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18 | 29TH JANUARY - 4TH FEBRUARY 2016 | UTILITY WEEK Operations & Assets efficiency, with the power delivered by a rechargeable digital smart key and so- ware (including traceable data) at the heart of the solution. The key-centric solution provides an authorisation system within a smart digital key. It allows management and secure access in all situations at all times. In addition, by granting access to the right people, in the right place and at the right time, it ensures better protection against vandalism and the. The new mobile features that have been integrated into the solution have signifi- cantly increased the potential for customised services for each individual client. With more than one million access points secured worldwide and key-centric solutions installed in 300 utilities across Europe, there is no question that the industry is beginning to benefit from a more closely controlled and robust system for the future security of its vulnerable and multiple sites. Nick Dooley, managing director, Locken UK Market view T he utilities sector is complex and rap- idly evolving as a rising number of electricity, gas and water companies pursue new avenues for adding value. At the same time, the need for the UK utilities industry to provide a secure and affordable supply of energy has never been greater. However, as the threats to the industry increase, be it from the, vandalism or even terrorism, utilities distributors across the world are looking at better ways to secure their infrastructure, assets, staff, service providers and customers, and eradicate the historical issues with multiple mechanical systems. The main challenge that affects security at utility sites is that they are oen isolated and located a considerable distance from one another. Therefore ensuring they are secure while also providing enhanced access control is essential. Another big issue is guaranteeing access to authorised users at all approved times. An authorised person who is unable to gain access at the required time can adversely affect the operation of the business. The last vital consideration is the robust- ness and sustainability of the locks them- selves, which with traditional mechanical systems can become corroded and damaged over time. There are a number of ways that sites are currently protected. These include: • Mechanical lock systems. These are the most basic security devices. Mechanical lock systems are expensive to manage (costs include the replacement of lost keys and the need to regularly upgrade locks) and do not have any built-in intel- ligence, meaning they are unable to meet the demands of 21st century security. • Electronic lock-centric systems. These solutions offer a key combined with digi- tal control, enabling traceability. They are oen unsuitable for securing and control- ling large and multiple sites because they are unable to hold their battery life for long periods, and cabling at remote loca- tions is not always possible. • Electronic key-centric access manage- ment. Based on unique technology, key- centric access management provides the highest possible levels of security and A smart approach to security Increasing threats to the security of infrastructure and assets, such as theft, vandalism and terrorism, call for a more sophisticated and intelligent approach to access control, says Nick Dooley. Case study: Vodafone Multinational telecommunications and information technology provider Vodafone has been using a key-centric access management solution for more than 12 years. The global enterprise has 38,000 locks installed and reports zero lock failures over that period. Prior to the key-centric system, Vodafone relied on a mechanical solution that generated access failures 35 per cent of the time. The key-centric solution replaced all mechanical keys and became the sole means for accessing Vodafone's remote sites. Since then, Locken has continued to develop and build innovative soware solutions for Vodafone that keep enhancing security, improving productivity and increasing the control of work in progress, ensuring optimum safety and prevention of occupational risk. One solution, which was developed based on an additional requirement from Vodafone, was the creation of the My Locken Mobile App. The app enables real-time collection of user information (identification, access points, locations, and so on) and integration of a series of workflow tasks to support employee efficiency. The evolution of the app brings Locken and Vodafone closer to full management and control of access, while adding an additional level of security. Vodafone access control fast facts: • 38,000 access points • 5,000 users • 60,000 access authorisations per month • 90 per cent of users are subcontractors • Isolated sites, including antennas, are secured Metal theft hits consumers In 2010, the cost of metal the to the electric- ity-generating industry was around £11.7 mil- lion. By October 2011, this had increased to £60 million. These costs are directly passed on to customers in their electricity bills. "The main chal- lenge that affects security at utility sites is that they are often isolated and located a con- siderable distance from one another"