Understandably the risk of International terrorism is having an effect on security throughout the world.  The need for organisations to monitor all of their visitors is becoming an essential requirement.

This is particularly true for the Higher Education sector. The UK Border Agency requires all academic institutions to actively monitor student interactions and report any student who fails to attend 10 of their scheduled lectures or tutorials.  Additional overseas students provide significant revenue and Universities and Colleges want to ensure they maximise the commercial value of their attendance.

The need to keep checks on students is not something that academic institutions readily accept. They feel that it might threaten the traditional relationship between student and teacher. Despite these reservations new measures will continue to be introduced. International students are now required to submit biometric details for special ID cards which will be issued to them when their visas are approved.

This has resulted in the search for technical solutions which are as unobtrusive as possible; that confirm the presence of a person, not just their card; compare interactions with what was supposed to be happening, and; offer a timely yet discreet reports to the management staff.

Kaba are a provider of integrated and work force management solutions and their spokesman, Ken Batten states, “Solutions are now emerging but will require sensitivity in their introduction e.g. the integration of current/other card or token functions in the Higher Education sector coupled with the sharing of best practice. One of the greatest challenges for any education establishment is balancing the need to create an open and stimulating environment, while ensuring that people and equipment are protected from the threat of theft, vandalism and physical attack. Companies are constantly developing new smart card technologies and integrating them with mechanical and networked systems to allow a far greater level of effective access control. This technology allows access to be gained using a choice of contact free media such as keys, fobs or photo ID cards when fitted with chips. These systems can also integrate with cashless vending solutions and canteen areas for example. Managing the movement of visitors around a site, especially when not being escorted, can be difficult but with an access control solution, sections and rooms can have restricted access.”

Access control systems also provide a quick and easy way to initiate checks and controls over who has access where and at what times. If instant notification of unauthorised access is required and there is the need to give and remove access rights immediately, whether it is a permanent or temporary change, then online access control systems provide the highest level of flexibility and reporting.

“Online monitoring means that the status of the entire system is visible at all times giving a full report of activities including who has accessed where and when. Maintaining control of both online and standalone access control doors, ensures the highest level of security and time recording possible,” concludes Ken.

The need for more sophisticated access control systems is not limited to just the education sector. Many organisations are now looking at ways to manage and protect their employees and visitors through access control systems that include digital locking devices, biometric readers or token readers.  It really is important to be able to control who goes there!