Schlage Computer-Managed Locks Provide LA's Pierce College with Increased Convenience
Saves Money and Single Software Programs All CM Locks Regardless of Credential
FORESTVILLE, CONN. - May 8, 2002 - Locknetics Security Engineering, the electronic locking systems component of IR Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division (EACD), today announced that Los Angeles Pierce College, the fastest growing community college in Southern California, has increased security and enhanced student, faculty and staff convenience with a "Locknetics On Board" locking system. The junior college, located on 420 acres in Los Angeles' western San Fernando Valley, uses Schlage Computer-Managed (CM) locks with heavy-duty mortise locksets and Locknetics LockLink software.
The audit trail provided by the CM locks provides Pierce College with documentation they can take to the State for funding requests. For example, Pierce uses the standalone locks to ascertain who has access to laboratories, such as the faculty support lab and student computer lab, which house expensive equipment. If an item is missing, staff can download audit trails to determine who was in the room between the last time the item was seen and when it was noticed missing. The audit also lets staff know who specifically is using the lab, which results in better management of the labs for both student and faculty use. The locks can also be used as a non-official timecard that affirms when a professor opens and closes a classroom.
"We selected Schlage battery-operated CM locks with "Locknetics On Board" because hard-wired are too expensive and difficult to install in retrofit applications. These locks allow us to manage people going in and out of certain facilities in the most cost-effective way," affirms Lawrence Walker, Locksmith/Plant Facilities. "I was introduced to the locks at an Ingersoll-Rand conference. I was given a lock to bring back to Pierce and try on a classroom. We liked it and started placing these locks elsewhere."
Walker uses a Compaq PDA with the same Locknetics LockLink access control management software to program as well as download and upload information to all individual CM locks, regardless of credential. An interface cable attaches the hand-held programming device to the electronic locking device.
"I find that the PDA is easier to use than a laptop," Walker emphasizes. "With the PDA and the LockLink software, I can change a lock in seconds. Best of all, I can change the lock for just one person instead of having to rekey the lock and distribute new credentials to all who have access."
Presently, Pierce is using keypads and i-Buttons as credentials. "The professor in charge of the support lab finds the i-Button very easy to use. He just attaches it to a keychain affixed to his belt loop and has immediate access to the lab whenever he needs it."
However, with the planned opening of a new Student Services facility in 2003, which is being hardwired as it is built, Ingersoll-Rand hardware and HID proximity as the credentials will be integrated during construction. From that point on, any doors that are to be retrofitted with CM standalone locks could also have a proximity credential. Without any changes to the LockLink software, Walker will be able to program, download information and produce audit trails exactly as he is today.
"We want to install more CM locks throughout campus," Walker relates. "We especially want them on stock rooms and our computer rooms to better manage staff. With a single computer system costing more than $30,000, it's very important to be able to easily track who comes in and out of those rooms."
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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