Cologne: New protective shield for multifunctional arena

Winkhaus blueSmart electronic access control in the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne offers greater flexibility and convenience. The system combines the advantages of both offline and online solutions.

The spectators carefully return to the event locations. Up to 60,000 people fit into the RheinEnergieSTADION in Cologne. The security of concerts and the games of the 1. FC Cologne is assured by trained personnel and sophisticated technology. An electronic blueSmart locking system controls access throughout the stadium.

blueSmart gives Kölner Sportstätten GmbH greater flexibility and convenience as an operator. This is because the Winkhaus locking system works with a virtual network. For example, changes to the locking plan can be made far more quickly than ever before. The system is also robust: The electronic blueSmart door cylinders are flush-mounted and offer few points of attack for deliberate vandalism or accidental damage.

This is just as important to the operator as reliability, not least because of the multifunctional use of the stadium: „The cylinders offer secure documentation both indoors and outdoors and also function smoothly in colder seasons,“ explains Christoph Seiler, authorised signatory of Kölner Sportstätten GmbH.

Overview of the benefits

Winkhaus developed the key-operated electronic access management system for convenient management of complex building or property structures. Thanks to the possibility of virtual networking, the system combines the advantages of both offline and online solutions.

blueSmart keys are also resistant to disinfectants and can even withstand being washed in the washing machine thanks to their waterproof housing (IP 68).

Virtual network communication

The new system in the RheinEnergieSTADION consists of 650 blueSmart keys and 450 blueSmart components. This is linked online with the upload readers connected to the management software. Unlike conventional online systems, there is no need for additional cabling, a large number of converters or interference-prone radio links. This allows locking systems with up to 195,000 components to be installed.

The system transmits information between they keys and electronic cylinders within milliseconds in encrypted format without any cabling. The blueSmart key with an RFID chip is the transmitter. The individual access rights of the user are stored on this. The key receives these access rights on a daily basis at one of the upload readers.

Simple key management

blueSmart is managed using the Winkhaus blueControl Professional software on the PCs of the Cologne sports facilities. The software also organises access authorisations for employees and external parties, such as event technicians. If a key is lost, it is easily disabled with just a few clicks on the PC. This means that cylinders do not need to be replaced with blueSmart. (STADIAWORLD, 24.06.2022)

Homepage: Winkhaus