The University of Liverpool in the U.K. recently made the decision to secure its 749-room student accommodation with an RFID-based door control solution from Assa Abloy. The solution allows for the simple upgrade of mechanical locks so that they can communicate with an existing access control system. Vine Court, a development that received an "excellent" BREEAM rating, forms part of the university’s extensive sustainable accommodation program, comprising shops and a 250-seat restaurant. Residents benefit from rainwater harvesting, solar thermal water heating and low-energy lighting and heating systems.
Assa presented the most cost-effective and easy-to-install security solution because it can be fitted without the need to modify any doors. "Aperio appealed to us because of its innovative design and ability to work as an integral part of the wider AGS security solution – which can encompass hard-wired, wireless and fire-free access control,” said Darren Clark, Senior PM at the university.
The offline locking solution allows for easy egress via the door handle when required and supports the client's Mifare RFID credentials. It was also important to the client that the system could be migrated to MIFARE microcontroller at a later time – without necessitating a change of door hardware. Other products used to secure the student accommodation include wireless door escutcheons, the new Union master key system and night latch cases.