Electronic key control system
November 1st 2008 Electronic key management
specialist Traka has
provided the British Library,
home to over 150 million
items, with a key control
system for some of its
important historical
collections.
While the library's
priceless collections are
stored in highly secure
environments, less valuable
items are accessible to
authorised staff on a day-today
basis via issued keys.
Until recently, these were
controlled and monitored
by a paper-based, sign-in/
sign-out system, but the
sheer number of keys
issued each day meant it
was time-consuming and
cumbersome. Security staff
were keen to improve
efficiency and a Traka
electronic key control
system provided a solution.
Traka's electronic key
cabinets include 'iFobs', to
which keys are attached.
Each iFob contains a chip
which gives the key a
unique electronic ID,
effectively electronically
tagging it and enabling
each user to be individually
audited. Versatile operating
software records each time
the cabinet is accessed and
by whom, ensuring that
keys have been taken by
authorised staff and placing
accountability for the key
with the user. Access to the
cabinet can be controlled
by PIN, access card or
biometrics. More articles from Traka Plc: | 
