The Airport Retailers Association, which provides support services for numerous stores and sales outlets at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, has enhanced its security protocols by adopting the KeyWatcher® key management system by Morse Watchmans. With around 120 associated employers operating both airside and landside, the need for secure, efficient key distribution has become essential.
The move to the KeyWatcher® system was instigated by the need to coordinate key access for approximately 1,800 users from a single point. Previously managed by a dedicated department at the airport, the system proved inefficient due to continuous staffing demands and complex administrative tasks inherent in key registration. The association sought a more streamlined solution, and Morse Watchmans' automated system addressed these concerns.
Advanced key management solutions
Morse Watchmans' KeyWatcher® significantly enhances security by ensuring only authorised personnel can access specific keys. By eliminating traditional key cabinets and manual logbooks, it delivers a superior alternative with its biotechnologically enabled system that tracks the complete history of each key, including user details and the time of distribution and return. The secure, stainless steel cabinet is crafted to resist tampering and misuse effectively.
The secure, stainless steel cabinet is crafted to resist tampering and misuse effectively
The integration of KeyPro™ Performance Software allows authorised personnel to manage multiple KeyWatcher® systems remotely from any networked workstation. This capability facilitates database management, report retrieval, key release, and alarm cancellations centrally, allowing continuous 24/7 supervision and adaptation of building and room access according to specific time and location requirements.
Successful implementation and results
Upon implementing the KeyWatcher® system with an integrated card reader, the Airport Retailers Association has installed the system at various airport locations, granting personnel different levels of access rights. This strategic approach ensures efficient control over key management, preventing lapses due to carelessness or oversight. Furthermore, the centralised management of systems and recording of transactions with the KeyPro™ software has enabled tighter compliance with key access policies and rigorous management reporting procedures.
Overall, the adoption of Morse Watchmans' KeyWatcher® and KeyPro™ Performance Software has led to significant improvements in the association's key policy management and procedural strictness, crucially supported by the card reader's anti-tampering features and the system's operational efficiency.
Airport Retailers Association is an organisation responsible for a part of the support services of many stores and sales outlets at the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. This includes security, maintenance, and support of collective affairs like the distribution of clothing and bags. The approximately 120 associated employers are located both at the so-called airside (See Buy Fly) and the landside (Schiphol Plaza) of Schiphol Airport.
Because of the character of the facilities and the location of the stores and sales outlets, it is necessary that the provision of keys is done in a good, reliable and safe way. It is also important that the current access procedures are supplied by computerised key management.
Current access procedures
The Challenge - Airport Retailers Association wishes to distribute all issued keys for about 1.800 users from one point.
This was initially coordinated by a department at Schiphol Airport, but it appeared to be inefficient due to the 24/7 staffing and the administrative work relating to the registration. The organisation then started looking for an alternative for the distribution of keys with registration. The key management system KeyWatcher® met the set criteria and wishes.
Old-fashioned key cabinets
Morse Watchmans Solution - Because allocated keys are only released to users with the appropriate authorisation, the KeyWatcher® helps to pursue a certain policy and to ensure that procedures are followed. On a minimum-sized wall surface the biotechnologically executed system eliminates old-fashioned key cabinets, unreliable handmade journals and sloppy ID tags. It files the history of each key including the user, date and time of distribution and return of the key. The solidly executed stainless steel cabinet has been designed to prevent abuse and it is manipulation-proof.
By using the KeyPro™ Performance Software you can manage, if you are authorised, one or more KeyWatcher® systems through the network of any work station within your organisation. You are able to change the data in your database, retrieve reports, release keys, cancel alarms etc. This way, the opportunity is created to manage and check access to buildings and rooms, subject to time and place, 24/7.
Key management system
Implementation - After opting for the KeyWatcher® key management system, executed with a card reader, the Airport Retailers Association decided to install the system at various locations within the airport. The Key Watcher manages the access to the keys and the keys are tracked when they are in use including the times and user names.
The personnel are authorised different levels of access to the smart keys with keys. This way, efficient control is managed and carelessness or inadvertences will be prevented. By means of the KeyPro™ Performance Software the KeyWatcher® systems are centrally managed at a distance and the transactions and reports are filed.
Procedures concerning management
The Result - Thanks to the use of the KeyWatcher® key management system of Morse Watchmans and the KeyPro™ Performance Software, the Airport Retailers Association has been able to create a stricter key policy and to tighten the procedures concerning management and reporting.
The combination with the card reader (this prevents manipulation when taking out the smart keys) and the possibility of time-saving have also been of importance in successfully deploying the system.
