Schlage Locks Programmed with PDA at University of California, San Francisco
Computer Programmed Locks Save Premier Health Center Time and Money
FORESTVILLE, CONN. - September 18, 2002 -IR Security & Safety's Electronic Access Control Division (EACD) today announced that the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has increased security on its 107-acre campus with Schlage electronic locking systems. Considered one of the nation's premier health sciences teaching, training and research centers, security at the Parnassus, Calif., campus is of utmost importance. The school uses Schlage Computer-Managed (CM) locks and keypad programmable (PRO) series standalone, microprocessor-based, battery-operated locks to ensure the safety of its students, employees and visitors. Von Duprin CM993 exit trim is also used to secure openings with Von Duprin 98/99 series exit devices.
At UCSF, the CM locks enable administrators to go to a door with a laptop or PDA, plug the interface into the locking system at the door, add or delete users, determine which users can have access to specific doors at specific times throughout the day, and download audit trails of who has been through the door and when. The Schlage locks use magnetic stripe cards and PIN numerical codes as user credentials.
"UCSF operates 24/7, so our buildings need to be secured around-the-clock," reports Brian Hassett, UCSF Lock Shop Supervisor. "Especially in light of recent fire codes, the fact that these devices can be programmed to lock and unlock with a PDA makes them convenient for us. We don't have to go around and do it manually."
According to Hassett, the locks at UCSF can also provide electronic access control to a panic device via the CM993 without the need to hardwire.
"Most importantly, the CM products cost us $3,000 less per opening than hardwiring," Hassett emphasizes. "These savings, in addition to the fact that they are the only locks able to function with different code lengths, are impressive when one considers they protect so many doors. Now, departments within departments at UCSF, each with a different code length of six to eight digits, can be accommodated."
The system operator can easily control both users and access points based on time of day, day of week, credential needed and/or period of time. Reports show access privileges granted, time functions established by either the user or door, and audit trails retrieved.
"These reports are especially important for our predoctoral and postdoctoral scientists, who like to have control over their own lab areas," Hassett adds. "They like to know who has access and when."
In addition to the CM locks, UCSF has installed Pro Series locks in high-traffic areas for convenience.
"We use the PRO Series standalone locks on restrooms and other places where we need to control the flow of people," Hassett explains. "Since these locks are pushbutton locks, they are easy to use and cost effective. Although they are in the same price range as many mechanical pushbutton locks, they provide an increased numbers of codes and more flexibility for the facility."
The significance of up to 120 user codes is important for UCSF. If the lock has only one or a few codes, people must share codes. When an individual leaves and the code needs to be changed, all others sharing that code much also learn a new code. With nobody to notify, eliminating that ex-employee with Schlage PRO Series lock is less than a 10-second procedure.
When new housing construction is completed at UCSF's future additional campus site on 43 acres in the Mission Bay district, the university will install Schlage locks.
"We will have standalone units using either magnetic stripe cards or proximity cards," Hassett affirms. "It is much easier to manage access to 395 apartments by adding or deleting someone from the database instead of re-keying, gathering all of the old keys and reissuing new ones. Since this will be shared housing, this method will provide more security for the residents."
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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