The energy industry covers a wide range of facilities, often forming a linear structure over hundreds of miles, or occasionally scattered over vast areas. In both cases, sites are usually located in rural areas with extreme weather conditions.

The ISEO’s solution is the perfect answer to these issues. The cylinders are passive, hence they do not need to be connected to an energy source. Instead, the key supplies the power and access rights to open doors. Electronic cylinders can easily replace existing cylinders and do not require any maintenance. This makes remote sites easier to run.

This access control solution is ideal for open-air sites, even in challenging environments such as mountainous or seaside areas. Cylinders have the IP 66-67-68-69 rating and high levels of protection against water ingress (even pressurised water) and foreign bodies. The latest-generation electronic keys use inductive technology for contactless information exchanges between the key and cylinder. This technology allows the electronic key to transmit access rights to the cylinder, even in the case of salt, pollution or dust blockages or a rusty surface caused by humidity. In other words, bad connections do not prevent information from being transmitted between the key and lock.

Energy sites may be the prime target for large-scale attacks looking to compromise the country’s economic potential. They may also attract various categories of vandal, including urban explorers (urbex) who not only put themselves at great risk but may also seriously disrupt the service and challenge the operator’s ability to fulfil its duties.

The ISEO’s access control solution plays a major role for two reasons, especially when implementing operator security plans and special protection plans. The electronic key only opens the cylinder when configured with the necessary access rights. These may be granted in real time with the Bluetooth module present in the latest-generation keys, by communicating with the MyLocken app via an advanced AES128 encryption protocol.

Any openings or attempted break-ins are logged in the electronic key’s memory and sent to the LSA management software. This feature allows security managers to accurately verify each user’s activity. LSA software is also a strong deterrent as it can detect even the slightest anomaly.

At energy sites, access to certain areas must be restricted to qualified staff. This is the case at electrical substations where the most sensitive areas are off-limits except to officers with the necessary electrical authorisation.

The LSA system is suitable in this scenario as access rights can be precisely configured for certain areas and times based on the user’s profile. The solution works alongside the MyLocken app and new technology (RFID, beacons, etc.) to send technicians control messages about their access rights or required safety instructions (wearing a helmet, the buddy system, etc.). Similarly, users can interact with the central system and submit on-site attendance reports, flag up anomalies, etc. These bespoke features are designed to meet the ever-stricter safety requirements in companies.

Some areas in the gas industry, especially at delivery and regulation stations, are prone to explosive atmospheres and governed by ATEX regulations. Thus, ISEO’s access control solutions have ATEX certification for explosive atmospheres.

Utilizing an ATEX-certified access control system within the energy distribution sector offers numerous advantages to utilities companies operating in explosive atmospheres. ATEX, derived from the French term ""Atmosphères Explosibles,"" refers to the European Union directive for controlling explosive atmospheres.

Here are the key benefits of implementing such a system: 1) Safety First: The paramount advantage of ATEX-certified access control is safety. Explosive atmospheres pose significant risks and ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter these areas is essential for preventing accidents, fires, and explosions. 2) Compliance Assurance: ATEX certification ensures compliance with stringent safety regulations and standards, reducing legal liabilities and the potential for fines or shutdowns due to non-compliance.