ArcelorMittal used to rely on a twin-key system to grant workers access to fork lift trucks and radio controls for overhead cranes. Staff at the Fos-sur-Mer site presented their fork lift licence or permit and received a specially-numbered key. By inserting this key into one side of a two-key lock, they freed the other key, which allowed them access to their machine. Lost, stolen and forgotten keys had to be replaced, while some employees retained their key without holding necessary authorisation.

The steel manufacturer opted for three RFID-based Smart Key Managers. Staff now tap a personal code into the unit’s keypad to retrieve the key or keys to which management has given them access online.

The webserver interface allows the system to be managed in real-time via a web browser from a PC, tablet or smartphone; no software needs to be installed. The system indicates which keys are present in or absent from the cabinet, who has taken each key, and when.