Electronic Latches

Southco is bringing its electronic locking capabilities outside with the recent launch of our R4-EM Outdoor Electronic Rotary Latch.

With its corrosion-resistant plated-steel or stainless steel outer body construction and fully-sealed internal actuator, the R4-EM Outdoor provides reliable electronic locking that is resistant to moisture and dust, making it an excellent choice for external applications.

The R4-EM Outdoor works just like the standard R4-EM, and accepts control inputs from any access control device. In addition to its ability to perform in corrosive environments, the R4-EM Outdoor is designed with a higher working load and ultimate load that ensures reliable operation in demanding environments.

 

 

 

 

The R4-EM Outdoor delivers optimal design flexibility and is ideal for outdoor applications that require concealed, convenient and secure electronic access.

 

To learn more about Southco’s complete line of electronic access solutions, visit Southco’s R4-EM product page.

 

 

In today’s healthcare facilities, security threats extend beyond physical building security and down to medical enclosures such as cabinets, dispensing carts and charting stations, and portable diagnostic equipment. For many healthcare facility managers, monitoring security at the enclosure or cart level can be a challenge. In response, many are looking to the manufacturers of these enclosures for solutions.

Managing mechanical keys can be complicated, inconvenient and costly. Physical keys need to be carefully managed to ensure they are in the hands of authorized personnel only. These keys must also be retrieved and reassigned when employees change shifts or are no longer employed by the institution, which can be a challenge in larger facilities. By replacing traditional key locks with electromechanical locks and latches, access to medical equipment can be easily modernized to meet changing security needs.

Electronic locks, like Southco’s R4-EM Light Duty Electronic Rotary Latch for example, allow medical equipment manufacturers to build intelligent security into their products. When used as part of an electronic access system (EAS), the electronic lock creates an electronic signature that can provide user authentication, audit trail and reporting capabilities, simplifying security administration and eliminating opportunities for physical security breaches.

Southco’s R4-EM provides a simple, versatile solution for a variety of medical applications. This compact latch is mounted inside the equipment, using minimal interior space and allowing a clean exterior appearance that protects it from vandalism. The R4-EM can be easily wired directly to a wide variety of access-control devices, such as the EA-KC2 Membrane Keypad Access Controller, the EA-R02 RF Wireless Remote Controller and the EA-P3 Proximity Reader for a complete remotely managed access system.

Electronic access solutions are ideal for medical equipment as they can provide an indisputable access audit trail for all doors and cabinets secured electronically. Each time an enclosure equipped with an electronic latch opens or closes, a signal is sent to a monitoring system to confirm and log access. Depending on the configuration, EAS reporting can provide more than just simple open/closed information – such as which credential activated the electronic lock and the time and duration of the event.

Southco will be exhibiting at Bauma China 2012 – the International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Construction Vehicles and Equipment. Join us at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai from Nov. 27-30.

Stop by our exhibit in Hall N4, Stand 213 to experience our interior, chassis and cab entry solutions for the off-highway industry, including:

• Compression latches
• Rotary latches and actuators
• Positioning arms and mounts
• Electronic Access Solutions

Bauma is a great opportunity to learn more about the latest technology for construction sites, extraction and processing of raw materials, production of building materials and components and services for the off-highway industry. Not attending this year? Download our Off-Highway Design Guide.

When designing physical security into self-service enclosures, such as kiosks and pick-up drop-off points (PUDOs), manufacturers must anticipate the need for modern methods of access control and incorporate new technology, while still providing a solution that is cost-effective and meets the requirements of the growing self-service industry. Incorporating appropriate electromechanical locks or latches (EMLs) into enclosure design is key to delivering an end product that delivers convenience, usability and above all, security.

Electronic access solutions can provide an indisputable access audit trail for all doors and cabinets secured electronically. Each time an EML-equipped enclosure opens or closes, a signal is sent to a monitoring system to confirm and log access. Depending on the configuration, EAS reporting can provide more than just simple open/closed information – such as which credential activated the EML and the time and duration of the event.

An EML serves as both a locking/latching device and intelligent access interface, offering a full range of retrofit options to update the security and control of existing enclosures for a variety of applications.

When selecting a quality EML, such as Southco’s R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch, it should meet the following criteria:

• Integrates easily with existing control systems
• Provides simple and versatile installation options
• Includes a mechanical override feature for manual release in case of power failure
• Provides optimum efficiency to provide high mechanical strength while using minimum electrical power
• Incorporates built in intelligence to allow for various locking features such as delayed re-locking, lock status monitoring, sleep mode and communication with external systems

When issuing security cards, codes and keys, it is often difficult to guarantee that only the individuals authorized to use these items will actually do so. Though it may be against company policy, an employee may still allow a co-worker to borrow his/her key for the sake of convenience. Even with the latest technology-based security and audit solutions, tracking the person who is actually assigned to their individual method of access can be a challenge.

Recently, a firm tasked with designing enclosure cabinets for a government research facility approached Southco about specifying an enhanced security latching solution into their application. The facility had requested a door latch that would allow only certain employees to access server cabinets containing highly-confidential, restricted government data.

Their main concern was centered on finding a way to ensure that only these employees could physically open the doors to the restricted cabinets. Additionally, the facility required the capability to electronically track and record access to the door latch via a remote system located off site.

Southco suggested its H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle, which offers integrated sensors and multiple output signals that provide data for both local and remote monitoring, facilitating the maintenance of an accurate, trackable audit trail - while keeping enclosure doors securely latched.

The H3-EM is Southco's leading electronic lock, now available with a built-in biometric verification and access control system, which allows the system to verify the individual’s unique fingerprint before the lock is released and the cabinet can be opened. Fast fingerprint validation via the biometric reader eliminates the need for keys, cards or PIN pads and provides accurate user identification.

Would you use biometrics in locking and security applications?  Tell us in the comments.

Southco’s popular electronic swinghandle is now available with an integrated proximity reader, allowing our customers to seamlessly add additional keyless entry points to existing security systems.

Southco’s new H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle with Integrated Proximity Reader produces a standard 26 bit Wiegand output and accepts HID 125 kHz prox cards or tags – and is compatible with existing user credentials.

The H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle with Integrated Proximity Reader features single panel preparation, allowing it to be easily incorporated into standard industry designs.

By integrating both the prox reader and swinghandle into one solution, it saves the customer both time and labor involved with installation. The H3-EM with Integrated Proximity Reader offers enhanced electromechanics, and easy set up and configuration, as well as improved ergonomics.

Additionally, when connected to an existing security system, this new swinghandle also enables the user to easily track and record access to the electronic locks, providing an audit trail that can be used to help demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements.

Interested in learning more? Visit the electronic latching swinghandle page for more information about how the H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle with Integrated Proximity Reader can help meet your datacenter security needs.

Southco’s newest technology allows you to seamlessly actuate multiple electronic locks and devices through your existing computer. Southco’s EA-A06 USB Controller provides simple, independent, remote actuation of up to 14 electromechanical latches when connected to a standard computer USB port.

The EA-A06 is designed with plug-and-play functionality which eliminates the need to splice wires and allows electronic locks and devices to be directly connected into the controller, saving time and labor involved with installation. By connecting the EA-A06 to an existing computer, the computer becomes a single source for remote actuation, eliminating the need for additional access control devices.

The EA-A06 provides an interface between the user’s existing interface and electronic latches which can provide remote control and audit trail capabilities that can be used to help demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements – making it an ideal choice for self service, enclosure and medical applications.

Additionally, the controller is compatible with Southco’s electromechanical latches, including our popular R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch, EM e-Keeper and H3-EM Electronic Swinghandle, as well as other electronic locks and devices.

Learn more about Southco’s robust line of EAS products.

Have an application that the EA-A06 USB Controller may be appropriate for? Tell us in the comments.

Cloud computing is not just a technology buzz phrase anymore – it’s a reality. As more companies begin moving their data (and customer data) to the cloud, the focus is not just on the new technology itself, but on securing datacenters and protecting information from the threat of security breaches.

While many precautions can be taken software-wise when it comes to preventing a cyber-attack, it is the physical security at the cabinet level of the datacenter that is often overlooked.

Recognizing that data can be accessed on the ground as well as in a network setting, a cloud computing provider recently approached our engineers seeking a more sophisticated access control system solution to replace the existing locks on its datacenter enclosure cabinets.

The datacenter was currently using a combination locking system in conjunction with a mechanical latch on all cabinet doors, with a unique combination code assigned to each employee who would need to gain access to the enclosures. Due to more stringent regulatory requirements affecting the data which was stored by the provider, it was necessary to incorporate an upgraded access control system with an electronic latch, enabling an automated, secure audit trail that could be monitored from a remote location.

The engineers also communicated to Southco that they already use an existing non-contact card reader system to grant employees access to datacenter entrance points. The provider requested that the new electronic latching system for their cabinets integrate with their existing security system and use the same access control credentials.

Our engineers suggested Southco’s H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle and our EA-P3 Proximity Reader. The intelligence of our H3-EM offers electronic locking capability and allows for remote monitoring and access through the datacenter’s existing security system. The EA-P3 produces a standard 26 bit Wiegand output and reads HID 125 kHz prox cards or tags, making it compatible with the datacenter’s existing security system  and allowing datacenter staff to use their current access control credentials to unlock and open their cabinets.

What steps are you taking to ensure that your datacenter cabinets are securely locked? Tell us in the comments.

In hospitals, pharmaceutical theft is a big problem. Medicine that is unaccounted for or dispensed of improperly can cause disruptions to patient care, and in severe cases, these actions can even result in accidental death. To prevent pharmaceutical theft from occurring, the medical industry must implement access solutions that not only keep pharmaceutical inventory secure, but provide an electronic, trackable audit trail as well.

Recently, our engineers were approached by a manufacturer of medical storage devices regarding an interior latching system for a medical dispensing cart. The manufacturer was seeking a latching solution that would allow the individual drawers of a medication dispensing cart to be automatically opened and closed when accessed through an attached touchscreen computer.

Southco engineers recommended the R4-EM Light Duty Rotary Latch, which provides a simple, versatile electromechanical latch solution that allows access to complete systems to be monitored and controlled remotely, in this case through the computer attached to the dispensing cart.

When the user’s access code is entered into the computer and the medicine is selected, the computer sends a signal to Southco's R4-EM to open the latch of the corresponding medicine drawer. Once the medicine is removed, the drawer simply needs to be closed manually by the user, and it is once again securely re-latched. 

Constructed of durable composite plastic, Southco's R4-EM Light Duty Rotary Latch delivers the proven reliability of the Steel R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch in a lightweight, compact package. Other features include a microprocessor control that provides energy efficiency, an integrated mechanical override should a power failure occur, and an optional internal microswitch to provide an output to indicate the status of the lock.

What steps are you taking to safeguard your pharmaceuticals? Do you use door latches or electronic latching solutions in your applications? 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.

The Southco Honeoye Falls Facility is nurturing the next generation of engineers through the sponsorship of a team of local high-school students, who not only competed in this year’s regional FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), but took the top honor against 41 teams.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) was founded in 1989 to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. FIRST sponsors events for K-12 students which are designed to help them discover and develop a passion for science, engineering, technology and math.

As the main focus of this year’s FRC, Honeoye’s team, the SUITS (Students Utilizing Ingenuity Technology and Science) created a robot that they used to participate in this year’s tournament, which required them to compete against other teams by executing a series of tasks for points.

The robot, which was designed and completely built within six weeks according to strict FIRST deadlines, also helped the team to secure the Rookie Highest Seed Award in addition to their victory at the Finger Lakes Regional Competition at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in March.

Building a robot in only six weeks was no easy task. However, when it comes to design, Southco’s engineers are always up for a challenge. It’s only natural that Honeoye Falls’ own Rick Langkamp, Manager of Manufacturing Technology and New Product Development, would jump at the opportunity to mentor the SUITS and help them design, execute and test a robot in such a short time.

“It’s a very aggressive timeframe,” said Langkamp, who has over 28 years of experience with Southco. “It would be a stretch even if I brought it in here as a regular project.”

Langkamp is no stranger to FIRST – his own son has participated in the FIRST LEGO-League, a category for kids grades 4-8. Langkamps’s main focus as a mentor for the SUITS team is assisting them in the programming for the control system of the robot.

Langkamp, who has been with Southco since he was an engineering co-op, works primarily with mechanical and electronic controls and sensors, focusing on new product development and new manufacturing processes. He was impressed with the quality and sophistication of the software and full kit of electronic parts available to his team, which are provided by FIRST sponsors and are available to them for a full 12 months.

“We never had access to this cool stuff when I was a kid,” said Langkamp. “Imagine the potential of kids who come up through the program and what they could contribute to the future of engineering,” he said.

Southco’s products played a key role in the development of the team’s robot, said Langkamp. Scrap metal from Southco’s production facility, fasteners, latching hardware and other machined parts from the Honeoye Falls facility were used in the robot’s construction. Southco’s Information Technology (IT) team even donated several old laptops for the team to use when programming the robot.

The SUITS’ robot has a variety of advanced features and is designed to be as close to a real engineering experience as possible. Langkamp said that the robot-building process offered by FIRST is unique in that:

• The frame is typically built from aluminum channel , similar to 80/20 aluminum.
• A programmable logic controller from National instruments is included in the control system (These are programmed in Labview, Java, or C++).
• A wireless network access point is incorporated, as all robots are required to run on a wireless network during the competition.
• Electronics includes variable speed motors , switches, solenoids, servomechanisms and lighting.
• Many robots incorporate a camera and vision system as well as ultrasonic sensors, gyros and accelerometers.
• Teams also have the option of using a pneumatic compressor and air cylinders.
• It is up to each FRC team to decide how they want to design their robot using Autocad, Pro- E (CREO) and other software.
• The teams are held to a budget of $3200, with a maximum allowed robot weight of 120 lbs.

In addition to the robot design, FRC teams are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand” and work together as a team.  With the help of their team leader, 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.

“It’s just a great program,” said Langkamp. “There is something for everyone because kids involved can choose to do marketing, fundraising and finance, not just engineering.”

Look for the SUITS’ logo, a black shirt with white tie, at the FIRST Championship competition, which will be hosted at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri on April 25-28. The SUITS (Team #3951) will compete against other regional winners as they contend for the top spot in the national competition.

There is no question-- electronic record keeping is now the norm. But as the technology has advanced, so too has the opportunity to exploit it. Fortunately, a unique partnership has 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.

The db ServerRack access control system marries Southco’s proven H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle with a built-in, multi-stage fingerprint verification and access control system from Digitus Biometrics. It sounds very “CSI,” but it’s actually quite simple and very effective.

The access control unit connects directly to a datacenter’s network via an 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. 

To view Southco's entire line of Electronic Latches visit our new dedicated Electronic Access Solutions Mini-site and download a copy of our electronic latching guide.
 

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 2-part series on healthcare access hardware solutions

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.

Southco has designed its access systems (mechanical and electronic alike) to meet the healthcare industry’s strict measures for increased security and patient safety. 

You can imagine the danger a hospital might face if its secure areas were easily 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.

To share your thoughts on healthcare industry challenges or learn more about Southco’s complete system offerings, email us or request your copy of Southco’s Healthcare Access Hardware Guide.
 
Coming Next: Part 2— Ergonomic solutions for the healthcare industry