Healthcare

Access granted: Axis and Assa Abloy protect what matters most

Organization: Bavarian Red Cross

Location: Marktredwitz, Germany

Customer need: Access management

Marktredwitz, Germany, 2025

As a healthcare facility, the Bavarian Red Cross (BRK) branch in Wunsiedel is considered critical infrastructure. To meet the high security requirements, the BRK chose ProCompGmbH, Axis, and Assa Abloy to develop an access control system perfectly tailored to their needs.

Bavarian Red Cross

The Red Cross has been helping people in need in Germany for over 150 years – an achievement made possible by the dedication of its volunteers and members. The Bavarian Red Cross is one of 19 regional associations within the German Red Cross network, and the BRK district association in Wunsiedel is one of 73 district associations in Bavaria. As a healthcare association, the Red Cross is considered critical infrastructure.

For BRK Wunsiedel, this meant that the key-based access control system at both its headquarters in Marktredwitz and its branch offices had to be replaced with a modern solution that complies with current requirements. The goal was to establish an online-based access control system with the capability to define group-based access authorizations. This was especially important given the daily flow of people entering and leaving the buildings, including permanent employees, volunteers, and visitors.

Keys as a security risk

BRK explored the many disadvantages related to access buildings with keys. For example, it was sometimes difficult to track key ownership and to know exactly which keys opened specific rooms or areas of the building. Retrieving keys from employees who left the company was also time-consuming.

Another requirement for the new solution was to control access to medication. It is essential that only authorized people have access to this.

Innovative access control provides a clear overview

Today, BKR manages key cards centrally and easily via AXIS Camera Station. For example, user permissions can now be paused during a vacation or deleted with a single click if an employee leaves the company. Another advantage is the card’s ease of carrying, many employees keep it on their work jackets, ensuring they always have it with them.

The new digital solution has significantly increased the level of security. AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry allows access rules to be set up based on specific criteria such as cardholder, location, or schedule. Unauthorized people no longer have any way of entering protected areas. Access to medication is fully controlled and fully traceable.

In our emergency vehicles, blue lights and sirens clear the way for us. The way to reach our vehicles is covered by ProComp's access solution

Christian Schwarz

Deputy Management BRK Wunsiedel

Installation with cable

ProComp installed the first access control solution as a wired solution, which is still in daily use.

"At that time, there was no option for a wireless connection. Luckily, we discovered at the Axis Roadshow 2023 that Assa Abloy offered a wireless solution," explains ProComp.

However, there was no "ready-to-use" product available. ProComp therefore worked closely with Axis and Assa Abloy to develop a customized solution for BRK Wunsiedel that is unique in this configuration.

Integrated system for innovative access control

AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry and ASSA ABLOY's Aperio® combine to provide an integrated system for (wireless) access control. The integration offers an advanced, user-friendly, and cost-effective solution and is ideal for replacing physical keys in a building.

ASSA ABLOY's Aperio® locks communicate directly with one of the Axis network door controllers via the Aperio® Communication Hub (AH30 RS485). This integration enables communication with up to 16 wireless Aperio® products per controller. Available products include online cylinders, fittings, locks, and door handles, all of which are battery-powered.

Data exchange between the Aperio® and the wireless Aperio® products is secured by AES 128-bit encryption, ensuring secure communication. Additionally, the data transfer between the Aperio products and Axis network door controller is secured with Axis Edge Vault and secure keystore (CC EAL6+ certification). Further, system settings and all interactions with the hardware are managed in real time with AXIS Camera Station Secure Entry.

A wireless solution

The solution currently in use is controlled by the BRK in Marktredwitz and manages a total of four locations as well as the office with rescue station. Two of the external locations are operated purely on a wireless basis, while the others are radio-and cable-based. All extensions are wireless.

The Axis network door controller regulates access to the building, the vehicle hall, the security guard office, the emergency doctors' lounge, and the guard station. In general, there are specific groups with different user permissions, such as the emergency services or full-time and volunteer staff. The Axis network door controller offers an intelligent and flexible alternative to conventional access control and therefore perfectly meets the needs of BRK Wunsiedel.

Smart access, safer care

Healthcare is a sensitive area where the safety and protection of patients and staff are paramount. Effective access control is therefore essential to prevent unauthorized entry and unauthorized access, and to safeguard patient data.

The solution from Axis and Assa Abloy offers an innovative and reliable way to control access to healthcare facilities. Thanks to this system, it is possible to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to specific areas.

BRK Landkreis Wunsiedel chose this solution to ensure the safety and protection of its patients and employees. By implementing this solution through ProComp GmbH, the BRK can ensure that its facilities meet the highest security standards and that patient data is protected.

Explore the benefits of Axis for healthcare facilities