Schools now seek integrated technologies that connect with broader IT and building management systems, supporting functions such as energy efficiency and real-time health monitoring.
Educational institutions worldwide are raising the bar for physical security systems as they accelerate digital transformation.
Basic access control features like door locks and entry restrictions are no longer sufficient. Schools now seek integrated technologies that connect with broader IT and building management systems, supporting functions such as energy efficiency and real-time health monitoring.
That is the view that David Thean, General Manager – Asia at Gallagher expressed in a recent interview with asmag.com.
“We’re absolutely seeing rising demand for open-platform, API-friendly systems in education,” Thean said in a recent interview. “Schools increasingly want solutions that not only secure their environments, but also integrate seamlessly with their existing digital infrastructure.”
This shift is driving a transformation in how school administrators, IT departments, and facility managers approach security. It is also creating new opportunities and new demands for systems integrators who must now design and deploy platforms that are highly customizable, interoperable, and future-ready.
From standalone to smart: the rise of interoperability
For many years, school security systems were deployed in isolation. Access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection often ran on separate networks with different vendors and little cross-communication. That is changing quickly.
“Rather than standalone systems, they’re looking for interoperability with a strong preference for vendors who can work within a larger digital ecosystem,” Thean explained.
The goal is no longer just to prevent unauthorized entry or monitor hallways. Schools now want to build environments where security becomes an enabler of smarter operations. Whether it is improving student safety, automating energy use, or streamlining incident response, the focus is on multi-functional platforms that offer deeper visibility and control.
Most-requested integrations in education
The most requested third-party integrations in the education sector fall into three major categories:
Student Information Systems (SIS):
Access control solutions are being linked to student databases, enabling real-time attendance tracking. When a student taps a credential at an entry point, the system automatically logs their presence and feeds the data into the school’s SIS. This reduces manual reporting, improves accuracy, and supports better communication with parents.
Building Management Systems (BMS):
Integration with HVAC, lighting, and energy monitoring systems is becoming a priority as schools look to reduce costs and meet sustainability goals. Access control events can be used to trigger energy-saving actions, such as adjusting room temperature based on occupancy or shutting down unused lighting zones.
Safety and Threat Detection Tools:
Schools are increasingly interested in integrating access control systems with safety tools like vaping detectors, emergency alert platforms, and video analytics for threat detection. These integrations help campuses respond faster to incidents while ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
One standout example comes from Metcalfe County Schools in the United States. Gallagher’s Command Centre access control system was integrated with HALO Smart Sensors, which detect vaping and other anomalies in school bathrooms. When an event is detected, the system can automatically trigger a video recording and send real-time alerts to school officials.
“Notably, integrations with threat detection devices are becoming more popular,” Thean said. “A strong example comes from Metcalfe County Schools in the United States, where Gallagher’s Command Centre was integrated with HALO Smart Sensors to detect vaping and initiate automated responses such as video recording and alert notifications.”
“Examples like this show that schools are no longer just asking for security, they want infrastructure that supports policy, operations, and forward-looking innovation,” he added.
Kunal Bhogal, COO at IIRIS Consulting, agrees that behavior-based analytics and tighter entrance controls will play a growing role. “The camera will never be able to pick up narcotics,” Bhogal noted. “It can pick up user behavior. Maybe four students are together in uniform, and there is a fifth one who is not in uniform. That can be flagged, but it's not always a narcotic incident.”
He emphasized that more proactive physical security measures are needed. “What absolutely is needed is very strong check controls at the entrance of the school building itself, and we rarely see any baggage scanners or anything,” he said.
Bhogal also raised concerns about the presence of weapons in schools. “As much as narcotics is a challenge, an equally or even bigger challenge is weapons. These are very commonly available in some countries. Sometimes, you'll be able to find one off the shelf. Students bring them to school. They bring them to show off. There are accidental discharges and incidents all the time.”
His comments underline the need for schools to think beyond surveillance cameras and analytics, and to invest in layered physical security systems that include entry-point screening and real-time behavior monitoring.
Supporting long-term digital strategies
The move toward open-platform systems is not just about solving immediate challenges. Schools across Asia are investing in future-proof infrastructure that can adapt to new educational needs and technologies.
By choosing access control platforms that support a wide range of APIs and protocols, schools are better positioned to expand their capabilities over time. Whether that means incorporating facial recognition in the future, upgrading to more advanced analytics, or integrating with national education databases, flexibility is key.
Systems integrators have a central role to play here. They must evaluate each school’s digital maturity, understand existing IT architecture, and recommend solutions that can grow and evolve without costly rip-and-replace upgrades.
Enabling better resource allocation
Integrated systems do more than protect people and property. They help educational institutions allocate resources more effectively. For example, if occupancy data from access control is shared with cleaning services, staff can prioritize heavily used areas and reduce unnecessary labor.
Similarly, data from access events can help school administrators make informed decisions about building usage, class scheduling, and infrastructure planning. Schools that can link access events with time-of-day analysis can also better understand how facilities are used, allowing more efficient scheduling of activities, maintenance, and staffing.
Meeting compliance and privacy requirements
Data privacy and compliance are significant concerns, especially in Asia, where countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Japan have strict data protection laws. Integrators and vendors must ensure that any solution deployed meets regional regulatory standards.
Gallagher, for instance, places strong emphasis on privacy and data protection, with features that allow administrators to manage user permissions, audit system usage, and control data access in real time.
For companies like Gallagher, compliance is no longer an afterthought. It is built into how we design, implement, and maintain systems for their customers.
Advice for systems integrators
For systems integrators working in the education sector, success now depends on their ability to deliver integrated, future-ready platforms. This means more than technical expertise. It requires a consultative approach.
Integrators should start by understanding the school’s broader goals, not just its security concerns. Are there sustainability targets? What IT systems are already in place? How tech-savvy is the facilities team? What kind of analytics or reporting does the administration need?
According to Thean, the best results come when integrators act as partners, not just vendors.
“Schools increasingly want solutions that not only secure their environments, but also integrate seamlessly with their existing digital infrastructure,” he said. “Rather than standalone systems, they’re looking for interoperability with a strong preference for vendors who can work within a larger digital ecosystem.”
Looking ahead
As schools continue to digitize, the demand for flexible, API-ready security systems is only expected to rise. From integrating access control with smart building systems to leveraging data for decision-making, the trend is clear: physical security is no longer a standalone function.
For vendors and integrators alike, the message from the education sector is unmistakable. Build solutions that secure, connect, and empower. Because for the schools of tomorrow, security is just the beginning.