Challenge
ZeFil manages fibre optic communication delivery to businesses in the Toulouse metropolitan area. It provides the final metres of cable between a network provider and the client, in total connecting around 1,000 businesses to more than 40 network operators in the region.
When it was founded in 2014, ZeFil inherited operations sites scattered around 37 municipalities of Toulouse. Each was equipped with different locks and mechanical keys. Physical key management had become a major hassle, putting service quality at risk, so the company tendered for a new access control system.
Tender requirements mandated a system able to:
Solution
Protec² CLIQ® locking from ABLOY was the only solution which met every criterion. Wireless cylinders are installed at all ZeFil’s dispersed operating sites and more than 30 programmable CLIQ® keys are distributed to employees and service providers. Each person carries their own key programmed with personalised access permissions. Key-holders could choose between classic updating of key access rights via a programming device in central Toulouse, or CLIQ® Connect keys updated via an app on the user’s smartphone.
Deployment took place very quickly and user adoption was almost immediate. The time saved is huge for everyone who needs to access ZeFil sites. For CLIQ® Connect key-holders, travel time previously wasted getting the right mechanical key is now spent on-site, working towards optimum network operation.
Good project management, prior to implementation, was another key factor to success. ZeFil worked closely with technical consultants at ASSA ABLOY to identify access points and the required user profile types. All ZeFil access rights must be updated every 24 hours, which ensures a high level of security for the fibre network.
“The fact that the locking cylinders are autonomous, without any need to bring electricity to the site, while allowing to manage access rights in a very fine manner, is exceptional,” adds Philippe Mlakar, Managing Director of ZeFil. “I am seduced by this solution!”