A Digital Access Solution from Assa Abloy for a Waste Disposal Plant
Device range, cyber-security compliance, and weather resistance make eCLIQ the right choice for this particular infrastructure.
In 1979, nine districts and five cities in Bavaria, Germany founded a joint association for the disposal of residual waste. The ZMS (Zweckerverband Müllverwertung Schwandorf) with 17 association members disposes waste for around a fifth of Bavaria, almost two million citizens. They also use the energy generated by the waste power plant as efficiently as possible.
A mechanical locking system was used on all ZMS properties until recently. The association planned a digital upgrade to boost flexibility over their existing mechanical locking, not least because their principal site at Schwandorf has areas requiring different levels of security. Devices and other access hardware need high weather resistance for deployment outdoors. Managers also considered workflow efficiency: they wanted a way to manage access authorization more flexibly and to align the security infrastructure with imminent new IT security laws such as NIS2.
The company chose eCLIQ, part of the suite of Digital Access Solutions from Assa Abloy. This innovative, programmable key-based solution now equips not only the power plant and headquarters in Schwandorf, but also buildings across eastern Bavaria, including transfer stations, a waste disposal site, a sorting plant in Bodenwöhr, and a sludge drying plant, as well as all technical and commercial offices, gate control systems and local control points. The broad range of digital cylinders within its single ecosystem suits diverse and complex organizations like ZMS. The digitally networked system allows access rights and security levels to be defined and assigned flexibly and precisely. Twenty wall programming devices installed in the head office and branch offices ensure that only authorized employees gain access. These also make it easy to set limited access time windows for fitters or maintenance contractors. If a key is lost, it can be programmed out immediately to prevent misuse.
Each of ZMS’s around 1,000 wireless digital cylinders is powered by a battery inside the keyholder’s personalized key – standard eCLIQ keys have a battery life of 10 years with typical usage. The solution has the advantage that a depleted battery does not render a cylinder useless – the key is simply fitted with a spare battery, saving time and effort.
Security is a critical concern at municipal and infrastructure sites: every eCLIQ device offers reliable protection against manipulation and intelligent break-in attempts. The keys are robust with a waterproof casing, and operate reliably in the most challenging environmental conditions.
