As threats evolve and school environments become more complex, access control and video surveillance systems are no longer confined to their traditional security roles. Today, they are increasingly being leveraged for operational intelligence, resource management, compliance, and even data-driven decision-making in educational institutions across the world.
In interviews with asmag.com, David Thean, General Manager for Asia at Gallagher Security, and Kunal Bhogal, Chief Operating Officer at IIRIS Consulting, shared their perspectives on how integrated security solutions are transforming the education sector, the challenges institutions face, and the gaps that still remain.
Unlocking operational intelligence
According to Thean, access control and video analytics are now being used to "unlock operational intelligence across education environments, going well beyond their traditional security role."
A compelling example is the deployment at International School Bangkok (ISB). “Access control isn’t just about securing the perimeter; it’s about accountability,” said Thean. “Students tap in at turnstiles, on school buses, and even during early release days, providing administrators with real-time data about movement across a large 35-acre campus.”
This has led to better oversight, with the system generating daily and weekly usage reports that help school leaders assess facility utilization. The data reveals where more staff might be needed and which zones experience higher traffic, especially after hours, making it easier to allocate resources efficiently.
At a major international university in Southeast Asia, Gallagher’s system supports real-time attendance tracking synced hourly, a significant leap from the once-per-day data collection used in the past. This enables "proactive engagement when students fall below required attendance thresholds for visa compliance," said Thean.
These deployments signal a broader shift in the purpose of access systems. “These systems are evolving into campus management platforms,” Thean explained. “Whether it’s allocating room space, managing temporary access for visiting faculty, or ensuring weekend use aligns with school policy, access data is informing strategic decisions that impact learning, safety, and resource allocation.”
Infrastructure challenges in educational institutions
Yet, deploying such advanced systems isn’t without hurdles. Legacy infrastructure remains a persistent challenge.
“Retrofitting access control and surveillance systems into buildings not originally designed with digital infrastructure in mind requires careful planning around cabling, power access, and physical hardware placement,” said Thean.
Older school buildings often lack the structural readiness to accommodate modern systems. This problem is magnified in regions like Asia, where building codes and infrastructure standards vary widely from one country to another. “In Asia, we also encounter diverse building standards and regulations depending on the country or region, which can affect everything from door lock compatibility to fire safety compliance,” Thean noted.
To overcome these hurdles, flexibility and modularity are essential. “What schools need are systems that can be layered in without massive overhauls,” Thean said. He pointed to Gallagher’s work at ISB as a case in point. “Gallagher’s ability to integrate with a school’s own check-in and reporting systems at ISB meant they didn’t have to rip and replace what already worked, they could enhance it.”
Vulnerabilities and gaps in current school security practices
Kunal Bhogal offered a more sobering view on the ground realities, especially in developing economies. He cited a widespread lack of formal security policies as the biggest vulnerability.
“The most common, and probably the biggest, vulnerability is user segregation. I’d say 99 out of 100 schools don’t have a set security policy. Even if they do, it can be easily neutralized or diluted,” said Bhogal.
The problem begins right at the school gate. “Starting with gate mechanisms, how students are offloaded from buses and enter the premises, it’s not secure. Usually, there are just one or two guards and a lot of traffic piling up outside, which makes the area quite vulnerable.”
When it comes to surveillance, the situation is similarly grim. “We conduct a lot of school audits, and we’ve noticed that areas where children usually gather aren’t covered well by cameras,” he added.
But perhaps the most alarming development is the rise in cyber threats targeting school infrastructure. “There’s the rampant rise of cyber incidents. Schools often allow external traffic on their networks, and their infrastructure is not well secured,” said Bhogal. He pointed out that there are often no proper mechanisms to detect threats such as narcotics, weapons, or behavioral anomalies.
While his insights are largely drawn from Indian deployments, Bhogal believes these vulnerabilities are global. “Some countries have stronger systems, but largely because they operate in trust-based societies,” he noted. “That said, with the rise of active shooter and lone-wolf incidents, even they have had to ramp up infrastructure.”
This could vary from country to country, but mature economies have to deal with problems that are unique to them: “Many schools in the West now use bulletproof furniture. If there’s an active shooter, you can shelter in the classroom. Most classroom doors are fitted with anti-invasion locks, which is unheard of in our schools. Many countries in Asia have a long way to go.”
Toward a more secure and smart campus
Bridging the gap between ideal and current practice requires more than just advanced hardware. It calls for holistic, integrable platforms that align with institutional policies and infrastructure constraints.
For instance, Gallagher’s modular approach offers a promising path forward. Their systems are designed to retrofit easily into existing environments. “What schools need are systems that can be layered in without massive overhauls,” Thean emphasized. This not only reduces upfront investment but also minimizes operational disruption during implementation.
Moreover, schools now want more than just security. They want insight. From enforcing attendance compliance for international students to managing room occupancy and weekend activity, data from access control systems is playing an increasingly vital role in campus operations.
In light of this, the emphasis is shifting from isolated systems to integrated platforms. “These systems are evolving into campus management platforms,” Thean reiterated. “Access data is informing strategic decisions that impact learning, safety, and resource allocation.”
Key takeaways for systems integrators
For security systems integrators, the message is clear: success in the education sector increasingly depends on offering solutions that go beyond traditional surveillance and access control.
- Understand Legacy Challenges: Many schools, particularly in Asia, face constraints due to older infrastructure. Flexible and modular systems that integrate with existing setups can be a winning proposition.
- Design for More Than Security: Schools are starting to demand systems that also support operations, planning, compliance, and resource allocation. Offer solutions that provide actionable data.
- Address the Basics: As Bhogal pointed out, even basic gate security and camera placement are still lacking in many institutions. These remain essential areas where value can be added.
- Plan for Cyber Threats: Schools are now vulnerable to cyberattacks. Any physical security solution must also be secure at the software and network level.
- Compliance Matters: Visa compliance, audit trails, and safety certifications are increasingly being tied to access data. Make sure your systems help schools meet these evolving demands.
As schools rethink what it means to be safe and smart, security technology is playing a crucial role. Not just in deterring threats, but in shaping better-run, data-informed educational environments.
For systems integrators, this presents both a challenge and a major opportunity. Those who can combine deep domain knowledge with adaptive, interoperable technologies will find themselves well-positioned in this evolving landscape.