Get smart about selling colleges on access control

Written by Beverly Vigue Tuesday, 04 May 2010 10:08

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To deliver quality student services in a safe and secure environment, college and university security administrators face a daunting task of managing tight budgets, increased demands for accountability, as well as student demographics that quickly change. What’s the value proposition that security dealers and integrators can bring to campus?

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It’s a fact. Smart credentials are in the future for every college. With the price of smart credentials being competitive to proximity today, there is no reason not to deploy smart cards immediately, even if the only application will be physical access control. A smart credential, for the same price, provides a higher level of security, more convenience, and far greater functionality than a proximity card. One credential has the ability to manage access, payments and many other functions. Those not willing to make that upgrade today should at least incorporate multi-technology readers so that, when the switch to smart cards comes about, they will not have to tear out and re-install readers.

The Case for Smart Credentials
Credential cards offer one way to solve a host of student management issues today — and prepare for tomorrow. These credentials go far beyond traditional identification cards. In addition to individual profile information, they can provide students with secure access to everything from residence halls, recreation facilities and computer networks to safe methods of payment in campus eateries and vending machines. Some credential options even allow students to use their cards for access to academic information and personal documents.

Equally important, smart credentials afford security administrators more avenues to ensure safe and secure environments for students on and off campus. The cards work in concert with access control systems, video surveillance and mass notification capabilities. With today’s convergence of technologies, campuses can integrate existing systems with advanced credential reader technologies to enhance security of their environments, as well as student life.

Students appreciate the convenience and freedom that smart credentials provide. Today's generation of students is very accustomed to using technology to make their lives easier. From baby room monitors and closed circuit televisions in schools to online networking and all types of access control cards, the vast majority of students today are accustomed to using advanced technologies.

For security administrators, smart credentials integrate easily with traditional access control programs. They are simple to update with user profile information plus easy to deactivate and replace if lost or stolen.

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Last modified on Friday, 21 May 2010 10:30

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