Norvento Operations and Maintenance is a part of the Spanish group Norvento Enerxia, a group of companies, with over 25 years of experience, specialising in engineering projects for power supply systems. The group’s main activity is focused on the construction of facilities for renewable energies generated from natural resources, such as wind farms, photovoltaic or hydroelectric power stations. Norvento, among other activities, looks after the maintenance of ten power stations.
This maintenance and management is based on routine control visits by maintenance technicians and engineering specialists who specifically monitor power stations and ensure they are running smoothly. The challenge with no prior security system in place other than a traditional lock and key set up, Norvento required a robust access control solution that was not only secure, but would meet the monitoring and management regulations that are required for power plants.
Replication of access keys
HID Global was the ideal choice as it offered a high level of security, functionality and the interoperability that we required"
In choosing a new system, Norvento was looking for a converged security solution, such as HID’s iCLASS technology, that would allow them to monitor controlled visits remotely, as well as enable them to seamlessly deploy a video surveillance system. This was particularly important as some of Norvento’s premises were not easily accessible. Not to mention, Norvento was looking for a solution that would solve their current problem of replication of access keys. “In choosing the new system, we were looking for a converged solution that would allow us to combine the functionality of three disparate systems in one, including access control, remote monitoring and time and attendance,” said Emmanuel Lázaro, Maintenance technician for Norvento Enerxia.
“For access control, HID Global was the ideal choice as it offered a high level of security, functionality and the interoperability that we required.” A further concern for Norvento was the harsh conditions of the areas where the stations are located under extreme weather conditions, where strong winds and continuous rain are present throughout the year. Therefore, they required a robust access control solution that would resist extreme conditions.
Single transmission channel
This security solution provides Norvento with access control, remote monitoring and video surveillance systems, all integrated in a single solution
Having looked at numerous other security solutions available on the market, it became apparent to Norvento that there were very few that allowed them to integrate all their required systems together, thus they would be faced with higher costs and a complicated installation. Norvento choose a solution that utilised HID Global’s iCLASS technology as the core element, which would allow them to seamlessly integrate with the complete system provided by Proxima Systems.
This security solution provides Norvento with access control, remote monitoring and video surveillance systems, all integrated in a single solution. Proxima Systems, a provider of solutions for industrial applications of Information Technologies, led the system integration and ensured that HID Global’s access control solution was working seamlessly within the overall system. HID technology enabled the deployment of a solution based on IP technology, which allowed an interoperability of different types of data in one single transmission channel. “Only iCLASS readers and credentials deliver the convenience, affordability and reliability of RFID access control technology that is suitable for installations like Norvento’s,” said Emiliano Muñoz, director of Proxima Systems.
Customised security solution
“We needed a highly secure reader, such as iCLASS RWK400 writer keypad reader that enables a dual authentication of identity via keyfob and PIN.” The installation of the iCLASS readers, plus the contactless smart 2k iCLASS keyfobs in each power station, was an effortless and quick process, which was completed in November 2008, said Muñoz. By choosing HID Global’s contactless iCLASS technology, Norvento’s facilities are more secure and the automated access control solution now in place has helped to increase security and reduce costs by eliminating the problems generated by having few rudimentary door keys and identification system.
HID’s iCLASS technology allows them to know who has accessed the premises in real-time, avoiding possible undesired intrusions. Additionally, the new customised security solution has improved management efficiency and the maintenance of their power stations, which in turn has increased their productivity. “I was looking for a single integrated solution that would meet our complex security requirement” added Emmanuel. “Proxima Systems delivered a solution using HID Global’s technology that not only addressed our unique needs, but also will be reliable for years to come”
