Aperio KL100 helps Helsinki Airport meet EU guidance and improve passenger safety

Challenge

Helsinki Airport, a busy transportation hub connecting Finland to cities across Europe and Asia, was facing a challenge in managing access to storage spaces for travel documents, in compliance with new EU guidelines. Previously, cabinet security in the check-in area involved issuing and tracking around 100 mechanical keys per airline. Seeking a more efficient solution, airport operator Finavia aimed to:

• Replace mechanical locks with an electronic system for streamlined cabinet access management
• Meet EU requirements for logging access to blank travel documents
• Seamlessly integrate with the existing Lenel solution, avoiding additional software or database installations
• Implement a sleek solution without bulky locking devices or separate RFID readers

Solution

Airline check-in desks are now equipped with Aperio KL100 electronic cabinet locks. Wireless, battery powered and with an inbuilt RFID reader, the KL100 is small and has a minimal footprint. It is easy to secure to almost any cabinet, locker or drawer without cabling or causing damage. Different sizes and cam-lengths make the lock adaptable.

For user convenience, a KL100 has an integrated reader which is unlocked with mobile keys (BLE or NFC), as well as smartcards using all major RFID technologies.

Now, the automated log shows exactly which airline opened any cabinet, and when. Operations are now streamlined, making it easy to audit cabinet access during incidents. No more manual handling and tracking of hundreds of mechanical keys, saving both time and logistical costs. Individual employee access can be revoked via the Lenel control panel. After 18 successful months at check-in desks, airport managers have ordered an additional 30 Aperio KL100 devices for departure gates.

“Safety, functionality, durability, security of supply and usability were the reasons we chose the ASSA ABLOY solution,” explains Kari Mäkinen from Finavia.