SWR relies on security and convenience from MEDIATOR

Baden-Baden, South Germany – Effective burglary protection, safeguarding of escape routes, user friendliness and compatibility with its access control system were the reasons for installing the so-called MEDIATOR system in the SWR broadcasting centre in Baden-Baden, South Germany. Consisting of a self-locking escape door lock and effeff’s linear electric door strike, ASSA ABLOY Sicherheitstechnik’s innovative lock solution ensures outside doors lock automatically, but can be opened from the inside at all times using the push handle, particularly in the event of an emergency.

SWR’s broadcasting centre in Baden-Baden is a high-capacity, modern broadcasting and production facility, which stands in an idyllic location in the Black Forest. It houses management for television and radio as well as for engineering and production. It is also responsible for SWR television local output (70%). This is transmitted along with regional output via the new play-out centre in Baden-Baden, SWR’s main broadcast signal processing unit. The cross-regional stations SWR2 and SWR3, the young people’s station DASDING and the digital spoken-word programming for SWR con.tra also come from Baden-Baden. The two SWR1 regional stations are merged into one here after 7.30 pm. A sixth of all programming for Germany’s Erste channel is produced in the Baden-Baden television centre for ARD, Germany’s regional public-service broadcasters group. The centre also coordinates subcontracted programming for the 3sat, ARTE, PHOENIX and KI.KA channels. Successful programmes such as the crime series “Tatort” and the magazine programme “ARD-Buffet” are also put together here. SWR’s Baden-Baden studios are home to one of ARD’s largest television production companies, which mainly focuses on fictional programming.  

Controlled access with reliable security

“As the second largest institution in the ARD group and a key broadcasting and production facility, it goes without saying that SWR in Baden-Baden must comply with high security standards,” explains Sascha Schorpp, Manager of the Security and Networks Section at SWR in Baden-Baden. “In order to protect our buildings from intrusion and other unauthorised access, we decided on the MEDIATOR system from ASSA ABLOY Sicherheitstechnik.” The security lock consisting of a self-securing escape door lock and one of effeff’s linear electric door strikes ensure doors lock automatically as soon as they close. Combined with an access control system, the lock not only ensures the building is safely secured, but also strictly controls access. “The access control system is an essential element in our broadcasting facility. It controls the flow of people, provides building security and protects valuable property, company records, customer information and company secrets,” continues Schorpp. “It is thus vital for us to have a security lock which can be easily integrated into our access control system. MEDIATOR is the best system in meeting such a requirement.”

Safer escape routes

People can exit buildings protected by MEDIATOR without a key to the doors at all times – both during day-to-day operations and in the event of an emergency. “The panic function enables us to guarantee a safer escape route,” affirms the SWR security expert. “With MEDIATOR, we have finally solved the problem of safeguarding escape routes once and for all.” A further argument in favour of MEDIATOR is its convenience: Locked entrance doors can be easily opened from a gate house using the telephone system. “Even from gate houses which are some distance away from the door concerned,” explains Schorpp. When a door closes after a person enters, it is automatically locked.

Reduced installation costs

The MEDIATOR system was recommended and installed by SWR’s usual supplier, the locksmiths Schlosserei Walter in Baden-Baden. As SWR buildings are being upgraded, the system needed to be easily installed without time-consuming, costly cabling work in doors. MEDIATOR is able to meet such a requirement: “MEDIATOR enables doors to be retrofitted without much effort and at a low cost,” says a pleased Sascha Schorpp. “Because with MEDIATOR the electric control unit is already fitted into the frame; there is no need for a control unit like the ones used in conventional motor-driven locks.”

High-quality product

For Sascha Schorpp, further arguments in favour of retrofitting doors with the MEDIATOR system are the reduced acquisition and storing costs. “Purchasing spare parts is also much easier as MEDIATOR consists of two parts – the door strike and the escape door lock – both of which can be ordered separately.” MEDIATOR also wins over due to its high quality. “In a company such as SWR, thousands of people come and go on a daily basis. With its 250,000-cycle endurance test, this security lock is able to withstand the constant flow of visitors and employees on a daily basis,” affirms Schorpp.

The future with MEDIATOR

“Schlosserei Walter recommended the product to me during a training event where I was able to handle and try the lock out for myself. It won me over completely,” remembers Sascha Schorpp. “There is no doubt that we will also use ASSA ABLOY’s MEDIATOR in the future when we refurbish facilities for a different use or need to retrofit doors.”