In a perfect world, the access control solution installed today would be customized to exactly meet your campus’ present security and safety issues but also accommodate other solutions, including emerging technologies that will let your system easily, quickly and affordably grow and adapt as needed.

Whether you’re a K-12 school administrator, college security director or healthcare facility manager, your next access control system should be flexible, adaptable and scaleable. It must provide the right products for your own organization’s specific applications now and in the future, regardless of whether the initial solution includes keypads or card readers, is offline or online, or is stainless steel or brass.

Campuses require components to match existing hardware in color and style. Additionally, they will soon be required to incorporate — hopefully without complications — emergency lockdown, Wi-Fi, network on a card, mesh networks and other new technologies that are being discussed in the media and at tradeshows. The products should also be easy to use and install.

Lack of Standardized Equipment Poses Problems
Let’s review the typical access control system in use today. In all too many cases, it was installed in stages. As a result, it is comprised of different brands and disparate products, many of which do not integrate into the same system or talk with each other.

Too often, the hardware and software are proprietary, which don’t allow campuses to mix and match best of breed components or customize the solution. All too often, the system requires too many databases and a plethora of software interfaces that create confusion, lower the level of security within the facility and decrease staff productivity.

For instance, instead of locating components, such as a credential reader or request-to-exit device, around the door as has been traditionally done, new integrated lock designs should be able to incorporate these components into the lock itself, providing more value.

Higher Ed Campuses Mix and Match Credentials
What if this new security platform could be developed from the ground up, using open architecture and interchangeability as its keystones? After all, when locks are built on an open architecture platform, they let colleges and universities leverage their one-card solutions to provide safe and secure passage throughout the campus. With them, you can provide seamless integration with your present software, customize today’s access control solution, and easily accommodate future needs when required.

Multiple reader modules give college administrators the option to mix and match credentials. Dual card readers that request both a card and personal identification number (PIN) can be used to verify identity, asking the user to provide both something they have (their card) and something they know (their PIN).

A campus could do likewise with interchangeable network modules, going from standalone, offline locking to a networked access control system with yet another switchover. This enables an institution to instantly lockdown the facility when necessary and change access rights from administration offices.

For campuses with historic infrastructures, the wireless networking option eliminates the need for wire runs to every door in residence halls. You could use wireless equipment on those openings where it has been traditionally too expensive or cumbersome. Hard-wired equipment could be installed where it was most cost effective. All of this could be managed by one system and one database.

Audit trails could document who has gone where and when. Leveraging mortise deadbolts will yield higher levels of security in residence halls and other sensitive areas, such as research labs. Locks should also be compatible with popular master key systems and all popular exit devices. Additionally, they should provide a host of power and cylinder options, offer field configurable settings and include a wide variety of finishes and levers.

Locks should also provide a privacy function for areas requiring discreet notification, such as common area bathrooms.

K-12 Institutions Require Equipment Compatibility
At elementary schools, middle schools and high schools, electronic locks should be compatible with master key systems and popular exit devices and provide privacy functionality. Many school officials also prefer locks with an antimicrobial coating that reduce the spread of bacteria.

Multiple readers let administrators mix and match credentials as needed. No longer must schools protect perimeter openings and high value asset rooms with networked access control on one software system while less sensitive openings are protected with offline solutions using a different software system. Instead, electronic access control should let your district manage all doors with one database in one software system.

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