Ensuring the security of students and faculty at high-end college campuses is an ever-changing, all-encompassing responsibility, compounded by new and unpredictable risks that will continue to emerge in a post-pandemic world.
College campus access control should not only be a top priority for the powers that be, but it should be poised to move beyond legacy systems in the immediate future, incorporating new technology to replace readers, controllers, and security software that has seen more than a half decade of use.
Recent studies have shown that many colleges opening for instruction this year are still relying on legacy access control tech such as mag stripe cards, barcodes, and low-frequency proximity cards. Linking applications using a one-card system for students covering residences, library accounts, meal plans, and parking could be an ideal solution. In many cases, budget remains a hindrance to a complete overhaul. Because of this, the concern from security professionals is that only minimum requirements will be met, instead of equipping the learning institution with the security measures it needs.
Better integration with other security measures will be critical. Platforms that are compatible with existing infrastructure and protect against all vulnerabilities are needed, widespread. It is important to note, too, that budget should not be detrimental to necessary action, as updated, integrated systems provide increased, widespread efficiency, and ultimately lower operating costs than legacy systems.
Knowing what we do, decision makers should approach each upgrade with an eye on how future lockdowns should be handled. College campus access control systems should be considered in conjunction with the following:
- A user-friendly, intuitive interface that allows campus leaders to close and lock doors remotely, approve or restrict credentials, limit access to authorized personnel, receive real time alerts and information, via text, and more.
- Integrated lockdown capabilities (PINS, panic buttons, access cards, etc.) allowing faculty to activate threat level alerts from any reader or from any web enabled device.
- Seamless integration with active shooter systems.
- Wireless locking systems, which offer greater flexibility for expanding campuses.
- Video surveillance systems that are triggered by opened doors.
- Searchable video management software that allows for swift and easy data collection.
Secom specializes in state-of-the-art security measures for higher learning institutions. Our comprehensive solutions integrate college campus access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and more. Reach out to us today to learn more and fill out our form to request additional information.