Choosing electronic security made sense: it saves security staff wasting time travelling physically around a big site. Wireless door devices were also important, because laying a projected 10km of cabling would be expensive and impractical. Locking technology would need to serve both interior and exterior doors; Flanders Expo has many of both. Insurance requirements demanded electronic locking technology which could also activate deadbolts.

Key-operated Cliq electromechanical locking ticked all the boxes: “Cliq intelligent key technology provides the familiar security of traditional locking alongside the powerful features of electronic access control,” says Stephan Schulz, Cliq Product Manager at Ass Abloy Opening Solutions EMEA.

The system has a unique combination of high-end mechanical and electronic protection. A range of key-operated electromechanical cylinders and padlocks maximise physical attack resistance. Cliq technology layers encrypted, user-friendly electronic security on top — adding control and convenience without adding wires: all devices are wireless. Power to operate lock microelectronics comes from a standard battery inside every key, with a lifetime of up to 10 years.

And because it is key based, Cliq offers a simple step up from mechanical security. “As a company, we needed a more flexible system. That's how we chose Cliq,” says Bart Serraes, Operations Supervisor for the Easyfairs Group.

Meeting Insurance Requirements
Programmable Cliq electromechanical locks now secure over 200 interior doors at the exhibition hall, as well as more than 100 openings around the building’s perimeter. Because the programmable keys can operate the deadbolt, not just the latch-bolt, door security meets standards set by Easyfairs’ insurers.

The electronics inside every lock are activated when a battery powered Cliq key is inserted, meaning no door wiring was needed. With their mechanical system, “the chance of losing keys was high, the process to get new keys not user-friendly,” adds Serraes. Now, they can program keys to allow access for different types of user, using the intuitive Cliq Web Manager software. They flexibly grant or deny access to both internal users and external partners and suppliers - and revoke rights in any lost key without needing to change the locks.

Flanders Expo became the first Easyfairs site to install Cliq access control. A second venue has already followed. Partnering with a global market leader with a long history of innovation and service provision, gives Easyfairs a system which is reliably supported and can evolve over time.

Perimeter and interior security now have the flexibility they need: Cliq locks can be installed and integrated into their access control system anytime.