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‘'Metro'-proof locking system

Project Details

Client Name

GVB

Category

Electronic makes flexible

Date

June 20, 2017

Website

gvb.nl

A lock cylinder leads a tough life on the Amsterdam Metro. In addition to daily wear and tear, the hardware must withstand vandalism, corrosion, particulate matter, and rough handling. For the GVB, responsible for the timetable and safety in the capital, a reliable access system is crucial. To put an end to the risks of lost keys and high management costs, the GVB switched to the robust CyberLock system from Sellox.

“We initially had a mechanical locking system, but that caused a lot of problems because we kept losing keys.”

Challenge

The GVB faced a combination of logistical and technical obstacles. With over 2,500 locks and nearly 1,300 keys in circulation (of which 80% were held by contractors), managing the mechanical system was unsustainable. With every loss of a key, cylinders had to be replaced or security risks had to be accepted.

In addition, the specific metro environment imposed heavy demands that standard solutions failed to meet:

  • Physical barriers: Installing a wired 'online' system was financially and practically unfeasible due to the thick concrete and the vastness of the 51 locations.

  • Electromagnetic interference: Strong electromagnetic fields are present due to the metro, causing standard wireless (RFID) technologies to prove unreliable.

  • Pollution: The cylinders had to be low-maintenance and resistant to the ubiquitous brake dust and moisture in the tunnels.

Solution

The CyberLock system from Sellox proved to be the only solution that met all requirements ('Metro-proof'). Because the intelligence and power supply are located in the key, the cylinders themselves are passive, wireless, and extremely robust.

The benefits of the implementation for the GVB:

  • Cost savings: Because no wiring to the doors was required, the costs turned out to be approximately 90% lower than with a fully wired system.

  • Security in case of loss: Keys have temporary authorizations that are renewed via 'Keyports' (charging points). If a key is lost, its validity expires automatically and it becomes worthless to finders.

  • Universal application: The cylinders fit into the existing doors, padlocks, and non-standard profiles without modifications.

  • Audit and Control: The GVB now has full visibility into who (own staff or contractor) had access to technical rooms and when, which is essential for safety procedures.

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