Mobile Access Trends

What’s new with biometrics?
What’s new with biometrics?

Technological leaps in the last several decades have revolutionised biometrics. The technologies are constantly evolving, spanning facial recognition to iris scanning to fingerprints, to provide new levels of security and convenience. Biometrics are everywhere, from smartphones to border control, constantly evolving to meet the needs of our increasingly digital world. They are also more accurate and easier to use than ever. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new with biometrics?

Which standards have had the greatest positive impact on physical security?
Which standards have had the greatest positive impact on physical security?

In the complex world of physical security systems, standards can enable disparate systems to be combined to function together as a cohesive whole. Standards help to ensure that all the “pieces” fit together to create a clear, unified picture. More broadly speaking, standards also play a role in ensuring best practices are deployed in a range of security-related situations. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which standards have had the greatest positive impact on physical security?

How mobile technology is redefining duty of care in organisations by Mark Niblett
How mobile technology is redefining duty of care in organisations by Mark Niblett

When a bomb detonated in the Port of Beirut, I had hundreds of employees under my care inside the blast zone. Within just two hours, I was able to determine who was impacted, understand their safety conditions, and share resources for on-the-ground support—all thanks to mobile technology. For Chief Security Officers, receiving calls like these launches a variety of protocols and necessary decision-making with the safety and security of people and assets as a top priority. And these calls are only becoming more common. Dependence on threat intelligence Mobile phones have dominated the post-COVID environment where people work from anywhere Threats ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts are becoming more frequent and complicate the responsibility organisations have in keeping their people safe. To meet these needs CSO’s are staying ahead of negative outcomes through creating a greater dependence on threat intelligence. In these times, effective, real-time risk management depends on hyper-local data from technology that is accessible, portable, and dynamic–such as cell phones. Mobile phones have revolutionised the way people live and work. They allow us all to walk around with a computer in our pocket, bringing the world to our fingertips and eliminating digital borders for over 90% of the world's population. Mobile phones have dominated the post-COVID environment where people work from anywhere and have geographically distributed teams but are also more vulnerable to threatening events. Mobile-friendly risk management platforms Mobile technology assigns workers with easy entry to data that can help keep them and their teams safe As we approach 2024, many organisations are adopting comprehensive risk management tools that empower personnel across the organisation with the intelligence and knowledge they need to stay safe wherever they are.  Mobile-friendly risk management platforms, such as Crisis24 Horizon, provide always-on awareness, on-hand threat intelligence, and immediate communications and distress signalling through location monitoring. Users receive location risk assessments and push notifications directly to their devices about nearby issues and threats no matter if they are on or off the job. While only select risk managers have complete control of the platform and all sensitive employee data is protected through encryption, the app distributes critical intel to foster a culture of shared awareness and responsibility. Thus, mobile technology empowers employees with easy access to information that can help keep them and their teams safe. Creating a culture of mobile technology adoption In the last few years, the world has proven the importance of being well-informed of risks and mitigation plans to minimise harm. However, psychological barriers tend to trump physical barriers when it comes to accessing the vast array of tools our mobile devices offer. World has proven the matter of being well-informed of risks and relief plans to minimise harm Adopting this technology and establishing a culture that enforces risk management across an organisation is a daunting challenge that demands substantial commitment from leadership to be successful. Some companies have tackled this challenge by positioning security technology as part of the organisation’s employee benefits package, such as commuter benefits and health insurance, to encourage people to take advantage of these resources and learn how to use them.   Cohesive risk management culture Technology is only as effective as the people whose actions it informs, which is why adoption and integration are so important. When a cohesive risk management culture meets a powerful technology platform, individuals are enabled to receive threat alerts and counter their impacts, letting others know when and how to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their team.  For more information on mobile technology and other security trends, check out the Global Risk Forecast, an annual report by Crisis24 that provides a comprehensive analysis of key events around the world most likely to affect operations in the coming year.

Is “frictionless access control” a reality or an empty promise?
Is “frictionless access control” a reality or an empty promise?

Frictionless systems provide access to a building without interfering at all with a user’s entry experience. Frictionless access means you can automatically pass through a gate without showing a credential or otherwise engaging, and with the system recognising who you are and allowing you to pass. In true frictionless access, everything works seamlessly, with unauthorised people obviously barred. But how close are we to realising frictionless access control? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Is frictionless access control a reality or an empty promise?

Latest Access control news

Bosch Rexroth: Smart flex effector revolutionising automation
Bosch Rexroth: Smart flex effector revolutionising automation

Bosch Rexroth, the automation branch of the Bosch group, has over 32,000 employees worldwide and specialises in advanced drive and control technologies. At their Customer and Innovation Centre in Ulm, Germany, they develop innovative solutions for the future of automation, such as the Smart Flex Effector, a compensation module aiming to revolutionise the industry. Smart flex effector Smart flex effector–automate the impossible David Lehmann, System Architect at Bosch Rexroth, explains what a compensation module is and what makes the Smart Flex Effector unique: “When you think about a robot in the factory, you usually think of a six-axis robot assembling parts or building a car, or something like that. The robots have some kind of tool at the tip, like a gripper. The compensation module is the part that goes between the robot arm and the gripper. The Smart Flex Effector stands out due to its ability to provide compliance (flexibility in response to forces) in six degrees of freedom (movement in three-dimensional space)." "We can measure the deflection (change in position) of the tool with high precision with an integrated sensor system. This allows us to perform complex tasks, such as precise assembly operations, that usually only humans can do. Our slogan, ‘Automate the impossible’, sums it up nicely. Our goal with this product is to enable robots to perform new tasks that they are traditionally not good at, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity.” Connectivity challenges Smart Flex Effector needs to exchange position measurement data with the robot controllers To enable the robots to perform these new tasks, the Smart Flex Effector needs to exchange position measurement data with the robot controllers, including information about the deflection of the tool and control signals for the module's locked and unlocked states. However, connecting the Smart Flex Effector to robot controllers was challenging, as David explains. “Our product was available, but we had difficulties installing it at our customer’s sites. When we talked to our customers, the feedback was often the same: 'You have this serial interface, but I don't want to spend two weeks or more trying to connect it with my robot controller. I do not have the time or the resources to do that.'” Simplifying connectivity with Anybus protocol converters To solve these connectivity challenges, Bosch Rexroth turned to HMS Networks who provided the Anybus Communicator Common Ethernet, a ready-made protocol converter capable of connecting serial devices to EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP or PROFINET controllers. A key benefit of the Anybus Communicator Common Ethernet was that the same unit can connect to all the major Ethernet protocols, as David describes “This Anybus protocol converter was the ideal solution for us because we can reconfigure it with a firmware update and with just one unit, we are able to provide the connection to the different protocols.” Anybus Communicator’s intuitive user interface Anybus Communicator could be installed via a web browser was a further plus point The Anybus Communicator’s intuitive user interface also won some new fans. “The interface is really nice. Before selling it to our customers, we tested it for ourselves in our lab where application engineers completed feasibility studies, for example. They all said that it was easy and straightforward to complete the required configurations via the web interface, which was important to us as we have customers that are not experts in automation and robotics.” The fact that the Anybus Communicator could be installed via a web browser was a further plus point. “Both we at Bosch and our customers prefer not to install third-party configuration software. It adds security risks and complexity – just getting the required admin rights often delays installations.” Smart Flex Effector + Anybus Communicator = The complete solution The Smart Flex Effector and Anybus Communicator have worked so well together that Bosch Rexroth includes the Anybus Communicator as part of a complete solution. “We decided to create an order number for the Anybus converter, so that customers could buy it directly from us. So, we sell both devices together as a complete solution.” Expanded market With the addition of the Anybus Communicator, Bosch Rexroth can easily connect to all the major Industrial Ethernet protocols, and as a result, has significantly expanded its market. "Now we really can address more or less the whole market”, David concludes. “We can cover everything; we haven't found a robot with a Fieldbus connection that is not supported by this Anybus converter yet."

BlackFog expands leadership with key appointments
BlackFog expands leadership with key appointments

BlackFog, the pioneer in ransomware protection and anti-data exfiltration (ADX), announced it has made new appointments to strengthen its leadership team as it witnesses significant growth. John Sarantakes has joined as Chief Revenue Officer, and Mark Griffith has been appointed as Vice President of Strategic Sales. As one of its founding team members, CMO Brenda Robb has also been promoted to President of BlackFog. As executive director of the company, Brenda led the expansion of the company into Northern Ireland, where BlackFog has now established R&D headquarters. As President, Brenda’s strong leadership skills and counsel will be leveraged with BlackFog’s expansion throughout North America. BlackFog’s success “As CMO, Brenda has spearheaded our marketing and communications strategy as BlackFog has launched in new territories and markets, while building a strong brand presence for our pioneering ADX technology,” says Dr. Darren Williams, CEO and Founder, BlackFog. “Brenda is instrumental to BlackFog’s success, and I am thrilled she is taking on the role of President in addition to pioneering our marketing operations.” With over 28 years in technology sales, John Sarantakes will play a pivotal role as CRO in driving global sales through direct sales and the development of a strong channel. He will also target sales growth across State, Federal, Local Government and Education sectors. Partnerships with MSPs and MSSPs John served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development Previously at InMotion Software, John served as Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Development. He has also held positions as Executive Vice President at Headspring Systems, Senior Vice President of Sales and General Manager of EMEA at Absolute Software and National Sales Director at Dell. Mark Griffith was also appointed as Vice President of Strategic Sales at BlackFog. Griffith, who has more than 30 years of experience in strategic leadership and innovation, will lead BlackFog efforts to develop partnerships with MSPs and MSSPs, to secure customers in State, Local and Government agencies, and continue to work alongside customers on a tactical and operational standpoint. New effective solutions “We’re thrilled with the appointments of both John and Mark, and we know they will be great assets to both the company and it’s customers,” says Dr. Darren Williams, CEO and Founder, BlackFog. He continues, “Mark is a results-focused and motivated individual who will deliver unprecedented value to our team. John is a respected colleague who brings years of results-driven experience to the table, critical as we target new territories and sectors." These appointments lay the foundation for BlackFog’s next stage of rapid growth. As ransomware threats escalate, the demand for data protection and anti-data exfiltration is at an all-time high. Organisations are seeking new effective solutions to help them protect their systems and data from ransomware attacks.

Mayflex adds Gardner CCTV bracketry to portfolio
Mayflex adds Gardner CCTV bracketry to portfolio

Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions has added the full range of Gardner Engineering CCTV bracketry to their product portfolio. Gardner Engineering is a British CCTV mount manufacturer that prides itself on design excellence. They have a focus on sustainability with their products being manufactured at their facility in Lancashire and utilising the closest possible suppliers to minimise the production ‘miles’ involved in the logistics and production process. All Products are made to High Quality and Gardner Engineering is a Proud Certified member of the “Made in Britain” Association The official Mark for British manufacturing-Made in Britain. Demand for Gardner products Frankie Bellavia, Mayflex Director of Sales for Security commented: “Gardner Engineering provides an excellent quality product that is complementary to many of our major CCTV camera offerings and gives our customers more options when it comes to mounting products. Their range includes camera bracketry and adaptors, drop poles, bollards, angle vehicle posts and mounts.” Frankie continued: “We have been working with Gardner Engineering for a little while on various projects where bespoke requirements have been required. With everything manufactured in the UK, this has resulted in faster lead times and a highly competitive offering, to assist our customers with winning projects. With more and more demand for Gardner products, we have felt that it made sense to offer their standard products via our online webshop and sales team.” TFT/Monitor Brackets  Matt Philp, Gardner Engineering commented: “We are delighted to be offering our full range of products via Mayflex. We’ve been seeing the demand grow, particularly around projects where the standard camera manufacturer offering didn’t provide as much flexibility as required for the site installation. Other benefits of our range include the fact that our pole drops can be extended up to 9 metres and our TFT/Monitor Brackets can be used in combination with camera brackets to reduce cable runs and the number of drops needed. With our local and bespoke service, using pioneering edge Laser welding equipment, we can provide a solution that works and provides optimum strength and accuracy.” Matt continued: “We’ve recently delivered some bollards to Definitive Security Solutions via Mayflex, that have been installed at a prestigious Kensington Site, so it’s great to see the products being used for royalty as well as more standard installations.”

dormakaba expands airports security automation projects
dormakaba expands airports security automation projects

dormakaba is expanding its activities in the airport business area. Unique pilot projects for the automation of security checks are already underway at various airports and more will be coming soon. dormakaba has also seen a very good order intake in the airport sector for the financial year 2023/24. Argus Air eGates sensor gates Orders for the supply and maintenance of Argus Air eGates sensor gates were successfully implemented at several airports.  The total revenue was in the high single-digit million (CHF). To meet the increasing demand from the Indian market, dormakaba has expanded its production centre in Chennai. Passenger screening solutions This self-screening is a new approach but is based on mature technologies, products, and solutions Together with technology companies like Rohde & Schwarz, dormakaba has developed new solutions for passenger screening at airports. This self-screening is a new approach but is based on mature technologies, products, and solutions within the dormakaba portfolio and the portfolios of the other companies involved in the project. Security gates from dormakaba are used, which enable an automatic body scan without a pat-down.  Self-screening This innovative approach gives passengers more autonomy during the security check. The use of cameras and sensors can halve the number of security personnel required for security checks, thus freeing them up for other tasks. The new solutions for automated security checks are currently being tested in Las Vegas as part of a pilot project and projects with other airports are already planned. Once the test phase has been completed in the summer of 2025, dormakaba expects to receive orders from airports worldwide. These new solutions will also be able to be used in areas such as critical infrastructure, IP protection, and prisons. Secure, smooth, and reliable access In general, dormakaba is experiencing strong demand in the airport sector. Numerous projects were successfully implemented in the 2023/24 financial year.  The newly installed Argus Air eGates are in use at airports including Changi (Singapore), Western Sydney (Australia), Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), Doha (Qatar), Munich (Germany), Xianyang (China), and Copenhagen (Denmark). The eGates enable a secure, smooth, and reliable processing of passengers for access to security-relevant areas of the airports. Production facility expansion The facility, which currently employs around 60 people, covers the needs of the Indian market Due to growing demand, the regional production centre in Chennai was expanded to include the production of the latest Argus Air Self-Boarding/ Security & Lounge product line. The production area was increased by 400m2, making it 4,400m2 for this purpose. The facility, which currently employs around 60 people, covers the needs of the Indian market. The core components, such as the drive and control unit, are supplied by the Bühl production centre in Germany. Automated security checks Till Reuter, CEO of dormakaba, says, "As a global market and innovation pioneer in access control systems for airports, we are experiencing strong demand." "With regional production centres, we can optimally meet demand in growth markets and successfully implement major projects. Technology partnerships with pioneering companies such as Rohde & Schwarz enable us to develop pioneering innovations like automated security checks for airports." 

Access control applications

Billingpay adopts Cognitec techology for Rio's public transport
Billingpay adopts Cognitec techology for Rio's public transport

Cognitec Systems is providing reliable face recognition technology to Brazilian payment solutions provider - Billingpay for use in Rio de Janeiro’s public transport system. Automated face recognition Billingpay has implemented automated face recognition to facilitate digital ticketing via the transport application Jaé, to be used by more than four million users daily. Currently, about 11 thousand capture devices are installed throughout the city’s transportation system. Facial biometrics The process starts with the enrollment of facial images during the registration service The process starts with the enrollment of facial images during the registration service, which is then used to prevent revenue evasion in public transportation. Facial biometrics match the ticket holder to the correct ticket, therefore preventing fraudulent use of subsidised tickets. “The second largest city in Brazil now operates one of the most modern and secure ticketing systems in the world, with added high-performance technology from Cognitec!” comments Marcello Perrotta, CCO of Billingpay. Modern identification services Public transport users can also present their faces to log into the Jaé platform and access buses or trains without the need for a ticket or identification. “This use case is a testament to the countless capabilities of face recognition technologies for modern identification services,” says Alfredo Herrera, Cognitec’s Managing Director, adding “We are excited to be a part of this innovative project, and this successful international partnership with Billingpay!”

Cognitec face recognition in Rio's public transport
Cognitec face recognition in Rio's public transport

Cognitec Systems is providing reliable face recognition technology to Brazilian payment solutions provider Billingpay for use in Rio de Janeiro’s public transport system. Billingpay has implemented automated face recognition to facilitate digital ticketing via the transport application Jaé, to be used by more than four million users daily. Currently, about 11 thousand capture devices are installed throughout the city’s transportation system. Evasion in public transportation Facial biometrics match the ticket holder to the correct ticket, preventing fraudulent use The process starts with the enrolment of facial images during the registration service, which is then used to prevent revenue evasion in public transportation. Facial biometrics are matching the ticket holder to the correct ticket, therefore preventing fraudulent use of subsidised tickets. “The second largest city in Brazil now operates one of the most modern and secure ticketing systems in the world, with added high-performance technology from Cognitec!” comments Marcello Perrotta, CCO of Billingpay. Face recognition technologies Public transport users can also present their faces to log into the Jaé platform and to access buses or trains without the need of a ticket or identification. “This use case is a testament to the countless capabilities of face recognition technologies for modern identification services,” says Alfredo Herrera, Cognitec’s Managing Director. “We are excited to be a part of this innovative project, and this successful international partnership with Billingpay!”

Enhancing Olympics 2024 security with Recfaces facial recognition technology
Enhancing Olympics 2024 security with Recfaces facial recognition technology

Sports hold profound significance in the lives of athletes, nations, and citizens alike, fostering a sense of unity and national pride. Sporting events captivate hearts and minds, showcasing the devotion towards athletic spirit. The journey of an athlete from local competitions to global stages embodies dedication and resilience, inspiring millions worldwide. Olympics event At the pinnacle of this athletic journey lies the Olympics, a cherished event that transcends borders and cultures, uniting nations in a shared pursuit of excellence and sportsmanship. For years, anticipation has been building as Paris, affectionately known as the City of Lights and renowned as the iconic capital of France, prepares to host the Olympics 2024, promising unforgettable moments of triumph and unity.  Facial Recognition Technology FRT symbolises a commitment to safeguarding the spirit of The Olympics, preserving the joy and pride Amidst the excitement, there lies a solemn responsibility: to protect the interests of everyone involved. In response, the use of Facial Recognition Technology (FRT) offers an enhanced approach to improving security measures for identification, access control, and threat detection. It symbolises a commitment to safeguarding the spirit of The Olympics, preserving the joy and pride that this monumental event brings to millions worldwide.  The quest for enhanced security at the Olympics  Ensuring Olympic security involves addressing a spectrum of challenges, including the complexities of managing fan behaviour, cyber-attacks, and the unpredictability of civil unrest. According to the National Center for Sports Safety and Security, 73.2% of attendees consider safety and security measures when deciding whether to attend an event, and 77% prefer security measures to be visible at an event. Common cybersecurity threats Phishing attacks, credential stuffing, and password spraying are some of the common cybersecurity threats With growing technological advancement and globalisation of the world these days, the Olympic Games face increasing risks of cyber attacks.  Phishing attacks, credential stuffing, and password spraying are some of the common cybersecurity threats. Reports from the National Cyber Security Centre, United Kingdom, have established that more than 70% of sports organisations fell victim to cyber incidents in 2020, and this was mostly caused by hackers seeking financial gain.  Eradicating Security Concerns with FRT  In particular, surveillance becomes an important component of security and incident detection during the Olympics, where millions of spectators gather from all over the world. For this reason, strict perimeter measures, secure screening procedures, and vigilant security are required. Indeed, integrating FRT as an additional feature in Video Management Systems (VMS) can improve the outcomes significantly.  Physical Security Enhancement: Video Analytics Systems are one of the most effective means of evaluating threat levels at the event Video Analytics Systems are one of the most effective means of evaluating threat levels at the event, using face recognition to match the faces of the people attending the event with a universal offenders database. It allows security staff to quickly identify malicious actors and detain them. This reduces the likelihood of wrong-doers making attempts at large-scale events, thus, protecting participants and spectators, and ensuring their safety.  Monitoring Crowd Behaviour: Effective management of crowd behaviour is crucial for maintaining a safe and harmonious environment. Video Analytics Systems make it easier to look for and monitor disruptive crowd behaviours in real-time, like vandalism, alcoholism, violence, etc. Instigators of such activities are immediately identified and flagged, allowing security officials to address the problem before it escalates.  It also helps in tracking and preventing agitation since the system incites recognising people in the crowd from lists of unreliable persons, even if masks hide their faces. This capability enables security to respond quickly to emerging threats, ensuring that protests remain peaceful.  Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures: If the FRT system is centralised, any attempted intrusion by an intruder will be immediately visible FRT minimises the capability of cyber intruders attempting to penetrate the competition control information systems, media streams, and security systems and meddle with their work. If the FRT system is centralised, any attempted intrusion by an intruder will be immediately visible to security personnel. This will prevent unauthorised access and reduce not only the number of cybercrimes but also financial and reputational risks. By integrating FRS with AI, biometric and conventional security systems have made security surveillance more effective and efficient in providing real-time data analytics. With the development of generative AI, a new type of attack using spoofing and deep fakes is gaining momentum. Recognition technologies with liveness features can stand out among other defence systems.  Peace of mind for athletes and staff  FRT has the potential to profoundly impact the Olympic experience, offering athletes and staff a transformative blend of efficiency, security, and operational ease. For athletes, it means seamless access to venues, minimising distractions and administrative hurdles, allowing them to dedicate more time and focus to their training and competition. They can move through the Olympic complex with confidence, knowing their safety is assured.  Identifying and addressing potential threats The technology not only enhances a sense of safety and belongingness but also ensures that global athletic excellence Beyond efficiency, this technology empowers security personnel to manage large crowds with precision, swiftly identifying and addressing potential threats. The technology not only enhances a sense of safety and belongingness but also ensures that global athletic excellence is memorable and deeply meaningful for everyone involved.  Harmonising security and privacy with integrity  Data privacy is paramount, and the balance between safety and the subject’s right to privacy must be kept to the highest standard. Transparency about data collection, storage, and usage fosters trust and upholds individual dignity. By championing both security and privacy, advanced technology security solutions like FRT can play an important role in ensuring that every participant and spectator feels safe, respected, and inspired. The application of security measures trusted worldwide helps maintain the integrity of global events, and the Olympic games act as an anchor for setting a perfect example of unified growth and glory.  360-degree protection "The Olympic Games stand as a monumental event for millions worldwide, posing substantial challenges to security services," said Tamara Morozova, Global CEO, of RecFaces. "Integrating facial recognition software promises 360-degree protection, drastically reducing incident response times to mere seconds, and empowering security personnel with invaluable analytical insights."

Marin Hospital enhances security with eCLIQ access control
Marin Hospital enhances security with eCLIQ access control

The Marin Hospital of Hendaye in the French Basque Country faced common challenges posed by mechanical access control. Challenges faced Relying on mechanical lock-and-key technology made it difficult or impossible to know who had been accessing sensitive areas like treatment rooms and medicine stores.   ​Another source of insecurity was the keys and passes issued to employees and contractors. These often remain in circulation beyond their approved use period, if former employees and service providers fail to return them.  Need to upgrade access control To provide proper security for staff and patients, the hospital needed to upgrade its access control system To provide proper security for staff and patients, the hospital needed to upgrade its access control system. Meeting the demands of a large and complex site requires a flexible solution that can secure interior and exterior hospital doors, as well as multiple other types of openings.   Also critical for The Marin Hospital of Hendaye is the ability to trace staff and external contractor movements into and between sensitive areas. An electronic access system with inbuilt audit trail capability was essential.  Hospital access is traceable and tailored to user profiles  The hospital chose an eCLIQ system based on programmable electronic keys and wireless cylinders. Since 2016, their security team has gradually rolled out eCLIQ electronic access control to all care and logistics buildings, including drug stores, labs, and other sensitive or confidential areas. The wireless eCLIQ solution offers easy installation without the expense or disruption of laying dedicated cabling.  Quick and wireless installation “The choice of this solution is based on reliability and simplicity of implementation for a site that covers 11 hectares,” explains Yves Bourdon, Security Director at The Marin Hospital of Hendaye. "It is the only solution that can equip more than 1,500 doors with quick and wireless installation.”  Intelligent eCLIQ key An eCLIQ solution gives managers control over important aspects of hospital security An eCLIQ solution gives managers control over important aspects of hospital security. They can issue access tailored to an individual’s needs and level of authority and amend it whenever required.  External service providers use an intelligent eCLIQ key which automatically expires after a pre-defined period. This is much safer than relying on a contractor to return their mechanical key every time.  Security, comfort, and flexibility Employees enjoy much greater comfort and convenience: Carrying a single eCLIQ key programmed with their permissions makes bulky key bunches a distant memory.  “The Marin Hospital of Hendaye has gained in security, comfort, and flexibility. Employees hold only one key compared to 5 or 6 keys before,” adds Yves Bourdon. The rollout is ongoing, with another 500 eCLIQ cylinders already ordered and ready to install.  The eCLIQ programmable key solution  The eCLIQ cylinder range can bring almost any opening into an electronic access control system A fully electronic extension of ASSA ABLOY’s award-winning CLIQ® access control technology, eCLIQ is built around precision-engineered locking cylinders and high-end microelectronics. A standard battery inside each programmable electronic key powers the cylinder or padlock on insertion and encrypts the data transfer between lock, key, and system.   The eCLIQ cylinder range can bring almost any opening into an electronic access control system. Robust, durable eCLIQ cylinder locks secure lifts, machines, mailboxes, cabinets, and more with the same control as sensitive doors.  Programmable, wire-free access control “Like many hospitals around Europe, The Marin Hospital of Hendaye now relies on programmable, wire-free access control which is backed by decades of ASSA ABLOY investment and innovation in lock and key technologies,” says Tatiana Bezie, Sales Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions France.  “Organisations equipped with eCLIQ intelligent key-based access control can have confidence that their premises and employees are secure.”