Schlage Computer-Managed (CM) Locks Secure Canadian Blood Services Vancouver Location
CM Locks Protect Facility, Cut Costs Versus Mechanical Keys
FORESTVILLE, CONN. – April 7, 2004 – IR Security & Safety today announced that Canadian Blood Services (CBS) is using its Schlage “Locknetics on Board” Computer-Managed (CM) locking systems to restrict access to high-security areas of its Vancouver facility, while also saving time and money versus the cost of using mechanical keys.
IR Security & Safety’s computer-managed (CM) standalone locking products provide features found traditionally with online, networked systems. Whatever the credential used, a user-friendly software programs all, including the locks, access trim, and offline hard-wired controllers, which manage strikes and magnets, from a laptop or PDA. New users, access points and access privileges can be entered into the system in seconds.
"Our building is a very tight security building," explains Dan Lee, facilities coordinator for British Columbia and the Yukon areas for CBS. "Only a certain number of staff are allowed to go through the doors secured with the CM locks."
Canadian Blood Services is a not-for-profit, charitable organization whose sole mission is to manage the blood and blood products supply for Canadians. With a head office in Ottawa, CBS operates 42 permanent locations and more than 15,000 mobile donor clinics annually. Its mandate is to ensure a safe, secure, cost-effective, affordable and accessible supply of blood and blood products to Canadians.
In keeping with that goal, CBS must ensure each facility is properly secured. At the Vancouver location, Lee manages 15 CM locks that control access to the lab area, the administration areas, the archives, and a supply warehouse. The center employs about 200 people and only a handful of staff members are allowed access to high security areas.
CBS uses HID proximity cards with the battery-operated, standalone CM locking systems. Using just one proximity card credential, staff members can be granted access to any combination, or none, of the high-security areas. Prior to installing the CM locks, CBS used mechanical keys at the Vancouver facility. Switching to CM locks has saved time on rekeying and simplified access control for CBS.
"The locks are really easy to program," Lee reports. He uses a laptop computer and LockLink software, but plans to purchase a handheld computer (PDA) for even easier lock programming. PDAs can be used to remotely tour the locks for programming and downloading of audits. Lee plans to add more CM locks at the Vancouver location in the coming months, as the facility undergoes a renovation.
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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