Re: Physical access control systems

[Charlie Prothero <Charlie.Prothero () KEYSTONE EDU>]

Paul,

 

Keystone College has adopted a staged approach, using hardware from Best
(our existing lock vendor).  

 

After suffering some equipment losses in classrooms, we replaced the
regular locks on tech heavy rooms with card locks that run on batteries
and are programmed via a PDA (see http://www.bestaccess.com/basisv.htm
for details).  These require no wiring to the doors, are relatively
inexpensive and easy to install, but time consuming to reprogram.

 

We also wanted to enhance security in our residence halls, but we
adopted a different strategy there - as the access needs in a residence
hall are much more fluid than that of classrooms (i.e. room moves, lost
cards, etc).  Since we were installing the system on outside doors,
there were also fire safety issues (i.e. lock must release when fire
alarm goes off, etc) and other things to consider - so we had Best
install a fully wired system there.  Each residence hall has an
intelligent control box that receives programming instructions from a
server, which it then uses to control access and report back.  The setup
is nice, because it continues to work even if the network and/or server
communication is disrupted.  This setup was VERY expensive, but they did
a really nice job on it, and the convenience of being able to program it
centrally is great.  

 

Both systems use the same software which, incidentally, is a re-branded
Lenel product (http://www.lenel.com <http://www.lenel.com/> ).  It can
import properly formatted records from your ERP system via a
user-friendly import utility or, for more sophisticated installations,
by way of a scripting facility.  When reviewing the options, don't
overlook the software!   The last thing you need is to get into a
situation where you have to manually keep data in sync!

 

Good luck!

 

- Charlie

 

Charlie Prothero

IT Director

Keystone College  

 

  _____  

From: Paul Younker [mailto:Paul.Younker () GREENVILLE EDU] 
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2005 11:13 AM
To: SECURITY () LISTSERV EDUCAUSE EDU
Subject: [SECURITY] Physical access control systems

 

We are researching door access control systems for possible
implementation in a building we are remodeling. I am looking for some
help in identifying potential systems. What door access control systems
are some of you using? Any information you can provide would be greatly
appreciated.

 

Thanks.

 

Paul Younker

Associate Director of Information Technology

Greenville College

Greenville, IL

 

618.664.7072

618.664.7172 fax

paul.younker () greenville edu

 

I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up
where I intended to be. - Douglas Adams

 

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