Page 20 - Campus Security & Life Safety, September 2017

be used as an independent system or as a complement to SALTO Vir- tual Network (SVN) and hard-wired IP solutions.
“SALTO’s wireless electronic locking solution is an incredibly effi- cient system that creates a completely wireless user experience that is reliable and easily managed,” said Padjen. “It’s perfect for the education environment with its variety of employees, students and visitors who need the ability to easily come and go at different times.”
SALTO Wireless connects battery-powered electronic escutcheons and cylinders by means of low power radio transceivers (2.4 GHz). These interact with SALTO XS4 Gateways, which are connected by Ethernet/WiFi to the central management computer. If needed, SALTO Nodes can also be used. Nodes serve as a bridge between the gateway and the escutcheons, where the distance to the escutcheon— or where the number of escutcheons that must be linked to the gate- way—exceeds what is possible with a single gateway.
With a single click of a mouse, changes can be made to the SALTO Wireless network in real time using SALTO’s ProAccess SPACE access control management software. End users can download audit trail information for real-time control, delete users remotely and securely, collect battery status for maintenance and more—all from a single PC, and in real time.
The British International School of Houston Principal Andrew Derry said the transition from the mechanical lock and key system that they had used for 16 years in the former building to the new electronically- controlled campus was exceptionally smooth. The newly-constructed 275,000-square-foot facility includes more than 350 electronic locks.
“I would highly recommend switching from mechanical to elec- tronic locks,” said Derry. “SALTO’s software and electronic locks have improved safety, helped facilitate learning, streamlined operations, and is so easy to manage.”
Prior to using the new SALTO wireless system, Derry said parents and volunteers had to sign in at the front office any time they visited the campus—a lengthy process that took administrators and educators away from important tasks.
With SALTO’s access control system in place, however, the school runs background checks on parents and regular visitors, and, if they are cleared, they are issued an access credential which gives them the freedom to enter the campus without having to request assistance.
Derry said the ProAccess SPACE lockdown feature is a key addition to the campus’ crisis management plan.
“In just a couple of seconds we can lock down the whole school building, which, as educators, gives us security and peace of mind,” said Derry.
Padjen added that many schools and universities specifically con- vert to electronic access control due to the ability to quickly lock down entrances, exits and classrooms.
“In a crisis situation, the SALTO wireless system offers an emer- gency lockdown, emergency close, and emergency open,” said Padjen. “The only people that can open those doors are those that have the privileges to override the system—administrators, security officers or first responders.”
“In education, you have a variety of end users. You have those that manage the system, such as administrators or security officers, who may need more training. You also have those that need very little train- ing like teachers and visitors,” said Padjen. “What makes SALTO’s sys- tem preferable is that it is very easy to learn and use, no matter if you are a frequent or an infrequent user.”
At The British International School of Houston, Derry says employ- ees use a variety of access credentials including photo ID cards, key fobs and RFID wristbands which are favored by gym teachers and maintenance workers as they are safer than an ID card on a lanyard around the neck.
In addition to The British International School of Houston, ESS will provide SALTO Systems electronic access control products for several new construction projects for Nord Anglia, including The British International School of Chicago-South Loop and additional campuses in Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C.
“ESS has had great success in optimizing locking solutions for a vari- ety of end users,” said Padjen. “It’s always reward-
ing to be able to provide a high quality, affordable
and easy-to-use electronic lock solutions for
important customers like The British International Schools and the children they serve.”
Lindsay Page is the editor of Campus Security & Life Safety magazine.
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