Security! Keep schools and kura safe 24/7

By Rosie Clarke, Editor

Schools are facing new security challenges all the time and need scalable systems in place that take a range of factors into consideration.

Generating a roadmap for your school that projects future security upgrades, needs, and costs, will allow you to plan proactively as well as provide reassurance to your community.

The first step is to approach a security consultant able to assess on-site risks and make security recommendations. These audits may be Ministry-funded, and schools should check their eligibility to access additional funding for security solutions sought upon the recommendation of an audit. All new schools and new school facilities and building upgrades that cost more than $200,000 require security alarm systems. All electronic systems require schools to have an alarm response strategy in place before purchasing, and the Ministry recommends off-site alarm monitoring that alerts a security guard rather than on-site monitoring that would involve a staff member responding to alerts. Not all schools desire an integrated security alarm access system, so this is something to discuss with your chosen consultant or auditor.

Regarding alarm systems, it is important to note that the Ministry of Education requires school fire alarm systems to be the lead systems if they are combined with the security system. This means that the fire alarm can activate the security system but not the other way around in that instance.

Maintenance contracts are also recommended with any security system to reduce the number of false alarms and other issues and to maximise system performance in case of emergency. This is especially important with locking systems and key management. The Ministry recommends that commercial locking systems are used and that locks and locking systems are updated consistently over time to keep levels of risk low. It is also recommended that changes to locking systems, including card and mobile systems, are introduced in stages. access from the system. This staged, bite-size approach to upgrading school security has the added benefit of allowing staff members time to get used to new solutions or procedures relating to access control.

It can also support schools in preparing necessary paperwork and organising funding for projects. P40

Key to success

The smarter, electronic way to run key-based access control

eCLIQ is a wireless access control system which enables schools to regain and maintain control of their locking system. For those who need to monitor and control access to their school, the reality of navigating streams of diff erent people at any given time and ensuring that those who are authorised to have access to premises can easily do so, and those who don’t are prevented from entering, can be a huge challenge. Fortunately, with eCLIQ this challenge is easily overcome. It features a key that combines the benefits of digital technology, including passwords, authentication, audit trails, flexible access control and so much more, with the security of robust mechanical locks.

The Smart Key

It may be surprising that one of the most sophisticated, up-to-date access and security devices looks, at fi rst glance, like one of the oldest. Based on the traditional lock and key, eCLIQ retrofi ts seamlessly into existing locking systems; cylinders are made to the same dimensions, and all electronics are self-contained - powered by a batt ery within the key. Without the need for wiring, eCLIQ electronic keys off er features like programmable access rights, time scheduling, audit trails and blocking of lost keys. Simply put, if one of these is mislaid or taken away (either inadvertently or intentionally) the school facility manager isn’t landed with the onerous task of rekeying the entire school. The individual key can simply be blocked at the cylinder, therefore removing the keys access rights, and blocking the operation of the key. The school facility manger can also see who opened what door and when, easily change a person’s access rights by sending information to their key and control the time periods when keys are operational.

Ease of installation and use

Installation is simple and straightforward, both for new school construction or retrofi tt ing to existing doors at established schools.

For operation, it’s possible to use CLIQ Web Manager available in either cloud-based or serverbased soft ware, depending on the school’s preference. For those looking for the very highest level of security, the latt er option is oft en selected.

For retrofi tt ing an existing door, all that is required is the fi tt ing of a key and cylinder into the standard mortice lock.

A simple procedure and one that is a much more cost-eff ective solution than monitoring people by installing expensive card readers, and the associated cost and complexity of running cabling across the school.

Benefi ts

• Lost keys – Block or eliminate any lost or stolen keys to maintain the integrity of your system without having to replace the locks • No rekeying costs – all access rights are granted electronically to the keys • No wiring – Gain the functionality of access control without the hassle and expense • Audit trails – Maintain control of the system as every lock and key can be tracked • Change access – Easily change a person’s access rights by sending information to their key • Schedule access – Control the time periods when keys are operational. Ideal for third party maintenance contractors or if you rent out spaces - with knowledge that access can only be gained when specifi ed.

For more information visit www.assaabloy.com/nz or email nzeducation@assaabloy.com

Image courtesy of Salto Systems Image courtesy of Salto Systems

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Increasingly, schools hire out their facilities to local businesses or enable them to be used out-ofhours for community events and other activities. This can present some unique security risks that modern systems tackle head-on. For instance, some electronic security systems can restrict access to specific time periods, preventing external personnel from entering the premises early or staying late. Keyless and mobile solutions can also eliminate the need to provide third parties with security codes, which then must be changed.

Security advice from a specialist supplier

Salto Systems Oceania’s National Sales Manager, Caine Hillier manages all things education at the security firm and told us about some of the multi-faceted uses of Electronic Access Control (EAC) solutions that he has observed in schools.

“We have found that EAC is complementary in preventing vandalism. Some schools are now installing it in toilet blocks to deter vandalism as well as vaping inside the toilets during school hours. Further, schools are now utilising student ID cards as swipe cards. Students are now required to swipe their student ID if they need to use the toilets. This has prevented the students from vandalising the school’s toilets as well as stopped students vaping within the toilet blocks.

“Lockers are another overlooked usage: EAC can bring school lockers into the same system as the rest of your access points

for easier locker management, improved hygiene and simpler locker use for staff and students.”

“Schools can still have an open and welcoming atmosphere with security in mind. A modern smart access control system is less conspicuous and can significantly streamline the entry and exit procedures at your school while actually providing a higher level of security. Each school has their own policies and requirements, but using the right technology allows schools the flexibility to have an open-door policy and can lock down within seconds in case of an emergency.

“You do need comprehensive coverage to pull this off ; all doors to all classrooms and secured areas should have a battery online lock installed, but it’s exactly this level of security and peace of mind that enables an open environment.

“In practice, this means that all doors can be programmed to stay open so that students can freely access the classrooms as required. When the school needs to be locked down, teachers can lock all doors within that area with a single swipe at a centralised lockdown reader on the wall. This allows the teacher to lock all doors within the building at one time instead of having to go to every single door and manually lock it. Once the lockdown is over, the teacher swipes the lockdown reader again and this will end the lockdown and all the doors will go back to their original opening schedule. Anyone that has access to the software can easily see which doors are locked.”

His advice for future-proofing school security is twofold: “Don’t lock into a specific card credential supplier; there are many security cards out there and some encrypt their cards so that schools can only use a handful of dealers for installation and support and can only use particular card readers and equipment. Second, if your teachers are frequently losing or forgetting keys, allowing them to use smartphone credentials to gain access to the school will eliminate the security risk of lost or stolen cards.”

Image courtesy of Salto Systems

SECURE YOUR SCHOOL WITH SMART ACCESS CONTROL

Say goodbye to the headaches of managing physical keys with our keyless, wireless, and cost-effective solutions.

ENSURE A SECURE ENVIRONMENT

Stand-alone or integrated into existing systems - there are options to suit every door, building and budget.

ELIMINATE MANAGEMENT COMPLEXITY

All access points including doors, gates, padlocks, boom gates and lifts can be accessed using the one credential.

REAL-TIME EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Individual teachers can lock their rooms, or the manager can instigate a campus-wide lockdown from a central point.

COST-EFFECTIVE & EASY TO INSTALL

Lower install costs with wireless, plus the exiblity to install in stages makes SALTO a budget-friendly yet comprehensive option. For more information, please call +64 9-9513081 or email info.oceania@saltosystems.com

www.saltosystems.co.nz