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.
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.
Push-to-close latching technology is in everything from car doors and glove boxes to storage cabinets and office furniture. Its simple functionality allows us to securely close a panel and not have to worry about having to manually re-latch it.
In a push-to-close application, the cam rotates freely from the "closed”
position as it contacts the frame or keeper, and an integral spring pushes the cam back into the engaged position once the cam clears the keeper. Southco’s
E5 Push-to-Close Cam Latch features push-to-close convenience by incorporating a spring-loaded ramped cam or actuator for single or multi-point operation.
Basically it works like this: Think about how often you open and close a cabinet door. Adding our E5 to this application means that when you push the door towards its frame, a ramp-shaped cam rotates as it contacts the frame, the cam then springs back and moves behind the frame to achieve latching.
As with conventional
cam latches, the E5 latching mechanism rotates to disengage from the keeper, but once the panel is opened and the cam rotates back to the "closed" position, the ramp-shaped face of the retractable cam functions like a push-to-close mechanism, ensuring safe, trouble-free operation even if the door is shut with the cam in the closed position.
The unsung value that
push-to-close operation brings to your application design is paramount. Incorporating an action as simple as not having to manually re-lock a door every time it is closed can bring great value to end users in a wide array of industries.
Is simplicity a priority in your application? Tell us in the comments.
“If the cost of gas goes any higher, I’m taking the train.” Sound familiar? It’s no secret that the ever-rising cost of gas is forcing many commuters to abandon their normal car ride to work and opt for public transportation instead. In answer, many railway
companies are taking increased ridership by the horns, and making design upgrades to their heavily used railcars.
We recently had a conversation with an engineer who was tasked with redesigning the interior of a local transit company’s existing railcar. The transit company had requested the engineer to incorporate suggestions obtained through a commuter survey into the design, including improvements to hinges, locking mechanisms embedded in seating. Of the commuters who provided feedback, a significant number were concerned about having a place to hang their coats, bags and personal belongings during overcrowded peak hours.
Specifically, the engineer was seeking a safe way in which to incorporate coat hooks. In the traditional rail car design, a multi-pronged coat hook protruded from the center of the outer seat panel into the walkway, and often into people forced to stand during peak commuting hours. The challenge was replacing this outdated and potentially dangerous design with something that was both safe and functional.
Our experts suggested
Southco’s MP Coat Hook, which remains flush when not in use, and deploys an inner latch, releasing pop-out hook with just the push of a button. It’s ability to remain flush when unused frees up more space, allowing for multiple installations should the design require it. The MP is available with several flange shapes with multiple chrome- or brass-plated finishes to match the stylish new interiors of many mass transportation vehicles – including not only railcars, but buses and airplanes as well.
How will the growth of commuting impact mass transit interior design? Or have an application for a
compression latch or
position contol hinge you would like to discuss? Tell us in the comments.
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.
We recently had an engineering firm come to us late in the design process with a need to incorporate a multi-point locking system into a tall, upright enclosure door design. The cabinet required a latch that would securely lock its entire length with only one turn. The firm also requested that the system take up minimal space in the overall cabinet design.
Southco engineers suggested one, three-point
H3 Swinghandle Multi-point System to secure
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.
Southco’s H3 is available with multiple offset cams, multi-point latching, and numerous locking and non-locking options that simplify cost-effective configuration. Available in lightweight, robust nylon or heavy-duty die-cast, the H3 is suitable for indoor enclosure cabinet applications across industries.
What types of challenges have you experienced in your enclosure design? Or do you have an application question about
latches,
hinges or
captive fasteners? Tell us in the comments.
It seems like everyone is dieting these days…even our products. The new
R4-EM Light Duty Electronic Rotary Latch brings the same proven reliability of the standard steel version but has lost a bit of weight—65% to be exact, thanks to its engineered composite plastic construction. But don’t be misled by the compact package; this latch is big in performance.
A microprocessor control brings energy efficiency, and an integrated mechanical override is included for use should a power failure occur.
Need to know the latch status? The optional microswitch will let you know when the door is locked or unlocked. And if you want to monitor and control complete systems remotely, it’s all possible with this latch.
The R4-EM is simple to use, simple to install and is concealed for hidden access. Add a 12-24 volt DC power supply (and any access control device), and you have a complete electronic access solution.
Visit our website for more information on the entire line of Rotary Latches or any of our other
latches,
hinges or
electronic access solutions.
What do you think of the new R4-EM?
Drop us a line.
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
new line of actuators are here, and they are as tough as the elements and are designed for entry door applications. The AC-30 and AC-40 are constructed of corrosion resistant materials and can be used in a wide range of outdoor temperatures.
Both actuators work with
Southco R4 rotary latches directl
y or can be used with cables and rods for a complete rotary latch system. Your equipment will be secure on the job site or roadside due to the key-locking feature with multiple key codes.
The AC-30’s single hole installation enables effective mounting in restricted spaces, and the AC-40 features a large grip handle and single-motion open feature. With the addition of these new actuators, Southco has an even great line of solutions for your most challenging applications. Tell us about it. Or leave a comment. We love to hear from you.
Join Southco at the
IFSEC 2011 Tradeshow this week. We will be displaying our latest
Electronic Access Solutions at the Isonas booth, Hall 4 4/E160d.
Our Applications Engineers will be on hand to answer your toughest implementation challenges.
We look forward to seeing you there!
If you are unable to attend, feel free to email our customer service, available around the world 24/7. They are available to discuss electronic access solutions or any of Southco's 40,000
latches,
hinges, or
locks.
About IFSEC:
IFSEC is the largest annual security event in the UK.
This year's show saw IFSEC continue to offer unrivalled security solutions to more than 22,743 security professionals.
Dedicated to offering all things security, IFSEC offers you the full spectrum of security products and services available both in the UK and worldwide. Housing 600+ leading manufacturers, suppliers and distributors, the 2010 event had a global reach of over 22,743 attendees from 130 countries and was supported by all industry associations and countless media.
It's always nice when a respected publication like PD&D puts one of our new products on their
website.
The latest new product to be placed on their site is our
EA-KC2 Membrane Keypad Access Controller. This new keypad can adhere to a frame or door, inside or out. The ability to adhere or be molded into a wide variety of surfaces, combined with connecting it to any one of our
Electronic Latches or Locks brings electronic access to applications that would not have been possible just a few years ago.
Please leave a comment or
email us if you would like to hear about some examples of how this new technology is being used in the marketplace.
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.
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
Most of us operated a rotary latch the last time we opened a car door. It holds the door tight when closed but can be opened with a simple pull on the car handle. Seems pretty easy, right? So do we really need to hook wires up to it and have a motor open it for us? Well, in a lot of cases…yes! The simple addition of electronics to a standard rotary latch opens a new world of possibilities.
A mechanical rotary latch is commonly opened with a cable that is routed to it from an
actuator, usually a handle or button. Depending on the cable routing and the closing force of the latch, it may require a significant amount of effort to open. An electronic rotary latch is actuated by a signal rather than a cable. The gear-motor drive opens the latch with a push of a button, which makes it an ideal fit for applications with high loads or long cable runs.
Perhaps you have an application where multiple latches are connected to the same keypad or controller. Or an application where you do not want a door ejected by the latch. Or maybe vandal resistance is a key concern driving latch selection. Well, Southco’s Delayed Re-lock R4-EM takes the versatile rotary latch technology of its predecessor and marries it with the ability to control the unlock time.
The new version electrically unlocks to enable manual release. A signal is sent to the latch and the trigger is moved to the unlocked position for as long as the signal is present. So a door can remain open or closed for as long as you wish. When the signal is removed, the trigger moves back to the locked position so the door can be pushed closed and secured. It’s as simple as that. And the benefits are plentiful, including low power consumption, high load capability, optional feedback and simple installation. There is nothing else available that provides the performance of this latch in such a compact size. It’s got a lot of punch in an efficient package.
To share your thoughts on the R4-EM rotary latch or learn more about Southco’s complete Electronic Access offerings, email us or visit our site at http://www.southco.com
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
This week Design News announced its Annual
Best New Products Awards finalists and winners. Two Southco products were named as finalists in the Fastening and Joining Category; The Electromechanical Swing Handle and the Dynamic Mounting Arm.
Southco’s H3-EM Electronic Locking Swinghandle provides efficient electronic access security to datacenter cabinets and industrial enclosures. Integrated sensors and multiple output signals provide data for both local and remote monitoring. The H3-EM can be integrated with industry standard rack monitoring solutions with a simple retrofit. The efficient microprocessor-controlled gear motor design ensures minimal power consumption and multi-event status reporting.
Southco’s AV-D30 Dynamic Mounting Arm provides integrated positioning technology that enables the arm to function efficiently in applications needing a robust, stable solution. The constant torque, user-friendly positioning features full tilt, swivel and swing out adjustments. Additionally, the arm can withstand touch forces, vibration and heavy loading.
While neither product won the category, our design teams are honored to have two of our new products selected as finalists by Design News. We look forward to competing again next year!
If you are interested in seeing any of the other 25 new latches, hinges, or fasteners that we launched in the past year,
click here.
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!
If an Electronic Access Solution is not what you are looking for right now, you can always check out our complete line of
latches, hinges, or captive fasteners.
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.
That brings us to the next step in the process: choosing an access control device to suit your application’s needs. Today’s marketplace offers a wide variety of devices— from simple standalone keypads to RF remote control systems. As the human interface piece of a complete Electronic Access Solution, the access control device holds great importance in both its benefits and styling. It reduces costs associated with mechanical key distribution, tracking and replacement issues. It streamlines access control. And it provides the versatility of an electronic interface.
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
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