Introducing the Eureka Discovery Key Control System
As the Industry Standard System for key management in secure facilities, Eureka Discovery targets the most critical and costly security breach: key compromise. The resulting lock changes, operational disruption, and associated manpower costs can run into the tens of thousands of pounds per incident.
Since 2001, Avonwood Developments Ltd. has partnered closely with the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and HM Prison Service, often working alongside facilities providers such as GFSL, to deliver a proven, robust, and dependable solution. The system has evolved through the Eureka 411 and Eureka iD phases and is now delivered as the Eureka Discovery Key Control System – a Ministry of Justice-approved solution.
Discovery is a dedicated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) solution designed as the critical final line of defence for key management, providing real-time, tamper-proof monitoring that complements existing physical security and key cabinet protocols. It significantly improves key security, control & protection.
Proven Reliability and Expanded Scope
What began as a solution for HM Prisons has expanded into a national security standard across the UK’s custodial estate. Since 2001, Avonwood has commissioned the system in 80 secure establishments, including:
- HM Prisons (HMP), covering Category A-E sites, managed in partnership with the MOJ and HMP Service.
- Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs).
- Secure Psychiatric Wards.
Our systems are active across England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Crucially, 74 of these sites remain in commission today, demonstrating unparalleled system durability and a continuous commitment to maintenance and support. This longevity ensures that the initial investment delivers security assurance for decades.
“On behalf of the Northern Ireland Prison Service I would like to thank your company for the fantastic work they have given us in the installation of your key tagging system. All work was carried out to a very high standard and very professionally.”
Security Manager, Northern Ireland Prison Service
Advanced Technology for Modern Security
The Discovery system has continuously advanced, focusing on greater capability, increased capacity, and superior resilience.
Superior Detection & Enhanced Range
The system’s detection capability has been significantly enhanced. The need for older, less efficient standalone units and components like roadside key loops has been eliminated. The modern Eureka Discovery system utilises integrated, superior single antenna technology strategically placed within high-security checkpoints and doorways.
This core infrastructure, including the advanced reader component and the dedicated tag testing equipment (which transitioned from the plus reader), is standardised and shared with our ZoneSafe product line. This commonality ensures controlled, consistent quality across both product ranges, prevents component waste, and guarantees that all expertise in the underlying RFID technology remains entirely in-house at Avonwood Developments.
This integration minimises the physical footprint while maximising security efficacy.
Robust Components & Design Evolution
The industry-standard Eureka key fob has evolved into its new generation. The original red key tag has been replaced by a highly secure, robust black flag-shaped key fob that sets a new benchmark for durability and performance.
The new generation fob features:
- New Rugged Enclosure: Highly durable and sealed for life, guaranteeing resilience in harsh environments.
Robust Casing with Reinforced Hole for Key Ring: Includes a reinforced stainless steel fixing point for enhanced security and key set compatibility. - Extended Battery Life & Warranty: Offers significantly reduced through-life costs, supported by a 2-year warranty.
- Sustainably Built: Features lower environmental impact materials and a compact design.
This design ensures superior durability, extreme impact resistance, and ergonomic use with all modern key sets and seals.
Software & Integration
The system software is developed with full regulatory approval and is compatible with the latest Windows operating systems. The modular building block design ensures flexibility, allowing it to be tailored to the exact requirements of any establishment, from Category A prisons to smaller IRCs. The system is easy to install & use.
Furthermore, Eureka Discovery can integrate with wider physical security infrastructure, including Access Control Systems (such as installations completed at HMP Parc).
System Operation: Eureka Discovery Key Control System
Designed to aid the prevention of key compromise, the Eureka key tagging system provides an extra level of security, control, and protection. Using proven RFID technology, it is an extremely effective last line of defence to ensure keys DO NOT inadvertently leave a secure establishment.
The Discovery Key Control System ensures that every key set is always accounted for with round-the-clock monitoring:
- Issuing and Return: Every time a key fob is issued or returned, it is identified, health-checked, and logged on the central system database.
- Detection and Alarm: When the key set is detected at any entrance/exit point, including vehicle locks, an immediate multi-point alarm sequence is triggered – simultaneously activating local alarms, gatehouse alarms, and the PC alarm.
- Audit and Compliance: The event is instantly logged, time-stamped, and stored on the system PC, providing an unassailable audit trail for compliance and investigation.
Verdict: Eureka Discovery Key Control System
The Discovery Key Control System offers a resilient, proven, and future-proofed security solution. By providing gate staff with greater control, real-time monitoring, and a critical final line of key detection, the system delivers unmatched assurance and strengthens the security integrity of the UK’s entire secure estate.
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