Healthcare digitalization has profoundly transformed the way hospitals manage their facilities and resources. From centers connected to medical data networks to smart rooms equipped with sensors and smart door locks, the healthcare sector is adopting cutting-edge technology solutions to optimize its facilities.
Digital transformation has reached healthcare centers to streamline processes and ensure the safety of both patients and professionals.
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What is a smart door lock?
A smart door lock is an electronic device designed to manage access to a room automatically and remotely. Unlike traditional locking mechanisms, which rely on physical keys, these locks use digital authentication methods and mobile applications.
These systems are connected to centralized platforms that allow administrators to configure access permissions, record entries and exits, and respond immediately to emergencies. In the hospital environment, their application has a direct impact on safety and efficiency, especially in areas where access must be restricted.
What types of smart locks exist and how do they work?
There are several types of smart locks, each linked to a different identification method to meet specific needs:
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Biometric locks: use biometric data such as facial recognition, fingerprints, or voice recognition. They are ideal for ensuring that only authorized personnel access critical areas.
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Magnetic card or PIN code locks: these locks work with personalized cards or numerical codes. They are common in patient rooms and administrative offices, as they are easy to use and configure.
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Remote-control locks: allow access to be managed through mobile devices or centralized systems. They are especially useful in emergency situations, where rapid locking or unlocking of entire zones is required from the hospital’s security control center.
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IoT-connected locks: integrated into Internet of Things (IoT) systems, these locks facilitate real-time monitoring and integration with smart devices, such as security cameras and motion sensors.
How are smart locks integrated into a connected hospital?
In smart hospitals, doors are connected to centralized management systems, such as AdvantControl, which enhance security by regulating access to different areas. These systems integrate various components to provide comprehensive protection:
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Cameras
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Access control
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Smart locks
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Touch terminals
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Digital and analog input/output cards
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Integration with the AdvantLink server software
To operate, they use both analog and digital signals processed together. This enables not only continuous traceability of every entry and exit, but also the collection of essential data for generating statistics. By using Big Data techniques, behaviors within the hospital can be analyzed to improve the optimization of human and material resources.
Benefits of using smart locks in different areas of a hospital
The implementation of smart doors offers numerous benefits across key areas of a healthcare facility:
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Prevents risks in high-security zones: ensures that only authorized personnel can enter laboratories or operating rooms with strict access control. This minimizes the risk of contamination and improper handling of biological samples.
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Peace of mind for hospitalized patients: patients enjoy greater privacy and safety, as access to their rooms can be controlled through cards or PIN codes.
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Optimizes emergency department workflow: smart locks allow rapid access for medical staff while restricting entry to unauthorized individuals. This enables professionals to work with greater focus and efficiency, without fear of being interrupted.
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Ensures privacy in administrative areas: protects confidential data, sensitive information, and valuable equipment by restricting access exclusively to authorized personnel.
Importance of security in hospitals during emergency situations
Hospital security not only focuses on protecting the assets of the healthcare facility, but also on ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors. Having a smart door lock in each critical area can prevent unauthorized access with serious consequences, not only for the hospital but also for intruders themselves.
Limiting risks during evacuation
A large and complex building such as a hospital can become a maze during an emergency. In these situations, the safety of professionals and patients can be ensured through actions controlled by the remote opening or closing of smart locks.
In the event of a fire, it is possible to prevent access to areas storing flammable products or to fully open evacuation routes so they remain free of obstacles and clearly marked.
Strict access control in hazardous areas
Some of the most sensitive areas in this regard include radiology zones, where an unauthorized person entering by mistake could be exposed to dangerous radiation. Similarly, medicine storage rooms may be targeted for theft or vandalism due to the possibility of obtaining substances illegally in large quantities, especially during emergency situations.
Data collection for implementing security protocols
In these cases, having a complete and real-time record of all movements in each area of the hospital allows for a much faster and more thorough investigation. This optimizes management times and provides valuable information for developing new protocols that continuously improve the building’s safety.
Engineers responsible for designing security and communication systems in hospitals are increasingly integrating smart door locks as one of the fundamental elements of centralized management. If you are one of them, contact us and we will advise you on selecting the most suitable security systems according to your facility’s characteristics.
