ACCESS CONTROL
Securing Museum Collections Using Digital Access Control
In response to recent news of theft and misplacement of museum artefacts , Abloy UK is highlighting the challenges of securing buildings and assets in the heritage sector and how access control can reduce these risks .
» LISA O ’ FLYNN , ACCOUNT MANAGER at Abloy UK , explains : “ We are seeing an ongoing trend of museum artefacts becoming a target for crime . A report has revealed that more than 1,700 items are currently missing from museums in England .
“ What ’ s more , an estimated 18.7 % of all listed buildings are physically affected by crime annually , equating to over 70,000 listed buildings . Inferior key management systems are providing no record of who is accessing collections or buildings , creating a significant vulnerability in the sector .
“ With invaluable artefacts at increasing risk of theft or loss , digital access control solutions are enabling those in charge of collections to ensure their security and have greater peace of mind .”
Abloy UK offers a range of high security solutions to keep heritage buildings and assets safe . One system proving particularly popular is PROTEC2 CLIQ ® - a user friendly access management system that enables remote key management and provides comprehensive audit trails on locks and padlocks .
The real-time audit trails show who has accessed which lock and at what time , making staff accountable . Access rights for keys can be updated remotely from anywhere in the world using the web-based management software , meaning keys can be immediately revoked if required .
The PROTEC2 CLIQ ® system is suitable for many different types of locking point , securing artefacts no matter where in a building they are exhibited or stored . The versatile system also offers flexibility and multiple access points are available , meaning constantly changing access needs can be managed with ease .
The system can grow with a museum ’ s infrastructure too . For example , if a museum is constructing a new storehouse , access control can be added to internal and external doors , as well as cabinets , display cases and other storage areas with ease . The system can be implemented on mobile gallery cabinets too , enabling offsite access management .
PROTEC2 CLIQ ® is simple , efficient , and easy to install and maintain , with no wiring needed on cylinders or padlocks , making it an easy retrofit solution even on heritage and grade listed doors . If a specific heritage aesthetic needs to be retained , locks and cylinders can be provided in an appropriate finish to match the design of a door or cabinet .
PROTEC2 CLIQ ® also meets BS EN 15684 , which specifies requirements for performance and testing of Mechatronic Cylinders and their keys and / or electronic keys . It ’ s practical for everyday use in high traffic environments , withstanding a large volume of people visiting a building .
The innovative Escape Door System ( EDS ) from Abloy UK is also ideal for museums , offering easy access and egress while ensuring compliance , security , and the ability to implement dynamic lockdown procedures .
With the EDS , it is possible to provide a compliant solution for an escape door when read-in / read-out access control is specified , combining the three components required for BS EN 13637 - Blocking , Control and Trigger .
The Intelligent Control within the EDS allows connection to fire alarm systems or other building control systems to ensure escape in an emergency , and the Trigger unit incorporates a key-switch and a push button that tells the controller to release the locking mechanism to allow safe escape .
Lisa adds : “ With some artefacts worth millions of pounds , the investment in a digital access control system offers an incredible ROI – not just in terms of the value of assets secured but the peace of mind that is gained .
“ By implementing a solution such as PROTEC2 CLIQ ®, staff efficiency is increased and costs are reduced , as there ’ s no need to invest in extra monitoring devices . The EDS is also an excellent access solution that those in the museums and heritage sector should consider .”
www . abloy . co . uk
28
FEBRUARY 2024
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