09.12.2009

CERN - proxSafe mini

CERN - deister's electronic key management system proxSafe for highest protection

A particle accelerator is used for fundamental scientific research at the European Organization for Nuclear Research - CERN - in Geneva. Nobody is allowed to be in the tunnel while experiments are taking place - the radiation would be deadly.

Task:
Around 7.000 highly-qualified scientists from 80 countries are investigating material. The protection of the scientists have highest priority. The operators must be absolutely certain that no-one is in the accelerator tunnel as long as experiments are taking place. The high safety requirements are realized with doubly-secured safety doors, fingerprint readers, a weighing system and deister's electronic key management system proxSafe.

Solution:
Eight single keys are securely stored behind the automatic shutter of the proxSafe mini. Only an authorized person who takes a key from the system can get to the inner regions of the complex. Key movements are recorded and are traceable at anytime.

But even more importantly:
Before the particle accelerator can be activated, an automatic and compulsory check takes place to see if someone is still in the tunnel. The ability to activate the accelerator is only given when each one of the eight keys is inserted in the proxSafe mini. Only if the proxCylinder recognizes with the help of the RFID-technology the correct key, tests can be started. The system is controlled from a web server.

Configuration:
The user-friendly proxSafe system has enabled the European Organization for Nuclear Research to track key movements by time, date and user. With proxSafe the organization has effected a major improvement in security. deister electronic was the only company that could meet all the safety and technical requirements contained in the international tender. proxSafe provides full control and accountability along with highest security 24 hours a day.