At Caesars Palace Conference Rooms, Schlage Computer-Managed Locks Rule; Three Minute Installation -- Proximity Keyfobs -- CM Locks Programmed with PDA.

Business Editors

FORESTVILLE, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 11, 2002

IR Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division (EACD) today announced that Caesars Palace in Las Vegas has increased security and enhanced convention clients' convenience with a "Locknetics On Board" standalone access control locking system. Von Duprin computer managed CM993 access trim working in conjunction with Von Duprin 98/99 exit bars has replaced mechanical trim on over 78 conference room doors. The CM trim will ultimately be placed on an additional 140 entrances to their ballrooms.

"To give our conference customers a better sense of freedom and ownership of their room while here at Caesars Palace, we needed to switch to a system that could be secured electronically," explains Caesars Palace Electronic Locksmith Frank Guckin. "We looked at retrofitting with a hard wire solution, but the costs were prohibitive. With the CM solution, all we have to do is remove the existing mechanical trim and replace it with the new computer managed trim. The installation takes about three minutes. The new trims provide audit trails on the last 1000 events, so if something happens in the room, we can provide the customer with a record of who has gone into the room and when."

Guckin also appreciates that he and the locksmith staff can override the lock with a mechanical key, yet keep the audit trail running; plus he can also obtain an audit trail on the use of the mechanical key.

"The `keys' we provide our guests are restricted proximity cards and, more typically, proximity keyfobs to gain entry to their conference rooms," Guckin reports. "Keypads and magnetic stripe cards create too many problems. With the proximity keyfobs or proximity cards, clients simply present their credential in close proximity to the reader on the trim. Nothing could be easier. In addition, the customer's credentials become invalid after the pre-programmed stay. So, even if someone found one after the convention, it would be useless. When clients take them home, we don't lose anything; since the keys have already expired, security is maintained."

According to Guckin, Caesars Palace convention clients like the new programmable locks because they don't need to contact a hotel employee to lock or unlock the doors whenever they want to enter or leave. For example, at the COMDEX show, actors need access to their conference room for dress rehearsals, often during the off-hours. Now, they can go in or out at will.

"Our guests also have a better sense of security because all locks automatically lock down at midnight. Therefore, in case one of the attendees forgets to lock the door on their way out, the room will automatically be locked at 12:00 a.m.," Guckin said.

To reprogram the CM trim on the guest conference rooms, Caesars Palace locksmith staff use a Compaq iPAQ PDA with downloaded programming files from LockLink software installed on a desktop in the locksmith shop. An interface cable attaches the PDA to the CM trim and, with minimal training, Guckin or other staff members re-program and audit the individual locking systems. Besides the Von Duprin CM993 trim, LockLink software can also program Schlage CM locks or IR Recognition Systems biometric hand geometry readers.

"Previously, we used to have to cut keys for these events and change out locks quickly," Guckin said. "Now, we can change out keys in advance because we program them to activate and expire after a preset amount of time."

About IR Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division

Since 1969, IR's Locknetics has provided premium electronic access control solutions, including electromagnetic locks, monitoring consoles, electromechanical locks and strikes, electrical and electronic exit devices, power supplies and controllers to security professionals and their customers. IR Locknetics along with IR's Recognition Systems, Schlage and Von Duprin comprise the Electronic Access Control Division of IR Security and Safety, which serves an international clientele from its headquarters in Forestville, Conn. Phone is 866/322-1237. The IR website is www.irco.com.

For a downloadable, high-resolution photograph of the CM locks at Caesars Palace, go to www.brighamscully.com and click Photographs/Locknetics.