Success Story: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
- 4.3.2026
- Reading Time: {{readingTime}} min
Contents
Founded in 1923, Phoenix Contact is a globally operating family-owned company rooted in tradition and responsibility, with its headquarters in Blomberg, Germany. The group stands for forward-looking products and solutions for the comprehensive electrification, networking, and automation of all sectors of industry and infrastructure. A global network spanning more than 100 countries with 20,000 employees ensures close proximity to customers.
Excellent products and solutions for our customers
Until 1997, locking systems were managed independently by individual departments. Numerous key lists were maintained manually and not documented electronically. Driver’s licenses were also checked at regular intervals by the vehicle manager and recorded in Excel spreadsheets. This process was time-consuming and heavily dependent on individual personnel.
With the introduction of a master key system in 1997 - consisting of cylinders with different locking configurations - a hierarchical structure of access authorizations for higher-level keys was established. These master keys were not supposed to leave the premises. Access to them needed to be monitored and logged. Additionally, it became necessary to control access rights for a master key for emergency situations. At the same time, the growing number of department-specific vehicles increased the effort required for manual driver’s license checks.
Secure depot system with automatic access monitoring
Initially, two depot systems with 100 compartments each were installed to manage higher-level keys. Today, Phoenix Contact operates key boxes with a total of 400 monitored compartments for managing master keys and controlling vehicle allocation. Employees identify themselves via a MIFARE reader to withdraw and return keys. For particularly sensitive areas, a dual-control principle has been introduced, requiring a second employee or supervisor to authorize the release of certain keys.
Driver’s license verification is carried out using a UHF tag attached to the license. External staff are also identified through this UHF tag. The key handover systems are located at the entrances to the plant and in central corridor areas within the buildings.
Simple yet documented access to keys and vehicles
The automated key management system was originally introduced to manage master keys. Over time, additional components such as driver’s license verification have been integrated. Today, the system also controls access to lifting platforms, special locking systems for high-security areas, and master keys for locker systems.
Due to the need to monitor master keys and comply with legal requirements for driver’s license checks, implementing a key handover system became essential. Employees were thoroughly informed about the new procedures in advance. “Thanks to the central placement of the key boxes and the easy access to required vehicles and keys, employee acceptance is very high,” says Michael Rodewald, Manager Security Service at Phoenix Contact.
