Electronic Access Solutions

Now you can wirelessly actuate Southco locks with ease with our new EA-R02 RF Remote Control System. The EA-R02 RF offers economical, remote control operation with a key fob, putting access in the palm of your hand. 

The EA-R02 RF Remote Control System is an extension of our EA-R01 series, which was constructed for heavy duty and waterproof applications. The EA-R02 RF is Southco's electronic access solution (EAS) designed and constructed for use with light-duty, indoor applications.

Simply press the “lock” or “unlock” button (just like you do with your car’s keyfob) and your Southco lock will respond from approximately 60 feet away.

Like its predecessor, the EA-R02 RF provides convenient, secure access management and eliminates the need to carry numerous mechanical keys. The unit arrives pre-programmed as well, allowing for trouble-free installation and setup. 

Do you have an application requiring the EA-R02 RF’s remote control locking availability? Tell us in the comments.

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.

Southco’s EA-P3 Proximity Reader provides convenient, secure access control of electronic locking devices in a compact package. The EA-P3 produces a standard 26 bit Wiegand output and accepts HID 125 kHz prox cards or tags, allowing it to be easily combined with an existing access controller to add additional keyless entry points to existing security systems.

In many equipment security applications, radio-frequency identification (RFID) proximity cards are replacing traditional lock and key applications as a flexible solution to access control needs. Southco’s EA-P3 is a great choice for applications requiring increased security because although the electronic locking system features sophisticated technology, it keeps access management simple and affordable for the operator.

The EA-P3 is easy to install, can be mounted virtually anywhere, and can also be combined with another Southco product – the EA-P1 Pin/Prox Reader – for a complete access control system.

The electronic locking capability of the EA-P3 makes it a practical addition to existing security systems, and is well suited to enclosures, medical and self service applications, secure storage and datacenters.

Interested in learning more about what Southco's Proximity Readers can do for your application? Email us!

It’s 2/3 the size of its big brother, features an integrated mechanical override and boasts a more efficient gear motor. Meet the Miniature E-Keeper System—a slimmed-down access solution that provides push-to-close operation in one unit.

This compact unit means that transitioning from mechanical solutions to electronic access solutions could not be simpler. It’s easy to install and can be added right to a frame for use with existing latches. If security is a major concern, it can mounted in a concealed location with remote mechanical override. Which means—yes—it is perfect for applications like medical storage units, postal terminals and other secured enclosures. Put simply, it is designed to simplify access while providing convenience, security and control.

Another great thing about the Mini? It’s flexible. So it’ll work with keypads, key fobs, card swipes…an array of different actuation devices. That versatility means you can integrate the specific level of secure access control you require. It accommodates multiple mounting configurations, too, so it can be easily integrated into existing designs. Ahh…secure electronic or manual operation without having to modify enclosure designs. That’ll make OEMs happy!

To share your thoughts on the E-Keeper or learn more about Southco’s complete system offerings, leave us a comment here. We’d love to hear from you!

Part 1 of a 3-part series on off-highway access components

It might not be a Mercedes, but it just might cost as much! Off-highway vehicles and machinery are not cheap, so security is an obvious necessity. And anyone who has worked with off-highway equipment knows that convenience and durability are also paramount. Southco recognizes the challenges of marrying these features together in reliable, affordable entry door components.

If you’ve operated multiple vehicles on a job site, then you know the joy of multiple keys. Not exactly convenient. Electronic key systems allow operators different access privileges across a large number of vehicles. A key fob, information reader and validation controller all work together seamlessly with Southco electromechanical locks so users can program, add and delete keys with the simple press of a button. Security and convenience in one!

Southco’s actuators and latches are designed to ensure durability and ergonomic comfort in heavy duty vehicles and equipment. Corrosion-resistant products mean you won’t see rust and deterioration, and push-to-close convenience ensures you won't break a sweat struggling to close a squeaking door.

Let’s face it; it’s not always easy to choose the right latch, the right actuator and the right cables. So rather than just offering a latch, Southco offers a complete system. To share your thoughts on entry door solutions or learn more about Southco’s complete system offerings, email us or download your copy of our Design Guide today.

 Coming Next: Part 2— Chassis Components for a Rugged Environment

 

Remote Monitoring Solutions

Part 3 of a 3-part series on Electronic Access Solutions

It might be a simple indicator light or a sophisticated monitoring system. Whatever the choice, a remote monitoring solution is the final piece to a full Electronic Access Solution (EAS).

So how does it work? Let’s take Southco’s H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle as an example. In this scenario, the Swinghandle provides electronic access security to datacenter cabinets. Its integrated sensors and multiple output signals provide data for both local and remote monitoring.  The swinghandle can be integrated with industry standard rack monitoring solutions with a simple retrofit, and the microprocessor-controlled gear motor design ensures minimal power consumption and multi-event status reporting.

The possibilities with today’s remote monitoring solutions are endless. You can provide an electronic “signature” each time a lock is actuated. Combined with a unique input credential, the system can provide the necessary output to networked systems to control and monitor access from any remote location. You can use an EAS with an existing networked control system that is down the hall or across the globe. And we can help.

 If you'd like to get started on an electronic access solution integration, be sure to check out our new EAS Guide. It will walk you through the basic components you will need for your system. Once you know what you want, contact our dedicated design team with your design requirements so we can help get your project rolling!

Atlanta in March – a nice break from the snow and cold! Someone forgot to tell the weatherman, as two inches of snow landed on the Atlanta landscape and caused school closings, business closings, and airport craziness…

Inside the Georgia World Congress Center  people seemed not to notice. HIMSS10 (Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society) Conference and Exhibition offered networking opportunities and over 300 educational sessions regarding the latest solutions for improving healthcare through IT, including EHRs and HIPPA requirements.

The halls seemed to go on forever, with more than 900 exhibiting companies showing their latest innovations including medical carts, cabinets, software, networks, and security solutions to name a few.   The 27,000+ attendees walked the show, visited booths, played video golf, and Rock Band, and possibly even stopped by the well-attended daily happy hour at a booth I won’t mention by name.

As I walked the show, the applications I saw were endless.  Carts galore – from simple mobile workstations to very complex medication dispensing carts with electronic latching and full audit trail capability – most with Southco solutions! There were also many storage cabinets used for equipment, supplies and medications, again using Southco latches and hinges for a distinctive look and feel. Electronic access solutions seemed of great interest to nearly everyone we talked to as hospitals strive to ensure patient safety and privacy, while keeping medications controlled. On many occasions I found our electronic rotary latches and electronic strikes on applications at the conference. Which makes sense since I have often seen our design engineer’s workstations filled with pieces of medical equipment that they are developing new products for.

As the day went on my legs grew tired and I knew I had to refresh… a quick game of pop-a-shot and a Red Bull later, I was ready to explore again! And what did I find, but opportunities for Southco positioning control technology all over the expo. Ergonomics was on the top of everyone’s mind. The need to position monitors, devices and other medical equipment is vital to doctors, nurses and technicians work and companies are dedicating major resources to improving this area. There was a lot of interest in our new Dynamic Mounting Arm that allows easy positioning of screens and monitors. In addition to the Arm, our positioning control hinges will improve the flexibility of all kinds of medical equipment including wall mounts, cart monitors and even hand-held medical devices.

Well, I must close now… there is a lot of follow-up to be done for this fantastic show. Hope to see you next year in Orlando with Mickey!

Starting today, March 1st, and running through Wednesday, March 4th, our design and business teams will be attending the HIMSS10-Healthcare IT Conference and Exhibition in Atlanta, Georgia. They will be walking the show and talking with customers regarding their needs for monitor arms and electronic access solutions.

We look forward to meeting with any of you visiting the Georgia World Congress Center for what promises to be an exciting event.  We're there to help with any access hardware or position control challenges you are facing so don't be shy! Let us know how we can help.

Part 2 of a 3-part series on Electronic Access Solutions

So you’ve chosen the appropriate electromechanical lock or latch (EML) for your application. As we discussed before, your selection will dictate the ultimate design of the end product. As the heart of any system, the EML is critical to the overall quality of any Electronic System.

A self-contained solution, such as a keypad, can offer basic plug-and-play access control without the need for software or network administration. Users have the convenience of not having to carry a physical key or device, the ability to manage and monitor unique user access codes, and the flexibility to change codes without physically distributing new keys or access devices. Proximity based and remote RF control systems are wireless solutions that can simplify security for both large and small organizations. They offer hands-free convenience and the ability to open locks and latches without physical contact.

Southco's latest access control option is the electronic key. This little device if especially useful with applications that feature many users with differing access privileges across a large number of enclosures. If you haven't seen one before, it looks a lot like the key fob you probably use to unlock your car. It fits snugly in your hand, is easy to program and provides simple key code management without the need to stock multiple key codes.  Just press it against the remote sensor and the EML will open.  (We have a few demo panels of the electronic key system in the office and I have to admit...they are pretty fun to play with. Unfortunately this can be annoying to the EML design engineers so they deactivated my key to the demo panels!)

Whatever the need, there's an access control solution suited to our application.

To share your thoughts on Access Control or learn more about Southco’s offerings, email us or visit our site at http://www.southco.com/minisites/eas/Access-Control-Device.aspx

Coming Next: Part 3—Remote Monitoring Solutions

Part 1 of a 3-part series on Electronic Access Solutions

They are critical to the overall quality of any Electronic Access System. Their design influences everything from electrical requirements and physical security to ease of installation and design of the end product. I’m talking of course about the heart of every Electronic Access Solution: the electromechanical lock or latch (EML).

Here at Southco, the simple mechanical latch has transformed over the years into a reliable EML with the benefits of access control. I sit near the EML design group and it has been fantastic to witness the changes that have transpired!

With this transformation came amazing new benefits.

The design of the EML makes it an easy next step in security over mechanical latches. Its ability to provide access control (via a keypad, for example) opened up tremendous possibilities for full Electronic Access Systems. Today’s Southco EMLs feature gear motor drives that use less power and provide higher load capabilities than solenoid-driven solutions. They also provide built-in intelligence and heavy-duty, vandal-resistant performance—features lacking in the mechanical latches of the past.

From a more technical standpoint, the EML has also evolved to include mechanical override options and latch status monitoring from a simple indicator light to a sophisticated monitoring system. Southco has embraced recent technological changes with three new EMLs of its own: the R4-EM, H3-EM and E-Keeper. All three provide robust performance that makes for a simple transition from mechanical to electronic access.

To share your thoughts on EMLs or learn more about Southco’s offerings, email us or visit our site at www.southco.com/eas

Coming Next: Part 2—Access Control: The Human Interface

I recently came across an article on the ‘Construction Equipment’ website regarding theft deterrent technology that I found particularly interesting (see http://www.constructionequipment.com/article/CA6675702.html?nid=4843&rid=12166898 ).  Being a manufacturer of access hardware for the construction equipment industry I found this very interesting.

It occurred to me that although there are some great advances in technology that help prevent the engine being started and big steps forward to improve the chance of quick recovery of stolen vehicles, there has been little discussion about stopping unauthorised entry into the cab and from gaining access to other areas of the vehicle.  With expensive LCD ‘touch screen’ technology, stereo systems and personal belongings being stored in the cab, surely it is important to stop thieves being able to get in?

An area that we have focused on is electronic access solutions, incorporating technology not too dissimilar to that found on automobiles.  A great example of this is Southco's electronic rotary latch, the R4-EM.  The beauty of this technology is that it can significantly enhance the level of vehicle security (no matter where it is being parked or stored) while still providing the same level of convenience as a single key for fleet owners and rental companies.  For example, you could give certain operators access to certain vehicles, change access rights whenever needed and even track who used what equipment and when.

Could electronic access hardware work for you? Why do some original equipment manufacturers seem reluctant to integrate this technology?

It would be great to hear your thoughts on comments on this subject!