26% of all end users for access control implement some type of mobile technology. Campuses are using mobile access control technology to ensure campus safety, improve the student experience, and reduce parental concerns.
So, what is mobile access control, and what does it mean for campus security?
Keep reading as we discuss mobile access control, how it works, and the other technologies college campuses implement to improve student safety.
What Is Mobile Access Control?
Mobile access control is an emerging technology for cloud-based access control. A typical cloud-based access control system presents the following benefits for campus security:
- Remote management – campus police can manage door locks, view access logs, and initiate lockdowns or evacuations from anywhere using their mobile devices. Remote control makes security responses instant, effective, and agile.
- Open API integrations – the campus can integrate different security tools to make all security information accessible on a single platform. By making all security information accessible in one place, security evaluation and investigation become more straightforward and agile.
These benefits make cloud-based access control perfect for campus security. Keycards and fobs can be disadvantageous to a security strategy. If a student loses their card, an unauthorized user enters the building. The university could face high costs for replacement. Many college campuses are switching to mobile access credentials to minimize these vulnerabilities.
Mobile access credentials are like digital access cards that students can store on their mobile devices. They are less likely to lose their mobile devices and can easily download their credentials to a new device. Onboarding and offboarding students become more straightforward with mobile credentials.
Campus security can instantly grant and revoke credentials from students without arranging keycard pickup – they can simply send students a link or code, allowing them to access their digital keycard.
Entry becomes more convenient with mobile access control, also. When students must enter campus buildings, they can wave their hands over the access control reader. When they wave their hand, this will trigger the reader’s motion sensor, and the reader will begin communicating with their mobile device. This entry method presents the following benefits in a campus security strategy:
- Hygienic entry – students do not need to touch anything to enter the building, which would cause the spread of germs. Contactless access provides more hygienic building practices.
- Mobile safety – the user does not need to withdraw their device to enter the building, which might leave them vulnerable to theft. They do not need to root in their bags or pockets to find their device. They can simply wave to unlock the door and enter quickly and conveniently.
- First-time entry – this entry method uses three forms of communication (cellular, Bluetooth, WiFi) to ensure access on the first try. Since students may feel vulnerable waiting outside a building, particularly late at night, first-time entry is essential for student safety.
This technological advancement is helping to make students feel safer on campus and allows for more accessible and user-friendly security processes.
Emerging Campus Security Technologies
Now that you know what mobile access control is and its benefits for campus security, let’s discuss some other emerging campus security technologies.
Cloud-Based Video Security
Surveillance is essential for campus police to be aware of potential dangers or threats to student safety. It also provides evidence for any crimes or property damages caused on campus, aiding in police investigations and insurance claims.
To maximize visibility for campus police, many campuses are investing in cloud-based security cameras. Here are some of the benefits on offer with cloud-based video security:
- Scalability – cloud-based cameras connect via remote communication, reducing the need for complex wiring infrastructure. This makes security easier to scale and adapt according to campus expansion.
- Remote management – campus police can observe events from anywhere using their mobile devices. They can move surveillance cameras remotely to improve their perspective and investigate potential security threats.
- Integrations – cloud-based security cameras facilitate integration, allowing campus police to enhance video security with software tools and AI.
Visibility is an essential part of a security investigation, threat identification, and response procedures. Cloud-based video security makes it easier for campus police to maintain visibility and awareness while attending to numerous duties on campus grounds.
Video Analytics
Video analytics ensures that campus security does not miss critical security breaches, threats, or dangers. The software integrates with video security cameras to analyze the footage. The tool is equipped with license recognition for license plate reader cameras, as well as object and behavior recognition, and when a potential threat is detected, it will trigger an alert to notify security staff. Since campus police are busy throughout the day, they can’t observe surveillance feeds consistently. This technology ensures that they will not miss any potential threats to student safety picked up on campus security cameras.
Summary
Many parents and students are concerned about campus safety, and colleges are responsible for providing agile and responsive security to assuage these concerns. If you’re selecting a college campus for higher education, look for these security features. Or, if you’re improving safety on your campus, consider implementing the tools listed above.
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