A college campus is a perfect example to illustrate how smart credentials go far beyond traditional identification cards. In addition to individual profile information, they can provide students with secure access to everything from residence halls, recreation facilities and computer networks to safe methods of payment in eateries and vending machines.
For instance, in the laundry room in college dorms, smart cards or smart phones can be used to automate the washers and dryers, eliminating the need for a cash box, increasing convenience and reducing the threat of theft. Some credential options even allow individuals to use their cards for access to academic information and personal documents.
RELATED: Securing Campus Contactless Card-Based Access Control Systems
Let’s summarize and list the various applications that the shrewd campus security administrator can consider for smart credential implementation:
- Physical credential administration
- Visitor management administration
- Provisioning or access privileges assigned
- De-provisioning or access privileges revoked
- Segregation of duties
- Parking permit administration
- Property pass administration
- Compliance/governance reporting and auditing
- System troubleshooting and maintenance
- Alarm correlation and response
- Emergency communication and notification
- Video analytics applications (people counting, behavior tracking, etc.)
- Identification
- Time and attendance
- Logical access
- Supplies check-out verification
- Charge privileges at various locations, including the cafeteria
- Document printing
- Biometric template storage
Let’s also not forget the building management system. If the access control system notes that someone is in a specific part of the building, the air conditioning and lighting can be activated. Once that person leaves, either the access control or video system could automatically tell the building management to turn those systems off. This can save money and resources, a potential green solution that would be helpful in meeting smart building requirements.
Scott Lindley is the president of Farpointe Data, a DORMA Group company that provides RFID systems, including proximity, smart and long range access control solutions.
