HARDWARE & SECURITY
Pencils , Books , and Cloud-Based Access Control
By Ross Wilks , Head of Marketing Communications , Vanderbilt International
» LIKE MANY OTHER THINGS IN LIFE , education is a vital component that all humans require . With that being the case , it ’ s essential for students , staff , teachers , and parents to feel safe and secure while in school facilities , but unfortunately , we know all too well that the safety that should be expected but is not always guaranteed .
Looking at the concerns that plague schools today , many security solutions providers have risen to meet the demands of these threats . And thankfully , many robust and preventative measures can be implemented to keep tragedies from occurring . One of these measures is access control , which typically serves as the backbone for most security systems , especially in a school setting . And for access control to remain the powerhouse of a school ’ s security system , it must be capable of seamlessly integrating with other systems , like video surveillance , to provide a scalable , easy-to-use security infrastructure .
The Power of the Cloud
Cloud-based and hosted access control provides reliable , real-time control of your educational facility . With the ability to openly integrate with third-party systems , such as video surveillance , these systems can help mitigate and prevent risks within the school . The cloud ultimately eliminates older , traditional equipment and streamlines new safety protocols with minimal effort needed from the end-user .
One of the key aspects of cloud-based access control is that it often leverages the power of information . When school safety first became a concern many years ago , protocols like metal detectors and backpack searches became a quickly adopted response . Unfortunately , this response was , for the most part , ineffective and has not added the level of security needed to prevent threats proactively . Implementing cloud-based systems allows staff to efficiently gather much more information than they previously could , better equipping them to monitor their campus effectively . In addition , when the access control system is coupled with other intelligent devices like video surveillance , or data like logins and credentials , the overall safety and security is heightened .
The ability to integrate with other systems is another reason cloud-based solutions are ideal for educational facilities . For example , security personnel once had to wait to collect video footage to monitor a situation ; however , with cloudbased access control , video surveillance can integrate seamlessly into the system , allowing any security team member to monitor video surveillance and door controls from their mobile device .
Access Control Made Simple
Access control should not be difficult to use or time-consuming to install . For schools looking to upgrade their security infrastructure , it ’ s crucial to search for a provider that develops products around a modular design . With a modular architecture and automatic device detection , access control is more straightforward to manage and monitor , regardless of previous access control experience .
Many access control systems are making the shift to a web-based interface , meaning that credentials can be accessed from any appropriate PC or mobile device . Choosing an access control solution that includes mobile credentials and physical card readers ( if so desired ) is ideal . With card cloning being a severe issue in security , choose a provider that ensures cybersecurity by using the latest technologies and protocols to keep cards from being cloned and readers from being spoofed .
Specific hybrid solutions offer a single license from setup that enables simple and efficient programming of system functions and updates , keeping installation time to a minimum . With this simplified process and intuitive interface , both users and installers can utilise the benefits of the on-prem system with minimal training or technical support . For example , a rules mapping engine enables advanced configurations of various system inputs and outputs through an intuitive , user-friendly interface .
Conclusion
Most schools will typically opt for an on-premise system that includes the flexibility , scalability , and remote management that specific “ hybrid ” systems offer . When searching for your school ’ s upgraded security solution , look for providers with products that are intuitive , user-friendly , and easy to install . Also , search for a customisable system that offers compatible apps , allowing for real-time monitoring , user management , and administration straight from your smartphone . With the ability to enable and disable alarms , lock and unlock doors , authorize users , and monitor specific locations on-premises or off , security has never been more convenient , and schools have never been more in control .
www . vanderbiltindustries . com
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SEP / OCT 2021
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