Another door opens

Choosing access solutions for education facilities

Student and staff safety on premises is paramount to headteachers and facilities managers – and the prospect of working with multiple third parties can make updating systems seem daunting. Here, Andrew Slynn, Electronic Access and Data Lead at dormakaba explores some of the access solutions available and explains the benefits of working with a supplier that will provide complete support from the beginning and well into aftercare.

Safety and security are an ever-prominent consideration for educational establishments and due to their nature, a diverse range of security levels must be taken into account in order to provide staff and students with effective security measures whilst maintaining a safe and comfortable learning environment. Regular student and staff turnover, different security and access requirements during term time compared to the holidays, as well as visitors and contractors arriving on site, all require differing access privileges that must be added, withdrawn or amended frequently. As such, there are many layers to manage and those responsible for the security and safety of students must look to security specialists that can demonstrate that these factors have been well considered, to ensure the smooth running of premises.

Risk assessment

An educational facility or campus can present complex security requirements, so it is advisable to undertake a security audit with a specialist who can assess the entire site and identify the levels of security required and any specific vulnerabilities. For example, across a facility the entry points, entrance systems and door hardware needed can vary - so it is important for the solutions provider to be called upon early on in the project to inform the specification. This will not only ensure that the most appropriate solution is installed but also enable safe and secure flow across the facility.

A scalable, secure solution

Given the flexibility it can offer, an electronic system that can be centrally managed is an ideal starting point to build an access control system. Digital means of access control are steadily becoming the way forward and can promote ease of movement whilst ensuring that access is carefully managed so only authorised persons can enter certain spaces.

For example, cloud-based access control systems that utilise access cards or fobs are incredibly flexible. They require minimal effort to be integrated into the organisation’s existing IT architecture and utilise an online platform to manage user access across a site. Using a simple, centralised and easy to use interface facilities managers can create a customised, zoned security system and easily and remotely control who can access certain parts of a building or campus. This is ideal for ensuring teaching spaces like laboratories that contain potentially dangerous equipment and materials can only be accessed by authorised persons.

What’s more, the use of a card or fob means that in the event that the access media is lost, cloud-based systems offer a simple way of rendering the missing item unusable to prevent unauthorised access.

This technology also offers the opportunity to use smart phones for access instead of media like cards, fobs and smart keys. Not only is this more convenient for the user, but it also improves security as there is less chance of the access media being lost or borrowed by other people. Smart phones also utilise additional security measures like a PIN number, passcode and biometric verification (such as fingerprint or facial recognition), further reducing the chance of unauthorised persons gaining access to the premises.

A huge benefit of cloud-based systems is that new features and updates to the platform are made and rolled out automatically rather than needing to wait for the locally installed software to be updated. This means that the system can continue working at optimum efficiency without comprising security.

Minimising risk by maximising hygiene

Another factor to consider when selecting access solutions is hygiene. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the importance of choosing systems that require minimal contact to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria and enable social distancing. The key here is to minimise the number of manually

operated doors - thereby reducing common contact points around the building.

This can be easily achieved by upgrading the door hardware of manual swing doors and installing the necessary activation and safety sensors to make them operate automatically. Touch operated automatic doors can also be improved by replacing the push-pad with a contact free, microwave detection sensor. And instead of traditional locks and cylinders, use digital versions that support contactless access - and these can be integrated into the entire, single access system.

Integration

Leading suppliers like dormakaba will also offer integrated access and security solutions and products that are designed to communicate with each other and perform in a harmonised way to save time and money. Once installed, the software automatically updates, which is convenient and reduces the admin burden for facilities managers.

One supplier fits all

To ensure that the right solution is chosen for the premises and its requirements, we recommend choosing a single solutions provider that can offer a holistic view of the site and ensure all elements of access control and security are integrated and compatible with each other. For example, dormakaba’s specification experts will support a project at all stages, from design to delivery. They offer expert knowledge on building regulations and risk assessments, tailored advice for difficult project requirements and bespoke locking solutions to suit specific needs.

Liaising with one supplier removes the need for multiple communication channels and any issues or queries can therefore be managed efficiently. What’s more, this end-to-end approach also offers streamlined maintenance for the establishment – with only one service plan and maintenance manufacturer to deal with in the future.

Education facilities receive high levels of foot traffic every day and for premises to operate efficiently, it is paramount that the correct door hardware and access solutions are installed to ensure staff, students and visitors remain safe. Every facility is different so it is important to consider access solutions that can be easily tailored to the premises’ individual requirements.

To find out more about dormakaba’s service offering and its full range of access control systems visit www.dormakaba.co.uk

Astute Electronics

Astute Electronics promises to deliver customers the best Quality, Service and Reliability. Astute is both an Electronic Components distributor and a global and UK parts supplier. The company’s highly-qualifi ed team is experienced in procurement, engineering, logistics, fi nance, program management and QA. www.astute.co.uk

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