Ann Timme

ENGAGE enabled wireless locks can be integrated into access control systems for greater capabilities Allegion plc, a leading global provider of security products and solutions, will show ASHE Annual exhibition attendees how easily they can migrate from mechanical locks to electronic access control to secure more openings at a lower cost than other electronic locks with many of the same features. At the American Society for Healthcare Engineering Technical Exhibition, August 4-5 in Chicago, Allegion will display an unprecedented level of simplicity and convenience by featuring ENGAGE technology-enabled Schlage NDE Series wireless electronic locks. Through the ENGAGE mobile app, healthcare facility administrators can easily monitor usage and control daily access rights of employees, doctors and visitors. ENGAGE enabled wireless locks can be integrated into most popular access control systems for even greater capabilities, including real-time control. NDE wireless locks will accommodate multiple credential formats. "We are proud to be a Gold Sponsor of ASHE Annual and a 2014 Business Sponsor of ASHE," explains Ann Timme, marketing manager-healthcare, Allegion. "We continually ask ASHE members what types of new door hardware and access control products they want to see on the market. Many of the products found in our ASHE booth are designed around their suggestions." One issue engineers have focused on recently centres around reducing the noise and disturbances of traditional door exit devices. By incorporating an innovative, mechanical damper technology, most of the noise associated with push pad exit devices has been eliminated with Von Duprin® QEL (Quiet Electronic Latch) exit devices. Credentials and ID badges used in hospitals are often not secure and multiple types of credentials are needed to access the different applications needed during a work day. As will be shown in the booth, healthcare organisations are learning that they get their best return-on-investment(ROI) with open architecture contactless smart credentials such as aptiQ™ smart cards from Allegion. By adding open architecture capability to the mix, hospitals can provide secure access for staff to more applications and add value to the many open systems currently in the marketplace without having to go through software and interface tweaks so prevalent with proprietary credentials. "At the Allegion booth, healthcare facility managers can learn how to leverage ActivClean™ door hardware made with CuVerro® bactericidal copper surfaces" With Near Field Communication(NFC) technology being added to a growing number of mobile handsets, more and more organisations, including healthcare centres, are considering the "bring your own device"(BYOD) trend and allowing users to deploy their own smart phones as their access control credentials. For many employees, including visiting doctors, this is much easier than searching for a card. Allegion will be demonstrating this capability with its new aptiQmobile™ NFC solution. Infection control is another hot topic in healthcare and touch surfaces play a big role. At the Allegion booth, healthcare facility managers can learn how to leverage ActivClean™ door hardware made with CuVerro® bactericidal copper surfaces. ActivClean proactively protects hospital patients and staff from infectious bacteria1 with a copper alloy surface that is proven to continuously kill bacteria1, killing more than 99.9 percent of bacteria1 within two hours2 with regular cleaning. The Allegion booth will also feature a number of specialty door hardware solutions that create a safer and more efficient environment. ADA compliant push/pull hospital latches make it easier for patients and staff members to operate doors when their hands are full. And, specially designed anti-ligature devices help to create a safer space for behavioral health patients. With unique sloped and recessed surfaces, these locks and hinges cannot be used as a ligature point for someone intending to do harm to themselves. At the ASHE Exhibition, Allegion will be in Booth 609.