The New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA), responsible for parking management in New Brunswick, NJ, is improving security and operational efficiency with the implementation of a new key management system. This system is designed to enhance access control for NBPA vehicles, administrative offices, and revenue equipment such as parking meters, while providing remote programming capabilities to streamline operations.
The NBPA oversees both off-street and on-street parking operations, supported by a uniformed security team tasked with maintaining safety in its facilities and downtown patrols. The introduction of a key control system aims to further tighten access to keys and offer a robust audit trail, eliminating issues associated with manual key management, such as uncertainty about who last used a vehicle.
Challenges in parking management
With a fleet of 25 vehicles, the NBPA previously faced challenges in tracking vehicle usage and addressing issues of vehicle damage, exacerbated by the limitations of a manual key control system. Employees are required to inspect vehicles before and after use, but lapses in this practice made it difficult to identify culpability for damages. The new system’s audit capabilities ensure accurate monitoring of key access, increasing accountability and reducing potential costs associated with lost or damaged keys.
The NBPA previously faced challenges in tracking vehicle usage and addressing issues of vehicle damage
Morse Watchmans has provided the NBPA with the KeyWatcher® Key Control System, a bespoke solution designed to automatically document key access, ensuring that only authorised users can access specific keys. The system's durable design is paired with KeyPro® Performance Software, offering real-time monitoring and the ability to generate customised reports, enhancing the oversight of key movements and improving response times through remote management capabilities.
Optimised operations
The KeyWatcher unit maintains approximately 150 keys, tailored to specific user permissions and governed by time allowances. In cases of non-compliance, such as overdue key returns, management is alerted via priority email, enhancing oversight and accountability. The network connectivity feature enables remote key release operations, streamlining processes particularly during unexpected employee absences, a task previously managed through a limited-access "ghost" code system.
Since integrating the KeyWatcher system, the NBPA has effectively resolved the issue of unreported vehicle damage, thanks to detailed access reports and corroborative video surveillance. These enhancements have allowed for tighter control over key access related to revenue equipment, bolstering both security and operational integrity across the board.
The New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) is the organisation for parking information in New Brunswick, NJ. The duties of the Authority are to construct, improve, maintain and operate offstreet parking facilities, to promote traffic improvements and the free flow of traffic.
The Authority is also responsible for the management and operation of on-street parking by means of parking meters and residential permit parking. The NBPA maintains a uniformed security force to provide an adequate level of security in its facilities and to patrol the downtown area.
Uniformed security force
Technology Objective - Apply a key control system that will tighten access to keys and allow management to more easily track and control the keys which are used for NBPA vehicles, administrative offices, revenue equipment (parking meters) and other Authority assets.
The system additionally needs to be capable of remote access and programming so that emergency access to specific keys or other secured items can be granted instantly and without management physically having to be present.
Key management system
The Challenge - The NBPA has a fleet of 25 vehicles and the problem with a manual key control system (i.e. signing a key in or out) is that it would be difficult to determine, with certainty, which employee last drove a particular vehicle. Employees are requested to examine the vehicle prior to taking it out, making note of any scrapes, dents, etc., and then do the same when returning the car.
When this is not done, it is very difficult to identify and prove who may have last driven the car or who was responsible for any damages and this can usually only be done by going back and checking logs which may or may not be accurate. Implementing a key management system with an audit trail would eliminate this problem.
The NBPA is also responsible for the collection of coins from the various parking meters and keys to these meters must be carefully controlled and a verifiable audit kept, ensuring the integrity of the operation. In addition, lost or damaged keys can cost thousands of dollars to replace and knowing who last accessed a key can assist management in determining a remedial course of action.
Priority email alerts
Morse Watchmans Solution - KeyWatcher® Key Control System — The KeyWatcher is a customdesigned solution that automatically records the access history of each key, including user, date and time of checkout/ return. By releasing assigned keys only to users with the proper authorisation code, the KeyWatcher system helps to ensure that all assets of the NBPA are better secured and protected. The unit’s rugged stainless steel construction and near indestructible key fobs are designed for heavy use and the illuminated key slots make accessing and returning keys easier.
KeyPro® Performance Software –The user-friendly PC application software delivers real-time polling transactions, status, alarm and reporting capabilities for the KeyWatcher system. Activity reports can be customised to trace key movements by time, date and user code or biometric access data. And because the software allows the KeyWatcher Key Control System to be conveniently accessed and programmed remotely via an IP connection, control of the keys can be more efficiently and safely managed. Additionally, priority email alerts can be sent to management to keep them informed of the whereabouts of high security keys such as those needed for parking meters.
Accurate and detailed information
In Action - The KeyWatcher cabinet holds every key used in the organisation – approximately 150 – and each user has defined access to specific keys. As well, the keys are programmed for the length of time they are allowed to be out and if the key is not returned within the scheduled time period, management is notified via a priority email alert. The KeyPro Performance Software generates reports which provide accurate and detailed information, such as which employees drove which cars and when, storage areas accessed, etc.
The network connectivity of the system also allows management to remotely release any key, adding to the convenience and inherent safety provided by the KeyWatcher solution. For example, if on the weekend an employee calls in sick, management can go online remotely and release a key to the individual who is covering for the sick employee. Prior to the system upgrade to network connectivity, the NBPA used a “ghost” code for these incidents. The ghost code allowed a few senior managers to access most or all keys but it still meant that one of them had to physically go to the building to release the required key.
Problems of unreported damage
The Results - The problem of unreported damage to fleet vehicles has been totally eliminated since the NBPA started using the Morse Watchmans KeyWatcher system. This is because the system provides management with fully detailed and accurate reports of who accessed keys for which cars and when. Management is also able to better limit access to keys which are used for collecting coins from parking meters.
If an employee is not authorised to take one of these keys, they cannot physically access it. Also, when reported information is combined with images from video surveillance cameras that are installed in the parking garages, management can absolutely determine who accessed any of the revenue equipment and when.
