Managing Remote Access Worldwide
A large utility company based out of Asia had a diversified business in distribution, generation, and transmission of electricity spread through 5 Asian-Pacific territories. It served 80% of the territory’s population by generating and distributing 8000 MW of electricity, managing 150000 kilometres of transmission line and 15000 substations.
The Challenge
The utility’s large field force faced issues in using the existing mechanical master key system. The keys were distributed to the permanent maintenance crew, construction crew, and the subcontracted crew for permanent or temporary access.
The mechanical keys were frequently replaced when there was a change in region or when the sub-contracted crew completed the construction. The users always carried a bunch of keys, which resulted in loss/stolen keys and at times the wrong key was issued, resulting in costly delays. There was a policy to replace keys & locks every three years to minimize the number of lost keys in circulation.
The Solution
Fixed Code Key with Time-Based Access Solution
The Benefit
This allowed the utility to centrally update the access rights at the end of the month, set alerts and notifications using e-mails for both temporary and permanent employees.
The access data logs were used to identify aberrations and take action against those who didn’t follow the set guidelines. For temporary access, a separate time-based weekly access policy was implemented as per the construction project plan. This, in turn, eliminated the need to replace keys.
No more replacement of keys and locks every 3 years due to lost/stolen.
Field force planning was more effective, and it improved operational efficiency.
A significant reduction in fuel expenditure and pollution as the field force had dedicated electromechanical key with defined user access.
Reporting of unauthorized activities & email alerts ensured strict SLA compliance.
