From the front office to the shop floor, security is an essential consideration for any company.

It’s not just a matter of locking your doors. Controlling access to vital parts of your facility such as utility panels and expensive equipment will reduce risk and enhance accountability.

Many companies still depend on mechanical lock-and-key systems for the majority of their security. However, between the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0, workspaces are becoming increasingly interconnected.

Now could be the ideal time to replace those mechanical keys and locks with an electronic access system.

4 Components of Electronic Access Systems

A typical EAS consists of four elements:

1)      Electromechanical Lock or Latch (EML) – The EML is the most critical component of any electronic access system, electromechanically locking or unlocking in response to a valid electronic signal. In addition, the EML provides outputs on its status to external monitoring systems.

2)      Access Control Device – This is the human interface of the system, enabling remote operation of the EML through a variety of input options, including keypads, RF remote controls, biometric devices, proximity readers and other wireless devices.

3)      Remote Monitoring – A particular advantage of electronic access systems is their unique ability to track the electronic “signatures” of each access attempt. Combining this information with additional security and environmental data enables a variety of outputs, from indicator lights to networked remote monitoring systems.

4)      Manual Override System – Depending on the application, an override system may be required to permit access in the event of a system or power failure. This override system may be mechanical or it could be electrical with an independent power source.

Why Switch to an Electronic Access System?

As noted above, electronic access systems offer the ability to identify and track user access in the workplace. In addition to the benefit of increased security, this unique feature offers several other advantages over mechanical lock-and-key systems.

For example, a company using RFID cards as access control devices can immediately revoke a user’s access privileges if the card is lost or stolen, or if the employee is terminated.

Health and safety workers conducting accident/incident reports can use an employee’s electronic signature to expedite their investigations, precisely identifying who used which machines at what times.

Smaller companies bidding on contracts involving proprietary or classified materials can use their electronic access system as a selling point, since it enables them to easily segregate sensitive areas. Concerns about possible tampering or contamination of food or pharmaceutical products can be similarly addressed.

Transitioning from Mechanical to Electronic Access

Overhauling security may seem like a daunting task, but there are ways to smooth the transition.

Southco’s electronic access solutions (EAS) combine mechanical locks and latches with electronic actuation to simplify the transition from mechanical lock-and-key systems to electronic access systems.

These range from simple switches to software-based, networked access control systems. Southco’s access control solutions are available as:

• Standalone Solutions – Basic plug-and-play access control without the need for software or network administration.
• Integrated Solutions – By integrating with building access control and monitoring systems, these solutions incorporate cabinet-level access control into existing systems.
• Independent Networked Solutions – These systems enable users to monitor and manage access across networks from a host computer for remote system configuration, access control and monitoring of multiple access points.

The EA-KC2 membrane keypad access controller is an example of a standalone solution. The self-contained unit is designed to accommodate industrial equipment needs and can be easily adhered to a door or frame. Its remote controller can be mounted anywhere inside a cabinet and provides two outputs for independent control of two separate compartments.

An example of a more flexible access solution is the H3-EM electronic locking swinghandle. It can be used as a standalone system, integrated into an existing building access control system or be supplied as a fully networked system enabling remote monitoring and audit trail reporting. In addition to an optional integrated fingerprint reader, the H3-EM also incorporates a manual override lock in case of power or system failure.

Industrial security is a growing concern, one that is reflected in the fact that electronic access controls have expanded to cover more than points of entry. Vital systems, storage units and valuable equipment can all benefit from an electronic access system.

Full-service industrial supplier AFI carries the full range of Southco electronic access solutions.

For more information download the Southco Handbook or visit AFI’s fastener website, go here.