When it comes to physical access control for university campuses, it's not as simple as securing entry points anymore. Technology has evolved and students and staff now expect these systems will also contribute to a more convenient and connected on-campus experience.
Making a business case for the planning and executing of campus-wide systems replacement is challenging for management teams, usually because of the associated high costs and disruptions to campus operations.
Fortunately, new technology simplifies the development and enhancement of your security and access systems with minimal cost and disruption.
Simplified Mobile Access Updates
New technologies have presented solutions that simplify mobile access by leveraging the system already in place. Re-equipping existing readers with a secure mobile hardware integration allows them to communicate with software on mobile smart devices. This makes the path to the adoption of mobile access control easy and can be tailored to fit varying needs.
Campuses can upgrade traditionally mechanical doors and extend the value of wireless electronic access control throughout. Devices are easy to install, affordable, and can overcome systematic limitations where rip-and-replace solutions are disruptive to operations.
To help understand the value of mobile access, let’s explore some of the advantages:
Improved Campus Security with Mobile Access Control
While electronic access control can do more than grant access to a space, its primary purpose is to provide security. As wireless electronic locks are integrated into a campus’s access control system, personnel can configure locks, assign schedules, and access logs and insights that aren’t possible with legacy locks. Utilizing real-time data insights and technology allows schools to manage their facilities as well as the staff or occupants inside to make informed decisions.
In the event of emergencies, a campus can lock down all or portions of its campus from a centralized location. Wireless devices extend electronic access control to more interior doors, adding an additional layer of protection.
Another benefit of wireless locks is universities can instantly activate and deactivate campus ID cards. The system tracks and logs who has access to areas on campus. There’s no need to worry about access keys floating around and getting lost or copied. Key override can still be an option, but facilities can reduce the distribution of those keys to just the campus management teams.
Mobile devices and platforms are designed to keep personal data and corporate information secure. Key security features, like hardware-based device encryption, can’t be disabled by mistake. Touch ID and Face ID make it easy to secure every device. And because of these many features, mobile access systems create a stronger identity authentication process than access keys, cards, badges, etc.
Operational Cost Savings With Mobile Access Control
Beyond security, electronic credentials reduce the cost and time associated with the reissuing of access cards or badges. If a student, faculty, or staff member loses an ID card it can be deactivated, and a new credential can be issued in minutes. Students are less likely to lose their phones than access cards. If they do, a physical credential doesn’t need to be replaced. It’s all handled through the access control system—saving time and money for both the staff and students
Once installed, staff and faculty can also spend less time manually visiting each opening. Instead, schedules can be deployed to lock up buildings, classrooms, and other spaces at set times.
Mobile access goes beyond mobility and user experience and supports increased efficiencies in lighting and air circulation management. By using robust access and capacity data, mobile access solutions can integrate with building management systems (BMS) and signal when to turn lights and air circulation on or off.
Seamless Mobile, Touchless Access for Students and Staff
University campuses are highly departmentalized, creating friction for students, staff, and faculty when traveling throughout different buildings and areas. When electronic access control is implemented throughout, a single device can provide a frictionless experience while users move from one space to the next—using their mobile device for access, financial transactions, and more.
Wireless entry points are ideal for interior openings like student rooms, faculty offices, lab spaces, cafeterias, sports facilities, and classrooms.
Future Proof Access Control Systems
Technology continues to evolve, and with that comes expectations for more seamless campus experiences. This is evident in the increased mobile usage in the Millennial and Gen Z demographics.
If the organization isn’t ready to transition to a mobile ecosystem today, it’s always crucial to be ready for the future. Wireless devices can help schools adopt the right technologies quicker so that when they’re ready, the foundation is in place to make the necessary updates.
Whether that is NFC or BLE, choosing interoperable hardware can lead to more options down the road. It’s going to be open to access to virtual software technology updates as innovations are introduced in the market.
Conclusion
Mobile devices provide new ways to interact with our environment, simplifying transactions, while providing an opportunity to increase convenience and security. The new generation of students now expects their mobile devices to be the foundation from which they experience both the digital and real-world, and they value the conveniences and prestige that wireless devices offer.
Interested in learning how Zerv Acccss can help improve the safety and security of your campuses?
Connect with our team directly at contact@zervinc.com and we’ll work with your team to create a project plan that fits your facility’s needs.
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