Mental health centre turns to wireless locking solution

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Like many inpatient health facilities around Europe, the Centre Psychothérapique de Nancy (CPN) in France had a persistent problem with lost physical keys. The expense of replacing multiple cylinders in terms of staff time and money was significant, and never-ending. And as a result, CPN turned to Aperio wireless technology for a solution.

Over 160 Aperio wireless escutcheons have been installed across the CPN premises integrated with the access control system from Delta Security Solutions, most on the doors to patients’ rooms. Now everyone the ability to circulate freely without needing to carry a cumbersome key. Because the Aperio integration at CPN is online, security staff can now keep track of all door security in real time — which was not possible with the old mechanical master-key system. If a resident loses their credential, facilities staff simply cancel it instantly and reissue another, ensuring security at the site remains intact.

Some dorm-style rooms at CPN have multiple beds; in these, Aperio escutcheons secure cupboards for every inpatient, so their personal belongings are kept safe without physical keys or needing to remember PIN codes. The old key-operated safes have been removed, saving CPN the recurring cost of re-keying or replacing safe locks. “Previously when a unit key was lost, we would have to change every cylinder it opened — which for some keys would be very expensive,” says Cédric Marchal, technical services engineer at CPN.

At CPN, Aperio devices also secure areas where residents are not permitted, including staff rooms, offices and sensitive zones like the pharmacy and medicine store. Alongside the escutcheons deployed at CPN, the Aperio device range includes online and offline Aperio cylinders; an online security lock; a wireless lock for bringing server racks and cabinets into the same access control system as doors; and the new Aperio H100 handle, which packs the power and flexibility of Aperio wireless access control into one slim interior door handle.
Every year since 2011, CPN have budgeted for an expansion in their Aperio system. Every year, more doors at their site are covered — enhancing the safety and well-being of patients. Enabled by Aperio wireless access control technology, the upgrading process continues