Schlage Computer-Managed Locks Provide University of Texas - San Antonio with Multiple Credentials
Saves Campus Money and Single Software Programs All CM Locks Regardless of Credential
FORESTVILLE, CONN. - May 16, 2002 - Locknetics Security Engineering, the electronic locking systems component of IR Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division (EACD), today announced that The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has increased security and enhanced student, faculty and staff convenience with a "Locknetics On Board" locking system. The four-year-old, growing implementation includes Schlage Computer-Managed (CM) locks with heavy-duty mortise locksets and Locknetics LockLink software.
At UTSA, the University Police Access Control is responsible for the issuance of university door keys, door rekeyings and access controlled by their UTSA card. Student ID cards (magnetic stripe) are used for access control, participation in the meal program, using copiers, vending machines and other campus applications. They work with both the Schlage CM standalone locks as well as Diebold magnetic stripe card readers and electric strikes, hard-wired into the buildings. In addition to proximity/magnetic stripe cards, i-Buttons and keypads presently unlock the Schlage CM locking systems at different access points throughout campus.
"We selected Schlage battery-operated CM locks with "Locknetics On Board" because these standalones provide us more versatility at a lower cost than hardwired," explains UTSA Access Control Manager Jim Keienburg. "With the CM locks, we can use multiple credentials. For instance, all of our locks are set up to run with the i-Button, which we prefer over magnetic stripe for 'wear-and-tear' applications. Access codes are primarily used in high traffic, lower security sites such as mailrooms and copier rooms. Many of the newer 'Locknetics on Board' locking systems have proximity card readers. We're also planning to incorporate hand geometry biometrics in a new building now under construction.
"We can also program different functions, such as preset expiration, different time zones, time schedules, holidays, first person in, dual credential access and others at different doors with the CM products. Classrooms can be programmed to unlock and relock at certain hours and some locks are default set to lock at 5:00 pm, requiring card access after hours."
All individual locking devices, regardless of credential, are programmed with the same Locknetics LockLink access control management software using a hand-held programming device. An interface cable attaches the hand-held programming device to the electronic locking device and, with minimal training, University Police Access Control personnel re-program the individual locking system.
The CM locks provide Keienburg and his staff with increased flexibility. For instance, university regulations prohibit mechanical keys be given to anyone but current employees. This leaves no accommodations for students, adjunct professors or contractors. With the Schlage CM locking systems, University Police Access Control can set up a temporary card for people who will only be on campus for a limited amount of time. According to Keienburg, this saves a great amount of money versus mechanical rekeying. In addition, cards cost the university much less than keys.
"Saving money had much to do with our original choice of the CM locks," states Keienburg. "First of all, since the CM locks are standalones, we don't have to run electrical conduit to them. This results in a cost of $500 to $600 per door versus $3000 to $4000 per door when hardwired. Secondly, we very much appreciate that we can power the standalone CM locking systems with four AAA batteries, which cost us only $1.08 in bulk as opposed to the $50 to $60 we would need to spend with other locking system requiring lithium batteries."
Keienburg recently ordered another 60 Schlage CM locks with "Locknetics on Board" for new buildings. With the continuing construction on campus, he expects to have about 200 of these systems installed by mid-2003.
About Locknetics
Since 1969, Locknetics has provided premium electronic access control solutions, including electromagnetic locks, monitoring consoles, electromechanical locks and strikes, electrical and electronic exit devices, power supplies and controllers to security professionals and their customers. The company serves an international clientele from its headquarters in Forestville, Conn. Phone is 860-584-9158. Locknetics is the electronic locking systems component of IR's Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division. The IR website is www.irco.com.
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