ITHACA, N.Y. — Miami University has increased security and convenience on campus, thanks to a full campus security implementation completed as one project in a short time frame this past summer by the CBORD Group, Inc.

CBORD worked with Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies to deploy the Miami University implementation. The implementation has enhanced ease of access in residence hall rooms and buildings around campus, while simultaneously creating a platform for future system growth and functions. In addition, the project achieved a substantial cost savings through application of new technology replacing mechanical keys, locks and associated labor expense.

Over a 90 day period, software and hardware systems and devices were installed, configured and brought online for more than 4,200 interior and 325 exterior doors. CBORD deployed a new technology-based, Schlage® aptiQ^TM contactless secure student credential from Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, to replace old keys and cards.

The system was positioned for additional devices to be added in the near future-laundry, vending, and printing are examples of how the new credential can be used on campus.

In the university environment, large access control and security system installations are generally completed in phases, and typically this process spans several years. Miami University wanted to provide all students living on campus the same level of safety and security, and the university administration saw a need to do this in a single, carefully coordinated step. As a result of these ambitions, the university embarked on what proved to be one of the largest access control installations of its kind, with an ambitious implementation timeframe. After a thorough industry search and RFP process, the university selected CBORD®‘s CS Access^TM access control solution.

Key benefits resulting from Miami’s implementation include:

• CBORD’s CS Access provides robust lock monitoring and deployment features which were essential to support the project implementation scope and timeline.
• If a student misplaces or forgets to carry his or her new ID/credential card, a text message can be sent from the student’s cell phone to receive instant building or room access using a new CBORD feature called “OpenMyDoor.” This exciting new development has eliminated the need for middle-of-the-night visits by campus residential staff. Sophisticated audit and second credential features assure proper use of this capability, which can carry a university fee.
• The “door propped” reporting feature was important to the university.
• System monitoring tells the university the status of all door locks, bringing a number of status factors to management’s attention. Some factors such as battery power level are proactively monitored to ensure smooth installation and proper system performance.
• If a card is used by someone other than the owner at various readers in an attempt to determine privileges, the card will be turned off and a text message automatically sent to the authorized card holder to notify him/her that someone is attempting to use the card.
• Staff that need temporary access to secured areas are no longer checking out physical master keys or cards, but are instead granted limited, elevated privileges on their own cards through a feature called “MasterKey.” This feature is available because the locks are always online, and it allows instant student notification when “MasterKey” privileges are used to access their rooms.
• Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies designed and built the Schlage® AD-400 interior electronic lock hardware, which provides enhanced communications management and control. Being wireless, these locks also provide a more cost-effective solution that is quicker and lower cost to install.

“CS Access has the robust feature set we need to secure our residence halls and leverage mobile technologies to better protect our student body,” said Larry Fink, Assistant Vice President for Housing and Auxiliaries Finance at Miami University. “The mobile support we have with CS Access is extremely popular. Students experience greater security and convenience, and staff members are freed from middle-of-the-night calls to open residence hall room doors.”

Miami improved its security by moving away from metal keys, selecting Schlage® aptiQ^TM contactless smart card credentials, an open-standards solution based on MIFARE DESFire^TM EV1.

“The secure ‘handshake’ of information between the aptiQ card and the Schlage AD-Series wireless lock makes this format very difficult to hack or copy. This is a solution we foresee gaining prominence in campus security in years to come,” says Fink.

When students began moving in this past August, they expressed a feeling of greater safety and comfort knowing that the new access system was in place. This increased confidence in their living arrangements was important for new arrivals and upperclassmen alike. The move-in was covered by local television, highlighting the new security system.

CBORD’s relationship with Miami University dates back to 1978 when the university installed its first CBORD solution-a predecessor of the industry-leading Foodservice Suite® food management solution.  The implementation of CS Access brings CBORD solutions into new activities and areas of campus, with plans already underway for expansion. 

Related Articles:

• Your Physical Access Control Cheat Sheet
• How to Manage Campus Keys
• Advancing Campus Access Control One Door at a Time
• On Patrol: When Logical and Physical Access Collide
• What Smart Cards Can Do for Your Campus

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