The Airport Retailers Association, tasked with the support services of numerous stores and sales outlets at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, has enhanced its security measures by implementing a robust key management solution.
This initiative supports approximately 120 associated employers operating on both the airside (See Buy Fly) and the landside (Schiphol Plaza) of the airport. The organization recognized the critical need for a reliable and secure method for key distribution, given the nature and location of these facilities.
Improving Access Procedures with Technology
The organization faced challenges in managing key distribution effectively for around 1,800 users. Initially coordinated internally, the system was plagued by inefficiencies related to 24/7 staffing and administrative overhead. Seeking a solution, the Airport Retailers Association adopted the KeyWatcher® system, which fulfilled their criteria for a streamlined and automated key management process.
The KeyWatcher® system by Morse Watchmans offers a modern alternative to traditional key cabinets, leveraging biotechnology to ensure keys are released only to authorized users. This system maintains an extensive record of key usage, including user details and timestamp information, all within a secure stainless steel cabinet that resists tampering.
The organization faced challenges in managing key distribution effectively for around 1,800 users
With the integrated KeyPro™ Performance Software, authorized personnel can manage key systems from any workstation within the organization, providing the ability to modify database entries, generate reports, and control key release and alarm functions remotely.
Implementation Across Schiphol Airport
Following the decision to adopt the KeyWatcher® system, the Airport Retailers Association installed the solution at multiple locations throughout the airport. Equipped with a card reader, the system manages key access effectively, tracking usage and user details to optimize control and minimize errors. The KeyPro™ software enables centralized management, allowing for consistent oversight and filing of transactions and reports.
Thanks to the integration of Morse Watchmans' KeyWatcher® system and KeyPro™ Performance Software, the Airport Retailers Association has strengthened its key management policy, enhancing both management and reporting protocols. By utilizing a card reader system, the risk of unauthorized key access is reduced, while time-saving features contribute to the solution's overall success and efficiency.
Airport Retailers Association is an organization 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 organization 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 authorization, 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 authorized, one or more KeyWatcher® systems through the network of any work station within your organization. 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 authorized 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.