7 minute read
The key to access success
INTERVIEW
A smarter approach to keys
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This month we spoke to Simon Wilson, Business Development Manager CLIQ® and Henrik Degn, Business Development Manager PULSE® of Assa Abloy Opening Solutions EMEIA about the technology and benefits of using smart keys for installers and their customers
Considering that one of the major trends we have heard widely predicted since the Covid-19 pandemic began is that access control will go contactless and smartphones will be the keys of the future, why are the vast majority of us still using traditional keys for our own properties? This was a question we decided to broach with Simon Wilson and Henrik Degn who are the people behind Assa Abloy’s smart digital key-based access solutions CLIQ and PULSE. After lockdown we heard that access control will go contactless, so why have we got CLIQ and PULSE? SW: The physical key has been in use for thousands of years and I strongly believe it will continue to be used in the future because it is human nature when it comes to security to want to feel something physical and to have that physical connection to open a door. In many projects we see a transformation from mechanical towards electronic locking as customers want to benefit from flexible access management. Smart key-based access control solutions can help companies to offer a safer work environment with flexible access management using a known technology.
You could say that the engineering of security hardware hasn't quite matched the speed of innovation we've seen for mobile phones. However for me, holding a physical key can give you a connection and more of a comforting sense of security. For years, we have keys on homes, suitcases, lockers, safes etc and the key itself is built into our mind as an element of security and safety. Perhaps there could be still more of a level of trust for the reliability of a lock which opens and closes using a key over one that uses another method. Keys and cylinders are simple solutions, how easy is it to set up smart keys? HD: To be honest, it’s just plug and play. The installation of PULSE energy-harvesting cylinders itself is very simple as no drilling or cabling is needed. The programmable smart key generates the energy for data transfer via
Simon Wilson and Henrik Degn talking to PSI in April22
INTERVIEW
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energy-harvesting technology, no batteries are needed. The system management is done via the cloud-based Incedo access management solution. An RFID-chip in the key also allows us to operate other RFID enabled access hardware in the system. SW: From a CLIQ perspective, it´s also simple too for the installer as no cabling or drilling is required. Energy comes from a standard battery in the key. CLIQ access management can be done via a web-based, cloud system or local installed software. In physical terms, when the installer visits a site that already has mechanical locks in place, all they need do is remove the retaining screw, take out the old cylinder, put in the new one and replace the screw. The owner of the system then uses the administration hardware linked to any device, keys and cylinders to manage the system. For the installer it takes only minutes to set up the hardware and admin functions in the background. What types of applications are we talking about here? SW: Key-based access control can bring access control capabilities beyond doors. Different cylinder types can be installed at elevators, machines, furniture or cabinets and padlocks for gates or fences.
Both CLIQ and PULSE can be used in virtually any situation including high or low security applications. The solutions are trusted in several industries, e.g. the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham relies on CLIQ. What are the features of the software running behind smart keys? HD: The management software gives you total control over the access rights, the keys and building users. If someone loses a key you simply block it from the system and that key cannot be used to open the lock. With a mechanical master-key system, normally you would have to either take a risk on the key not being used maliciously or replace the cylinder and reissue new keys. With smart keys you just block the lost key and reissue a new one. Within a few seconds the system administrator/owner can run a key audit and know exactly where all of the keys are that have access to the system. So this means that if a key is lost, complete security of the system can be assured within minutes. SW: For me, the benefit of smart keys is that you can give the customer complete confidence in their key management compared to not knowing how many keys there are out there, where they are and who has them. Access control is all about the movement and management of people and smart keys make this really easy for all parties. So what is the future for smart keys and security? SW: Keys will continue to evolve and become smarter. Thousands of years ago they were made of wood, 100 years ago they were made of metal and ten years ago they went electronic and for some smart keys there is now no keycutting required at all.
We have a number of developments in the pipeline, so keys might be considered a traditional method of access control but how the access is granted with a modern system is far beyond just the physical properties or design of the key. For example the RFID chip in the Pulse key to operate RFID readers or the Bluetooth in the CLIQ Connect key for communicating with the smartphone app.
PSI GOLF DAY
THE PSI GOLF DAY 2022
Sponsors include:
This year the PSI Golf Day and Premier Awards Dinner are planned for the 23rd June at Warren Weir at Luton Hoo. Have you got the skills to be a winner?
The PSI Golf Day will be held on 23rd June at Warren Weir in Bedfordshire on the second day of the first Next Generation event with golf during the day and the PSI Premier Awards Dinner in the evening. Following the meal and presentations there will be after-dinner entertainment and a chance to unwind in the Warren Lounge.
During the day, the annual PSI Golf Day will pit the skills of the industry’s golfers against each other in Texas Scramble and Stableford competitions. This year, installers, guests, manufacturers and suppliers will also compete for the IFSEC Cup.
For those looking to stay overnight, Warren Weir has rooms to meet all requirements as well as those in the in the Parkland and Country Club.
A day to remember for all competitors and their guests - especially the winners!
There are plenty of prizes up for grabs – last year Brian Honan of Fortus won the Longest Drive (sponsored by CSL)
The competition will take place on the second day of the first Next Generation event with golf during the day and the PSI Premier Awards Dinner in the evening
For more details on taking part contact David Lewis on 0208 295 8309
Don’t delay, spaces are limited and book up very quickly!
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