As lots of you will know by now we’ve had a handful of incidents of tools going missing from the space, specifically the Janome sewing machine and it sounds like some of the makerspace laptops as well.
Much more frequently, we’ve had people using tools in ways that damage them (e.g. overlockers). I don’t think we’ll ever be able to stop this, but it would be very useful for the techs if they could at least drop the user in question a message if they find the machine in a bad state - we can currently do this for large stationary tools but have no way of seeing for instance who was the last one to use a sewing machine.
The simplest solution as I see it is a locker type system, where users can check out machines with their key-fob when they use them, and put them back afterwards - creating a record of who’s used them in the process.
In theory we could restrict certain tools with this, but for the most part I think having a record will keep people on good behaviour without being too heavy handed.
I’m happy to put a few days into actually building it, but do people feel this idea has legs, do techs actually want their tools locked away, can the tool control system handle a load of new nodes on it?
I think this is a great project, I’m happy to help a bit, but as the person responsible for networking at the space, can I ask that this is not a Wi-Fi product, but that it uses Ethernet.
Also I’d sugest from my experience of running lockers like these at work, we should put CCTV that covers the lockers so that no one can make a claim they did something they didn’t, for example opening the door to return it but not actually putting it back, or leaving the door open and then someone else takes it.
I really like the idea. From a non-systems perspective, my initial thought is to have one Tool Control unit per bank of lockers, with a keypad or button panel that allows users to open specific lockers. This would reduce the number of tool control modules required on the network.
For example:
I scan my fob, and the system identifies which lockers are available (not empty or already checked out) and contain devices I’m authorised to use. The corresponding “Open” buttons for those lockers light up. I then press the relevant button to open the locker and access its contents, or to open a locker I’ve previously checked out in order to return the item.
The Lockers will add some extra bulk to areas, so areas like the textiles shelving might need a re-think/rebuild.
This idea actually came from another member, not me — but I think it’s brilliant.
Lock the keys, not the cabinets.
Here’s what I mean.
Different tools have different security needs. Some require a proper cabinet, others might just need a padlock and chain, and some may need an electrical isolation key. If we try to lock every tool inside dedicated cabinets, it can quickly become complicated, requiring a lot of cabinet space and a large number of doors.
Instead, I suggest we let each tech decide how best to secure their tools — whether that’s a cabinet, a bicycle lock, a padlock and chain, or another suitable method.
Then, we build a single secure cabinet that holds all the keys.
A member would scan their fob, select the key they need, and the system would check whether they’re authorised. If approved, the relevant key is released. Everything would be logged automatically, with keys signed in and out through the system.
This approach gives us flexibility. We can have as many tool storage solutions as needed, cabinets can be designed to fit awkward spaces, and the system becomes much easier to scale up or down over time.
We could also position CCTV to monitor the key cabinet for additional security.
This might be of interest to the woodshop as well. We have a handful of power tools that need inductions but are just stored under the MFT without any tool control.
Diester is the manufacturer of the glove box key thingy that Zipcar used too.
Might be out of our price range - no idea, but we should be able to make one, as it’s basically a hook and tenon system.
The issue with this solution is key cloning as people will use cheap locks, but it does require a lot more planning than currently which is probably enough
Yeah I think a sufficiently motivated thief would be able to get through anything we’d come up with (especially with angle grinders in the space lol) - I’d say this is more like putting a lock on your bike, it just adds that one extra step to deter the majority of bad actors
Plus we get traceability for when a well meaning member does something a bit daft, e.g. sharpening the nice chisels with a belt sander
We have these at my work. I did have a look and would work with the tags we have. No idea on price though. You tag in, it tells you what keys you have access too then you select it and it releases the key. then you do the same to return. You can make it so anyone can return your key for you.
May be a small enough solution to have within the current CCTV catchment as well rather than another camera with more setup.
I’m in favour of the lock the keys approach for scalability and specificity sake.
In the case of the laptops, we just need a door added to the shelf, with a hasp and staple.
We can start with a combination lock, and then move to the key approach once it is ready.
Surely would be way cheaper to build the locking module ourselves? At the end of the day it needs to be a very simple device not an actual security item.
Don’t you think?
