Schlage Computer-Managed Locks Save Money and Stop Thefts at California State University-Sacramento
Provide Major Savings - Locks Programmed with PDA
FORESTVILLE, CONN. - June 19, 2002 -IR Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division (EACD) today announced that California State University-Sacramento (CSU-S) has increased security and enhanced student, faculty and staff convenience with a "Locknetics On Board" standalone access control locking system. The growing implementation includes Schlage Computer-Managed (CM) mortise locking systems and Locknetics LockLink software.
CM locks are installed on rooms that contain expensive equipment such as the computer room, where the cost of hardwired locks is prohibitive. These standalone locks contain both a magnetic stripe card reader and i-Button reader. Students use a magnetic stripe ID badge called the "One Card" which lets them access facilities as well as pay for meals. California State University-Sacramento faculty use i-Buttons, which are also used as the back-up credential.
"Standalone CM locks are more cost-effective and faster to install when retrofitting doors instead of using hardwired alternatives," explains Lead Locksmith Steve Smith. "I also feel that the magnetic stripe and i-Button credentials are much more secure than using PIN codes, which oftentimes are shared, compromising security. Also, with the CM lock, I have the option of using multiple credentials including proximity, keypad and biometric hand geometry, but can continue to use the same LockLink software I now use on my PDA to program our present locks."
According to Smith, since instructors and staff are responsible for monitoring their own areas, they especially appreciate the audit features of the CM locks. The locks let them know who is going in where and when. As a result, the locks have acted as a theft deterrent.
"Once we started letting people know that these CM locks had this audit feature, the rate of equipment loss due to theft declined," Smith affirms. "Materials stopped disappearing. When we install one of the CM locks in a building, within weeks, we'll receive multiple requests for more."
Smith says that there is basically no training required to learn how to use the CM locks. His typical CM lock lasts from one to two years on four AA batteries and those doors that are opened 1,000 times a day will operate for approximately six months before needing a battery change.
An interface cable attaches the PDA to the CM lock and, with minimal training, Smith or his staff re-program and audit the individual locking systems. Besides the Schlage CM locks, the LockLink software also programs Von Duprin CM993 exit trim and Locknetics Universal Controllers, which provide off-line access control intelligence to electrified products such as magnets, cabinet locks and strikes.
About IR Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division
Since 1969, IR's 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. IR Locknetics along with IR's Recognition Systems, Schlage and Von Duprin comprise the Electronic Access Control Division of IR Security and Safety, which serves an international clientele from its headquarters in Forestville, Conn. Phone is 866-322-1237. The IR website is www.irco.com.
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