When it comes to locker use, winning the war against theft can be tough. Whether an employer requires its employees to keep their belongings in a locker during their shifts, or a business offers lockers for customer use, security must always be at the forefront of operations. Because even codes to the most sophisticated combination can be cracked and keys can be stolen or copied, locker manufacturers are looking at new ways to deter theft - and many are turning to electronic access solutions.
A locker manufacturer recently approached Southco engineers about specifying a latching system for an upgraded line of lockers designed to protect more valuable belongings in both work and leisure settings, such as expo facilities and athletic clubs. Its engineers were mainly interested in a heavy-duty internal latch to be housed in the locker door, as well as a more unique option for user access than a key or combination lock.
Our engineers recommended the EA-KC2 Membrane Keypad Access Controller and R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch, which simplify access management with a self-contained unit, meaning no
external connections or software are required to program or operate the system.
The Membrane Keypad Controller contains a microprocessor that compares the stored user access codes with what is being entered on the corresponding Membrane Keypad and either grants or denies access. The Controller also provides two outputs for independent control of two separate latches and works with the Membrane Keypad, which can hold 120, four-digit user codes.
The R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch, which features a secure, concealed electronic release latching solution, can be wired into the Membrane Keypad Access Controller system and when the Controller recognizes the code entered by the user, it will release the R4-EM latch. The user need only push to close the locker door and the latch will re-secure- itself.
How can electronic electronic access solutions enhance your locking applications? Tell us in the comments.
Mike Shaughnessy, the SUITS have raised over $21K to pay for their entry fees and travel costs. The SUITS also sell LED light bulbs to support their team.
The utility van: mobile office for the construction industry. For contractors working out of their vans, storage plays a key role in their daily operations. If tools and materials are not securely stored, contractors could face damage to their van and tools, as well as potential injury caused by unsecured objects. 
and turns while the van was in motion, as well as exposure to changing weather conditions, since the rear door of the van would be frequently opened and closed by the technician when on the job.
When it comes to convenience, it’s easy to take even the simplest of operations for granted. This week we take a closer look at a simple operation that often goes unnoticed: push-to-close latching.
As with conventional 
It’s no secret that yacht design is all about the details. These large luxury vessels are built to complement the luxe tastes of their buyers, with elegant, streamlined designs and top of the line features. However, yacht manufacturers are often tasked with ensuring that a yacht’s components not only look good, but withstand quality performance requirements as well.
companies are taking increased ridership by the horns, and making design upgrades to their heavily used railcars. 
Data center engineers dedicate sizeable amounts of time to designing enclosures, which includes specifying cabinet storage that will ultimately house the complete system. Factors such as size, materials, rack dimensions, security, heating and cooling options and the costs associated are all considered by engineers throughout the design, but when it comes to accessibility, it sometimes isn’t approached until the very end of the design process. 
the enclosure door. When installed, the Swinghandle, which nests into its housing with minimal protrusion, sits on the outside of the cabinet door, and pops up to swing smoothly for easy latch actuation. The cam mechanism sits on the inside of the enclosure door, and a series of rods that run up the entire length of the door are activated by a linear actuator, releasing the latch when the Swinghandle is rotated.
If you’ve ever taken a good look at off-highway equipment that has been left outdoors and exposed to the elements, then you know the damage that is visible from rain, heat and cold. Well, Southco’s 
We have all been there: Trying to keep a door open with our foot, a shoe or something else we find lying around. Today’s applications increasingly require hands–free access (or a really patient friend who will hold the door for you). If this is the case with your application, consider using a hinge with a built-in detent feature to hold the door or panel open at a preset angle. Or use an adjustable-torque feature, which will let you tighten or free up the door swing. Both of these hinge styles eliminate mechanical supports like gas struts or door stays.
stay. They bring with them some nice benefits, too. They reduce the number of parts, cut down on installation time and lower the overall cost.
reduces vibration (a viable option when you know you might have rattling!). In some cases, you won’t even need a latch. Detent hinges are most appropriate for small lightweight applications. If this sounds like your application and you can benefit from some of these features, give it a try!
and two-point latching options. We all like convenience, and our cam latch installations should be no different! A latched/unlatched status indicator provides users with quick visual confirmation of latch status, too, so there is no more guesswork about whether your panel or door is secured. 
Whether your application is office furniture, an RV or an electronic enclosure, the E5 has a design and configuration to fit your needs. Simplicity, versatility and flexibility. 
Our Applications Engineers will be on hand to answer your toughest implementation challenges.
It's always nice when a respected publication like PD&D puts one of our new products on their 
resulted in the industry’s first biometric-integrated latch for computer server racks. Southco has teamed with Digitus Biometrics to secure data right down to the rack level in datacenters.
ordinary connector. User access to cabinets is then managed from a single desktop. No more keys, cards or PIN pads. And 100% accurate validation! Interfaced with a monitoring network, the system can remotely account for all rack activity, including who accessed it, when it was accessed and the duration. An audit trail has never been simpler. The new db ServerRack access control system includes all needed software and is easily and conveniently retrofitted into existing enclosures. 
This compact unit means that transitioning from mechanical solutions to 
We all know that safety and security are paramount concerns for the healthcare industry. Providers need to restrict access to patient records, medications and equipment. They need to ensure regulatory compliance. And they often need the ability to monitor systems remotely. It’s a challenge. And it’s one that Southco takes seriously.
compromised. Whether it’s quarter-turn locks or advanced compression and push-to-close latches, Southco’s mechanical access solutions ensure that information, medication and supplies stay protected. Locks are robust and vandal-resistant, and flexible Key Choice systems offer different locking options. Automatic locking, multipoint systems and stainless steel construction are all features of various mechanical solutions. 
But there are instances when managing physical keys is simply not practical or when dealing with HIPAA requirements. Electronic access solutions such as keypads, electronic keys and RF-based proximity card readers eliminate mechanical keys and work with existing networks. Providers can use these components for remote monitoring, electronic signature and audit trails. What’s also nice is that electronic locks offer programmability that enables automatic relocking, time delays and other unique requirements. 
Data Center World, presented by Afcom hosted their 30 year anniversary tradeshow conference this past weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada on October the 5th. Data Center World is widely considered as the premier tradeshow for central data managers and industry leaders. The conference focuses on data center management and alternatives to securing data within servers through physical and cyber means. 
This week 
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