Minnesota State Fair Secures Administration Buildings With Schlage Computer-Managed (CM) Locks
CM Locks Provide Benefits of Hardwired Systems – Without High Cost
FORESTVILLE, CONN. – March 23, 2004 – IR Security & Safety today announced that the Minnesota State Fair is using Schlage “Locknetics on Board” Computer-Managed (CM) locks to prevent employees from accidentally leaving doors unlocked and to prevent potential thefts. CM locking systems offer many of the same benefits as a networked, hardwired system, without the higher cost and additional care associated with routing network cable when retrofitting an existing facility with electronic access control.
"We had some problems in the past with security on some of our buildings, primarily during the fair," says John Hayne, Facilities Administration Supervisor. "People would walk into buildings that were open only for employees to enter."
About 1.7 million people attend the fair over 12 days each year. During the year, between 85 and 100 shows are held at the 320-acre fairgrounds. "It's a very crowded place," Hayne says.
After several fair visitors wandered into administration buildings rather than exhibit halls, fair managers decided they needed better security for the buildings, which are used year-round. Today, they protect their facilities with Schlage CM locks. The CM locks used to secure the Minnesota State fair facilities have an on-board iButton (electronic keyfob) reader. The locks are installed on all entrances of four large buildings, on a storeroom door, and to secure an area between a warehouse and an office building.
"We're using 18 CM locks on various buildings that we occupy throughout the year, primarily to secure the buildings. The first person through the door each day initiates the system," Hayne reports. "We haven't had a problem with theft or with someone accidentally leaving a building open since we began using the CM locks four years ago."
Hayne can program the locks so that doors won't open on holidays and he easily adds or removes users. When someone loses an iButton, they just remove that credential from the system. "It's not like a lost key and you're wondering where it went and who has it," he adds.
The system has proven to be extremely flexible and easy to use, Hayne says. He took classes to learn the system and now programs all the locks himself using LockLink software installed on a personal computer. Additionally, PDAs can be used to remotely tour the locks for programming and downloading of audits.
"We like the flexibility of the system. It's a neat product," Hayne sums up.
Computer-managed standalone locking systems, averaging around $1000 per door including installation costs, are the new workhorses of the lock industry, providing features found previously only with online, networked systems. Whatever the credential used, a single intuitive, user-friendly software programs all, including the locks, access trim, strikes and magnets, from a laptop or PDA. New users, access points and access privileges can be entered into the system in seconds.
About IR Security & Safety’s Electronic Access Control Division
Since 1969, IR Security & Safety’s Electronic Access Control Division (EACD) has provided premium electronic access control solutions, including electromagnetic locks, monitoring consoles, electromechanical locks and strikes, electrical and electronic exit devices, power supplies and controllers to security professionals and their customers. Leading brands such as Recognition Systems, Schlage, “Locknetics on Board” and Von Duprin comprise the Electronic Access Control Division of IR Security and Safety, which serves an international clientele from its headquarters in Forestville, Conn. Phone is 866-322-1237. The IR website is www.irco.com.
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