Previously, disparate systems required manual programming of access assignments. For example, when students enrolled their course-loads and housing assignments were recorded in the university's system. That information was then supplied to security personnel, who manually programmed the system to allow access based on the students' schedules.
“This manual process required a lot of man-hours spent programming and reprogramming credentials into the security system. With the system in place we are now able to use that time for other ongoing tasks inherent to the university, such as alarm upgrades, securing additional entrances and replacing or rekeying necessary physical lock hardware,” said William Dallaire, Master Locksmith at Roger Williams.
The system automates approximately 40 percent of security operations at the university, potentially eliminating up to 95 percent of the errors associated with manual processing. Cycle time and right first time for physical access change requests are also improved.
The Johnson Controls system, originally installed in 2006, was expanded to the new facilities and provides access monitoring and control for all 65 buildings on campus. More than 500 card readers and more than 50 surveillance cameras installed across campus are integrated with the system. A Johnson Controls building management system provides monitoring and control of HVAC equipment across the campus.
Better protecting people, property and assets
In addition to operational efficiency, the identity management solution helps the university maintain and improve internal policies and procedures related to the physical security of all personnel, property and assets. Improved accuracy of access assignments means only the right people are in certain places at certain times, which improves not only security but also accountability.
Upon completion of the new dormitory, the university implemented a five-swipe access policy. Students are required to swipe their card first to access the building, second their floor, third their wing, fourth their suite, and finally their room. “Managing this type of access scheme manually would be astronomical and any errors would quickly be compounded,” Dallaire said.
“On a similar note, when students opt to change housing we can quickly and accurately change housing assignments and even allow them access to both dorm rooms for a limited time during their move. We have a lot of customers to please. Students, faculty and staff expect to be able to get where they need to be. When they can't it's a problem, so reducing the chance of human error is critical to both security and customer satisfaction.”