notice.

Authorizations with time and lock restrictions are also possible. For instance, technicians can be issued a personalized authorization for a specific task or cleaners can be granted access only during specific timeframes.

In addition to a compact design, it was also important for the locking solution to have robust, long-lasting components to ensure safety at the charging stations. These are located in public places and therefore exposed to different environmental conditions.

Cylinders in the eCLIQ range are weather-resistant and have a lubricant reservoir that keeps them maintenance-free for up to 200,000 cycles; eCLIQ keys have a 10-year battery life (with typical use) and IP67-rated protection against water and dust. The eCLIQ system is ideally adapted for outdoor use.

To learn how your organization can benefit from a programmable key access solution, download a free eCLIQ guide at https://campaigns. assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/ecliq