ASSA ABLOY provides CLIQ electromechanical locking system to enhance security at the Flanders Expo

Size can be a major factor for any security project. The bigger the scale, the greater the challenge. With hundreds of doors and a 3km perimeter, the Flanders Expo is larger than most buildings. They sought a modern replacement for mechanical locking — which was ‘time-consuming and not practical for users,’ according to Bart Serraes, Operations Supervisor for the Easyfairs Group.

Choosing electronic security made sense: it saves security staff wasting time travelling physically around a big site. Wireless door devices were also important because laying a projected 10km of cabling would be expensive and impractical.

Electronic locking technology

Locking technology would need to serve both interior and exterior doors; Flanders Expo has many of both. Insurance requirements demanded electronic locking technology which could also activate deadbolts. Key-operated CLIQ® electromechanical locking ticked all the boxes: “CLIQ intelligent key technology provides the familiar security of traditional locking alongside the powerful features of electronic access control,” says Stephan Schulz, CLIQ Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEA.

CLIQ has a unique combination of high-end mechanical and electronic protection. A range of key-operated electromechanical cylinders and padlocks maximise physical attack resistance. CLIQ technology layers encrypted, user-friendly electronic security on top — adding control and convenience without adding wires: all CLIQ devices are wireless. Power to operate lock microelectronics comes from a standard battery inside every CLIQ key, with a lifetime of up to 10 years.

More flexible system

The electronics inside every lock are activated when a battery-powered CLIQ key is inserted

And because it is key-based, CLIQ offers a simple step up from mechanical security. “As a company, we needed a more flexible system. That's how we chose CLIQ,” adds Bart Serraes. Programmable CLIQ electromechanical locks now secure over 200 interior doors at the exhibition hall, as well as 100-plus openings around the building’s perimeter. Because CLIQ’s programmable keys can operate the deadbolt — not just the latch-bolt — door security meets standards set by Easyfairs’ insurers.

The electronics inside every lock are activated when a battery-powered CLIQ key is inserted, meaning no door wiring was needed. With their mechanical system, “The chance of losing keys was high, the process to get new keys not user-friendly,” says Bart Serraes.

Web manager software

Now they can program keys to allow access for different types of user, using the intuitive CLIQ Web Manager software. They flexibly grant or deny access to both internal users and external partners and suppliers — and revoke rights in any lost key without needing to change the locks. CLIQ is a “Flexible system for determining access rights,” says Bart Serraes.

Flanders Expo became the first Easyfairs site to install CLIQ access control. A second venue has already followed. Partnering with a pioneer, with a long history of innovation and service provision, gives Easyfairs a system that is reliably supported and can evolve over time. Perimeter and interior security now have the flexibility they need: CLIQ locks can be installed and integrated into their access control system anytime.