Physical access to assets operated by DSOs involves complex logistics for field teams. The costs, time loss, and inefficiency caused by these logistics pushed the Portuguese DSO E-REDES to search for alternative solutions capable of ensuring greater security, reliability, and flexibility in managing physical access to their facilities. In 2023, E-REDES initiated a proof of concept of a wireless access solution from iLOQ based on the use of near-field communication (NFC) technology.
The new locks, which do not require batteries or external power sources, can be opened with digital keys sent to field teams via web browser from a back-office position operated by coordinators. The proof of concept showed a 100% system operation success rate, while budget estimates forecasted an 80% cost reduction compared to a conventional solution using electronic cards or keypads for access. Across 2025 and 2026, the new iLOQ access solution will be deployed in all 436 E-REDES substations.
