Programmable key access systems help facility managers to work smarter

As employment patterns become more flexible, businesses face a growing challenge. How best to both enable and control the movement of people? Static mechanical security was not designed for this task.

One example: A metal key is out there forever. A key-holder can either unlock a door — or they cannot. Further, it’s almost impossible to track who is using a key and when. If it goes missing, there’s a risk to premises which is only be fixed by changing locks.

This type of security is expensive for organisations and time-consuming for facility managers.

Programmable electronic keys provide a modern solution. Partnered with software which enables easy auditing, they offer more efficient, streamlined access control than a 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.

Using the keys remains as simple as ever. The holder simply turns it in a cylinder. The important difference is that every unlocking decision is made electronically — and logged — by the software. Audit trails generated by these logs simplify incident investigation.

This type of electronic locking solution further minimises risk because keys can be blacklisted if lost, without needing to change locks. Using intuitive software, facility teams can manage everyone’s access from anywhere, at any time.

Over 100 years of ASSA ABLOY Group expertise in locking went into creating, enhancing and patenting an innovative programmable key technology. Their CLIQ system is based on wireless locking devices and intelligent keys.

Easy to install and straightforward to run, it simplifies security for premises of any size or type.

The key advantages of CLIQ

With CLIQ, every facility manager gets to decide who goes where and when, by issuing individual access for each site user. Keys stay under their control: They can be reprogrammed anytime using the software and a range of updater devices.

Both 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.

Thanks to multiple software options, security staff manage user access rights in their preferred way.

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

Configuration in three easy steps

It is straightforward to design and deploy a CLIQ system for each individual location. First, choose from a range of cylinders and padlocks. There’s a CLIQ device for almost any opening: Interior and exterior doors, gates, cabinets, lockers, vending machines, alarm housing and more.

Second, issue every authorised employee or contractor with a programmed key. All keys work together seamlessly in any CLIQ system; each is protected against climate, dirt and dust. The battery is standard.

Finally, a choice of easy software options tailors’ system management to the needs of the business.

“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 minimises 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 equally 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 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. It offers optional integration capability with many types of business management software, helping to automate tedious processes to boost efficiency.

For smaller premises, CLIQ Local Manager (CLM) software can run from a single PC. It manages up to 3,000 locking cylinders; keys are updated via a desktop programmer or with CLM Remote, via wall-mounted programmer.

Operating either version of the software is intuitive. Missing keys are quickly de-authorised, cutting risks associated with loss or theft. At any time, facility managers can generate an audit trail 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 time-limited access permissions for an employee or contractor. When a key’s standard battery runs low, it is easy to replace without tools. However, with a typical battery lifetime of ten years, most keyholders will never need to.

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