Case Study

Education Sector

A Cost-Effective Key Control for the Education Sector

Nurseries, schools, colleges, universities, all places of learning are by their nature a hive of activity with large numbers of people coming and going throughout the day and evening. In today’s environment it is increasingly necessary to know who is entering and leaving to ensure the safety and security of people and equipment inside.

There are numerous access control systems in the market today, which can monitor and restrict the movement within the building. The same applies to keys within the building. It is of high importance that there is effective key control/security within the premises to prevent unauthorised access, preventing vandalism and theft, which can have devasting consequences. Not least the financial costs incurred, time lost in replacing expensive equipment, insurance premiums, projects delayed and physical harm, the potential list of costly time wasted is endless.

A junior school had a problem with unauthorised access to their IT store room, resulting in equipment being taken. There was no control over who had access with NO ACCOUNTABILITY & NO SECURITY, resulting in suspicion, accusations, delays in lessons, valuable time and monies wasted. There were too many keys in circulation to the cabinet holding the various keys. Nobody was sure who had one and how many were out of there.

Our Solution

Recognising the need to find a cost effective solution to improving the situation, they talked to Thornhill Security who in this instance came up with a simple low security alternative, a BS50 CL1000 Key Controlled System with an electronic cam-lock, providing 10,000 possible code combinations. The Bristol BS50 Key Cabinet is a strong square cornered cabinet with a durable powder coated finish, internally fitted out with 5 different coloured numbered hook bars with corresponding coloured key tabs.

The key tabs have been designed to hang, showing at a glance, the numbers giving constant recognition. The metal hook bars are robust and can be adjusted to suit different length/size of keys, ensuring a neat and visual identification within the cabinet. An index card, that is removable, when the cabinet is left unattended, making key identification/location virtually impossible. Key location cards can be used when a key has been taken, until returned. Ensuring control and check of the key within the system at all times.

Control was regained immediately, only authorised users had access which improved security. There were no lost or duplicated keys in circulation, codes were changed periodically for security protocols or when a member of staff left. No expensive changing of locks or issuing new keys. The Bristol BS50 CL1000 Key System provided a solution to the junior schools problem or key control, accessibility and security in a cost-effective manner.