The most pervasive and effective physical security solution is to keep cannabis facilities, products and cash locked down using door control technology as the first line of defense. Effectively keeping both customers, employees and assets safe.

Controlling Physical Access

Perhaps the most essential aspect of cannabis business operations is also the most precarious – customer interaction and access to retail areas. This earmarks entry/egress control as a primary priority when implementing physical security measures. Fortunately, there is more door technology on the market today than ever before, including advanced programmable door interlock systems (often called mantraps), which provide very high levels of security. Door interlock systems provide cannabis facilities with a unique form of protection for both customers and employees that is not afforded by conventional access control systems.

In its simplest form, a door interlock system is composed of two doors electronically connected so one cannot open until the other has closed. For cannabis facilities, a mantrap provides highly controlled access to an interior vestibule, where customers and/or employees can be screened automatically or by a security guard before entering the facility. Access is only allowed when the exterior door is closed, preventing tailgating of unauthorized individuals.

For retail locations, a secure entry vestibule solution may be employed. When individual(s) in the interlocked area are approved, the outer door remains  locked utilizing an electromagnetic lock or electric strike and the individuals can proceed through the inner door. Conversely, if an individual is deemed suspicious, an alert can be sounded, and the inner door will remain locked and the outer door will unlock allowing the potential threat to exit the building. This effectively prevents potential problems from escalating inside the facility.

A secure entry vestibule is also an effective solution for employee entrances. An electronic access system controls entry from the outside into the mantrap. Unlocking the entry door will lock the interior door of the Secure Entry Vestibule. Once the exterior door is re-secured, the interior door is unlocked to allow access into the facility. Any number of locking and unlocking configurations can be deployed to best accommodate employee traffic flow using a programmable door interlock controller.

The highest level of security is provided with a Restricted Entry & Exit System, whereby a door is unlocked by a request for access only if no other related doors are unsecured. Opening any one door keeps all other related doors locked. Restricted Entry & Exit Systems will buffer simultaneous requests for access to prevent two or more doors from being unlocked at the same time. Traffic lights are often utilized to signal when a door is locked or unlocked. This door interlock system configuration is most appropriate for back areas of cannabis facilities where inventory is stored and cash areas are located.

For Cannabis Distribution Facilities, Sally ports can be deployed to control vehicular entry/egress using any combination of overhead doors, gates or bollards.

Door interlocks are also available with different modes of functionality. Cannabis facilities with a high amount of pedestrian traffic in the morning and late afternoon may want two doors operating during these time periods with the ability to switch to a single door utilizing a key switch during midday or evening hours. Intercom systems can also be added to door interlock systems to allow communications between the individuals inside the “mantrap” and a facility greeter or security guard controlling the system.

For employee access to highly secure areas within cannabis facilities, advanced interlock systems can be deployed with biometrics that read faces, eyes and/or fingerprints to provide highly accurate identity authentication and verification, adding a much higher level of sophistication and security. This prevents lost, stolen or replicated physical access control credentials or even simple key locks to be compromised by unauthorized personnel.

While security is the core priority, a door interlock system deployed at cannabis facilities must also be user friendly and safe, or it can become a logjam for customer traffic as well as a potential source of liability. In an emergency, the door interlock system must enable people to evacuate the facility. For example, if the power fails, an emergency override would ensure that the door can be opened manually. Moreover, safety codes may require that the door interlock systems be integrated with the facility’s fire alarm control panel to allow emergency door release. A local emergency pull station may also be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies or to interface the system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls. In every case, local compliance mandates must be carefully adhered to when designing a door interlock system for your facility. Working with a reputable manufacturer and system installer ensures you will get the ease of operation and specific door interlock capabilities and compliance you need, along with high-quality customer support and service.

Door interlock systems are highly cost-efficient and provide a highly effective means of securing cannabis facilities. As a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic locking solutions proudly made in the U.S.A., Dortronics experienced team can provide personal assistance to help you design the door control system that best meets your specific needs. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please visit www.Dortronics.com for more information.

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But there also is technology that is increasingly being used by many enterprises – door interlock systems, which are two doors (or more) that are electronically connected so a person cannot open one door until the other has closed. Door interlock systems are a high-level solution for entrance control and access management for numerous types of organizations. 

There are multiple applications and industries that can benefit from door interlock systems. These include casinos, armored car facilities, prisons and police stations, medical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, secure government and military R&D sites, high-risk retail such as jewelry stores, check cashing facilities, schools and laboratories. For security integrators, the opportunities are endless for a solid revenue stream and new customers. 

How do you get started? Here are 6 best practices for selecting and installing door interlock solutions. 

• Know the types of door interlock systems available. Door interlock systems have different names based on their functionality, and are commonly referred to as one of the following: Interlocks, Mantraps, Sally Ports (for vehicles) Secured Vestibules, and Air Locks. With a door interlock and a mantrap, an individual is granted access through a door to enter an area. Once the first door is closed, a second door can then be opened automatically or triggered by an operator. Sally Ports are interlock systems used to control vehicle entry/egress using garage doors, gates or bollards. Secured vestibules are rooms that guard against electronic surveillance and data leakage. Air Locks are systems with numerous interconnected doors. Opening any door will lock the related doors so that only one door, in a designated area, can be accessed at a time.  

• Determine your customer’s goals. Is the user trying to protect assets and people, control pedestrian traffic, or both? What threats are they trying to mitigate? More than likely, you will need to help them select a system that is appropriate based on all factors. Door interlocks are also available with different modes of functionality, such as intercom communications, biometrics, or fingerprints. Does your customer want the system to be discreet? Will a security guard operate it? These are examples of questions that need to be asked. 

• Understand your customer’s security requirements. For example, Air Lock Control Systems are lower-security systems frequently used for environmental control. All of the doors are typically unlocked, and access is controlled with traffic lights, in this scenario two or more doors can often be opened simultaneously. A Secure Entry/Free Egress system provides a more secure entrance solution, as a valid access card will unlock the exterior door only if the interior door is closed. Unlocking the exterior door will lock the interior door. Once the exterior door is re-secured, the interior door is unlocked to allow access. The highest security is provided with a Restricted Entry & Exit System, whereby a door is unlocked by a request for access only if no other related doors are unsecured. 

• Select the proper interlock controller. A critical consideration when choosing a door interlock system is the proper interlock controller. You should understand the number of doors, types of doors and other monitored and/or controlled devices within the facility. There are numerous types of interlock controllers for facilities with as few as two doors or over 100, with features such as emergency door release inputs, panic release, adjustable timers, emergency release unlock, and more. 

• Have knowledge of industry standards and building codes. Door interlock systems are often subject to specific building code requirements, and here, your knowledge can help the user to select the right solution. For example, some municipalities may not allow any doors in a public facility to be locked at any time. Another example is a clean room, where door interlock systems may need to comply with Federal Standard 209E, also known as ISO14644. Even more, life safety codes may require that the door interlock systems be integrated with a facility’s fire alarm control panel to allow emergency egress. A local emergency pull station may be required to allow doors to be unlocked in non-fire alarm emergencies or to interface the system with NFPA 101 delayed egress controls. 

• Understand installation guidelines. These procedures will differ from facility to facility, but local building inspectors should always be consulted before installation of a door interlock locking system to help ensure compliance. For example, there are situations where any locks restricting an exit are not permitted, and where only traffic lights may be deployed to indicate when entry or exit is permitted. 

Choosing a door control system for a facility is of the utmost importance for any security executive, in order to ensure the safety and security of people, property and assets. A door interlock system can provide a highly efficient and effective solution for any security challenge. 

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