Key box

Product overview
Sofis Key Management Systems enable operations teams to control safety-critical valve operations secured by valve interlocks. The digital platform is designed to provide safety, visibility and operational efficiency during routine work and time-critical events such as shutdowns and turnarounds.

Benefits

• Controlled access to valve-interlock keys to reduce unsafe operations.
• Improved operator efficiency and reduced human error through guided workflows.
• Hierarchical administrative control for critical systems and processes.
• Full visibility of valve and interlock status with reporting and audit trails for compliance.

Key capabilities

• Scalable cabinet architecture with master and sub-cabinets for large installations.
• RFID-equipped valve-interlock keys recognized and guided to the correct key position by the system.
• Limit switch to detect key presence and solenoid mechanism to trap keys; keys released only after permissive authorization.
• Operator authentication via unique PIN code or RFID badge.
• Automatic reminders when a key is missing beyond a set time; interlocks in non-default states are highlighted.
• Instant key audit and transaction reports for operational oversight and regulatory compliance.
• Integration of valve position/status information and access to operating manuals and P&IDs per system to guide operators.

Typical usage scenarios

• Centralized management of valve-interlock keys across a plant using master/sub-cabinet architecture.
• Tracking and reporting of key movements during routine operations, shift changes, shutdowns and turnarounds.
• Enforcing safe valve operation procedures by restricting key access and requiring supervisor authorization for critical activities.

Guidance and operator support
The system guides operators to the correct key position to promote right-first-time operation, confirms valve position and system status, and enables quick identification of missing keys.

Administration and configuration
Define operation-team hierarchies and access levels; enforce mandatory supervisor authorization for critical procedures. Administrators can change system configuration through the user interface or by importing an Excel configuration file.

Support
Sofis provides local service centres and a network of certified service partners for installation and maintenance of the Key Management System.

Caractéristiques / spécifications techniques

• Master cabinet: 80 key positions.
• Sub-cabinet: 120 key positions.
• Up to 20 sub-cabinets can be connected to a single master cabinet.
• Valve-interlock keys equipped with RFID chips for automatic identification.
• Key presence detected by a limit switch; keys trapped by a solenoid and released only after permissive authorization.
• Operator login options: unique PIN code or RFID badge.
• Missing-key reminders and highlighting of interlocks in non-default states.
• Key transaction logging and instant audit reporting.
• Operating manuals and P&IDs available per system within the platform.
• System configuration editable via UI or Excel configuration file; supports hierarchical access control and mandatory approvals for critical operations.