Power stations in the central region of Ile de France have had their original mechanical cylinders replaced at up to 80 substations.
The French electricity provider Enedis sought to provide restricted site access to a growing list of authorised personnel – from maintenance teams to technicians. GIven the sensitive nature of the sites with high-voltage lines, access control was needed at every site. Philippe Kellermann, head of operations at Eastern of Ile de France for the Enedis Group says: “The challenge of securing multiple-sites, where access authorisation is required in order to protect people, goods and information, has never been more crucial than it is today.”
The access control fitted is from LOCKEN, based on a smart key and passive cylinders incorporating a power source which enables access control and tracking from one smart electronic device. Each smart key holds a serial number, which cannot be duplicated but can be reprogrammed, enabling it to open one or all access points. Crucially, due to the remote access of the sites and hazards, it was paramount that a key could be suspended quickly if lost, while allowing for one-time access to people in a position outside the usual area of operations.
The power-free, electronic cylinders cannot be picked, the product developers add. Admission rights are provided by the key and data recorded within it and, in the event of loss or theft, can be disabled. Audit trails, through a Bluetooth key with the MyLocken app, provide management with traceability access authorisation.
Philippe Kellermann adds: “Our sites are predominantly located within isolated areas a considerable distance apart; consequently electrical substations are vulnerable to security risks, including vandalism and theft, so there is a greater requirement for surveillance.
“Management of these sites need the ability to control where and when an individual is authorised to enter, making monitoring and controlling access points more prevalent than ever. Through the Locken solution, security managers can receive reports about potential dysfunctions enabling them to respond quickly.”
“LOCKEN’s expertise has enabled us to work in partnership to find a solution that not only replaces our outdated mechanical cylinder system with little modification to infrastructure, but allows us to meet our business continuity objectives and utilise the latest technology to gain full control of data and access rights.”
Visit www.locken.co.uk.
