Page 36 - Security Today, January 2018

CAMPUS ASSETS
Asset management and access control integration provide unique security solutions for campuses BIy Ellie Randall
DECENTRALIZED ASSETS,
CENTRALIZED CONTROL
n this day and age, securing educational facilities is not as simple as it once was. Long gone are the days of slapping CCTV cameras around the exterior of a building and calling it “secure.” There is
no finite security solution for any one cam- pus, and oftentimes, solutions will vary great- ly in their technology depending on their size and location, among other factors.
More than likely, when one thinks of secu- rity in a campus setting, one probably thinks of the most common components: access control, high-security locks, cameras and maybe a visitor management system. Howev- er, with the constantly evolving state of cam- pus safety and security, coupled with emerg- ing technologies, it is time for schools to begin thinking about innovative solutions when it comes to their overall security plan.
A technology that is not as “mainstream” as CCTV or access control but just as important and effective is key and asset management. This proves to be an extremely valuable addi- tion to any campus in enhancing security and effectively managing the important keys and devices which are critical to day-to-day oper- ations. Recognized as the global leaders in innovative key and asset management, Traka uses pioneering solutions to manage the most important parts of any organization, includ- ing campuses.
POWER THROUGH INTEGRATION
It is becoming more critical that businesses and organizations adopt open standards when selecting their security equipment providers and technologies. With the recent integration of Traka’s intelligent key and asset management products and Open Options’ DNA Fusion access control platform, users can now have a feature-rich and powerful solution that makes the task of managing and tracking company property that much easier. A well-thought-out integration allows you to scale your operational needs without the burden of scaling your administrative needs.
DNA Fusion is the standard in open plat- form access control software. It’s designed using the very latest in software development technology and contains countless customer- centric features that provide an extremely user-friendly experience. A true proponent of
open architecture, DNA Fusion has the capa- bility to interface with leading technologies in the industry, such as Traka key and asset management, to develop a customized and best-of-breed security solution based on each user’s unique needs.
The functionality of the integration is sim- ple yet extremely effective. System adminis- trators can automatically enroll DNA Fusion cardholders into the Traka database, assign user access levels for access to Traka cabinets and lockers, and receive Traka events and alarms back into the DNA Fusion interface for centralized control. For enterprise-level organizations, this integration gives users the regionalization necessary for efficient man- agement without adding any burden to top- level security administration, which is ideal in a multi-campus setting.
Furthermore, this integration streamlines security processes and procedures, as single credentials can be assigned for both door
Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com
access as well as property and equipment secured by Traka.
WHAT CAN BE SECURED?
The sky is the limit when it comes to what can be secured with an integrated access control and asset management solution, especially in a campus environment. With the recent introduction of technology in the classrooms, such as iPads, tablets and lap- tops, there is certainly an increased need for secure and controlled storage that can be audited at any time. Traditionally, assets such as these are assigned on a “sign in, sign out” method. Although this leaves somewhat of an audit trail, it is not a very sophisticated practice and poses numerous security risks such as theft and accidental loss.
There are also several aspects to be con- sidered outside the classroom when it comes to asset management and protection. Cam- puses house a number of different depart-
CS18 WWW.CAMPUSLIFESECURITY.COM | JANUARY 2018
A SPECIAL SECTION TO SECURITY TODAY AND THE JOURNAL
CAMPUS SECURITY & LIFE SAFETY