Page 40 - Security Today, April 2019

One of the most frequent questions regarding the maintenance of IP-enabled access control locks is actually quite simple—how often do I need to change the batteries in WiFi locks? There isn’t a definitive answer because it varies depending on usage. But typically, batteries need to be changed no more than once per year. Most campuses are finding the 16 to 18-month time window as optimal for battery life. Annual maintenance works best with campus schedules and is easily managed during winter and spring breaks. This maintenance is usu- ally done by the lock shop with no burden to the IT department. In some cases, student housing workers are used to change the batteries. The battery level can be programmed as an “alarm event” sending an email to the maintenance department.
Q: How do I ensure that my user information is secure?
A: Using the latest credential technologies is the best defense in protecting user information. These technologies use NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) cryptographic standards to provide comprehensive identity security. They also provide the flex- ibility to work across a broad range of smart devices, including mo- bile phones, micro-processor cards and wearables. IT professionals can feel confident that the access control system offers the same level of data security enforced by other campus systems.
Q: Sustainability is an important objective for our campus. How does electronic access control contribute to these goals?
A: Electronic access control can have a significant impact on sus- tainability goals. Intelligent IP-enabled access control locks can re- use the existing IT infrastructure and reduce the number of compo- nents needed to provide complete access control.
In addition to reducing materials and associated manufacturing
impacts, this also reduces costs and installation time. Equally as im- portant, these solutions are extremely energy efficient and decrease power consumption up to 86 percent versus traditional access control solutions. Look for manufacturers who offer transparency, down to the individual ingredients used in their products. It is important to consider the full lifecycle of a product to understand its true impact on all sustainability objectives.
Q: What can I do to make it easier to keep up with changing technologies?
A: There is nothing more predictable about technology than how quickly it changes. In order to be prepared for this constant change, seek out a future-proof solution that makes it easier to adapt as new technology becomes available.
The importance of credential technologies—when it comes to protecting user information—is an excellent example of technology that is constantly evolving based on the latest security requirements. Thankfully, there are locks available that support legacy magstripe credentials as well as the latest contactless or smart card credentials and mobile access. This allows for an easy transition when migrat- ing a user population over to the newer credentials. Similarly, there may be frequent changes to electronics that support the latest com- munication technologies or other advancements.
Modular locks that allow users to upgrade com- ponents make it easier to adapt to changing tech- nologies without having to replace entire units.
Jim Primovic is the director of Campus EAC Sales, ASSA ABLOY.
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