Unauthorised entry into safeguarded production areas can lead to unnecessary machine downtime and increased safety risks. With FRANK, only pre-authorised personnel can gain access to the installation, using their existing ID cards or badges. This ensures controlled access without requiring changes to the current identification infrastructure.
Without structured event logging, it is often difficult to determine the cause of machine downtime or identify which actions are needed to prevent recurrence. In many cases it remains unclear who entered the safeguarded zone, when the access occurred, and how long it took to resolve the issue.
The FRANK software records all access events and access durations, enabling detailed productivity analysis. This provides valuable insights into operational behaviour and helps determine the optimal timing for preventive maintenance. FRANK can also be used to monitor inspections, sample collection and other operator-initiated activities within protected machine areas.
Access-control systems are often difficult to integrate into existing industrial networks and door interlocks. External card readers are frequently not robust enough for industrial applications. In many cases, additional wiring, network interfaces and PLC reprogramming are required.
FRANK is fully integrated into the existing amGard Pro range of robust safety interlocks. This eliminates the need for extra cabling, IT-network interfaces or PLC reconfiguration. With only a single, simple industrial controller, FRANK manages access and provides straightforward inputs to the existing PLC—functioning in the same way as a standard pushbutton.
The FRANK RFID module can be installed in any available pushbutton position on an amGard Pro safety interlock. The user can select the required ID-card technology (e.g. 125 Hz), and use the module’s outputs to grant or restrict access as needed.
FRANK modules do more than control entry and exit from safeguarded production areas. The FRANK RFID units can also be used to monitor other operator actions within the process—for example, enabling access to an HMI. FRANK operates independently from the safety inputs of the interlock and uses only non-safety contacts, ensuring that the functional safety architecture remains unaffected.
FRANK can also be used in combination with Fortress safety keys and other Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) solutions, providing a unified approach to access control, energy isolation and operator accountability.
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