CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF ORANGE COUNTY (CHOC)

Challenge: No access control for keys led to human errors, lost keys and inefficient processes

The operations team at CHOC faced challenges in managing facility keys. Without an access control system for keys in place, keys were issued manually with one staff member acting as a steward. Staff and contractors had to wait for the steward to issue and collect keys, causing delays in emergency situations. Manual key handling resulted in human errors, lost keys, time-consuming processes and staff spending valuable time trying to gain access to keys.

Multiple departments within the hospital, including plant operations, security, pharmacy, and mental health, experienced key management challenges. Since records were kept in a physical logbook, real-time monitoring was difficult and raised significant security concerns. If a key went missing, it became challenging to track down the last user. And an additional burden on personnel to maintain mandatory compliance requirements. Furthermore, losing high-security keys would often result in expensive lock replacements.

Solution: Automated access control for keys

The hospital management realized they needed an access control for keys to control and monitor them, ensuring keys never leave the site. Soon, they turned to Torus and 6 Torus cabinets are installed to date. With an automated key management system, it is now easy to monitor, control and access keys. They can trace the last ‘key user’ whenever required. This has allowed the management to quickly address instances of lost, damaged, or misplaced keys. If keys are not returned, real-time SMS & email alerts are sent ensuring prompt return of the keys. With keys in control, CHOC is now saving enormous time every year.