Combined online⁄offline solution using Dialock Integra from Häfele in Cuxhaven town hall

A combined access control system that integrates offline components into an online system has been in use in refurbished Cuxhaven town hall since July 2006.  Office doors, bicycle-racks and even the post distribution system can be controlled and managed through this overarching system.

Dialock Integra devices are innovative offline components that can be integrated into online access control systems.  This makes it possible to integrate even "normal" interior and furniture doors into seamless, uniform access solutions.  The trend towards combined total solutions is no accident: compared with mixed solutions that use various locking media, combined solutions have far-reaching advantages when it comes to security, implementation, management of locking rights and use: both technically as well as from a cost point of view, Dialock Integra makes it simple to integrate every door into an across-the-board access control system.

For smaller and medium-sized properties, Häfele also offers an online system solution that is perfectly coordinated with the hardware components.  This consists of Integra Online Software (SOI), an access controller (ACM) and an interface terminal (IT).  The hardware and software fit together to provide a compact complete system.

Access solution in Cuxhaven town hall

The municipality of Cuxhaven has used an Integra solution in its completely revamped town hall since July 2006.  A new version of the software has already been deployed.  In this North Sea harbour town, four particular reasons were put forward in favour of replacing its mechanical key system by an integrated online/offline access control system.

The ability to assign temporary locking rights for all doors online was the first option that impressed.  This optimises utilisation of conference areas for instance.  If a staff member has reserved a room, the appropriate access authorisation is simply automatically written to their contactless LEGIC badge when they clock on in the morning.  Secondly, the solution allows integration of a web-based time and attendance recording system.  This way, just one medium is required for both applications.  Thirdly, for a public administrative body such as the Cuxhaven town hall, the system‘s multi-client capability is an important factor.  This means that further premises such as sports halls or field offices can be integrated into the system straightforwardly at any time.  Fourthly, because the number of electronic keys is unlimited, the system is already geared up for possible subsequent expansion.

Locking rights for approximately 400 passes are reassigned every day.  A combined online read/write device is available for this purpose.  Relevant up-to-date locking rights are stored centrally in the system and written to badges in the morning automatically.

Offices and adjoining rooms were fitted with 296 Dialock Integra door terminals.  Fifty of these are specially designed for fire resistant doors.  These so-called firestops are self-closing doors and other firestops that prevent fire spreading through walls and ceilings.  Fire resistance ratings and other requirements are laid down by various DIN standards and Guidelines of the German Institute for Construction Engineering (DIBT).  The system comprises a further 18 Dialock Integra wall-mounted terminals.  These are used to integrate not only doors that shut off corridors and external doors, but also bicycle-racks and garbage areas into the system.

A Multi-Output Terminal (MOT) even incorporates the post distribution system of the town hall (wall shelving system with pigeonholes) into the electronic locking system.  Individual pigeonholes, secured by electronic furniture locks, can be operated using the electronic key via a central reader area of similar design to the Dialock wall-mounted reader.  The corresponding authorisation, together with other access rights, is also written to the LEGIC badge, bringing it completely up to the minute.

360° property service

As a prime contractor for access control, Häfele provides a 360° property service to assist planning and implementation of the system.  This offering comprises a wide variety of services for architects, designers, contractors, fabricators and building owners.

Two existing areas were redeveloped for the new town hall in Cuxhaven and combined, together with another newly built area, to create a building flooded with light in accordance with plans produced by Architekten-Ingenieure PSP in Brunswick.  Thanks to close collaboration between Häfele consultants and all those involved, the Dialock door terminals have latches that blend in perfectly with the architectural concept.  What is more, installation of the entire access control system was completed in just six weeks.  Later on in the project, Häfele also supplied all mechanical door furniture such as latches and hinge plates.