Enhancing campus life with IP access control
To enhance campus life, the University of Hull in the United Kingdom continues to upgrade its security. The security team now monitor 317 doors and 225 cameras from a central control room using the Security Center platform.
The company
When universities create a safe learning environment, next-generation leaders can thrive. With an enrollment totaling over 36,000 students, the University of Georgia (UGA) in the United States knows this well. This top-rated public university invests in technologies that help its police department secure six campuses while remaining mostly out-of-sight. No matter the incident, officers respond quickly. This reinforces a strong sense of safety and ensures students are focused on what matters—getting good grades and enjoying campus life.
The challenge
Keeping hundreds of buildings secure on a 762-acre main campus and five remote campuses isn’t a simple task. It became even more difficult for UGA when an older proprietary access control system began failing. Repairs were getting costly as the solution neared the end of its lifecycle. UGA wanted more flexibility with controlling doors and the ability to accommodate different requests and schedules. They also wanted a solution that could easily integrate with many devices and systems, and scale across all campuses.
The solution
Affordable access control
To keep costs down, the University implemented the Synergis Cloud Link. The intelligent IP controller supports non-proprietary access control devices, minimizing cabling and labour costs.
Mobile access to student dorms
Support for HID Mobile Access credentials means that students no longer fuss with cards to get into their dorms. The secure application lets student unlock a door with their phone.
Speedy student enrollment
Issuing cards to 8000 students each semester is efficient. Cardholder information is synced between Security Center and a student records system and group privileges are quickly assigned.
Easy visitor management
Staff issue temporary cards to conference attendees, researchers or contractors. “It’s given our visitors the freedom to roam without putting our assets or people at risk,” said Moore.
“[SecurityCenter] has enhanced our campus experience, giving staff, students and guests the freedom to enjoy everything our university has to offer. And that’s what securing our campus is all about.”
Gary Moore, Platform Services, ICT Department, University of Hull
Results
Getting around campus is a breeze. The University of Hull has upgraded a total of 317 doors to the Synergis™ IP access control system of Security Center. The security team monitors these doors and 225 cameras using the unified platform, all from a central control room. Facilities, Human Resources, and Student Administration departments handle most access control tasks, including requests from over 50,000 cardholders.
Support for HID Mobile Access credentials means that students can get into their dorm using their phone. The enrollment process has also been simplified using Security Center. A custom integration ensures student records information is synced in real-time and privileges are quickly assigned. This helps the university enhance campus security and better manage resources for students in specific programs or independent researchers.