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University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham consists of four main sites (University Park, Sutton Bonnington, Jubilee Campus, King’s Meadow Campus) which are used by approximately 40.000 people (students & staff).
The initial tender recognized the need to upgrade the site card technology to enable the University to integrate a range of solutions on site; both existing and new as required. The original card consisted of a dated technology of which the usage was time consuming and expensive.
In addition the University recognized that the existing access control systems were dated and expansion was limited.
The project required a complete ‘refit’ of the access control system using existing cabling infrastructure. Training and development of key staff was facilitated to manage the system internally and an on line software support service to monitor and where necessary adjust access templates and upgrades to access points as required via a web based application. In addition the provision of a simple method of assigning access templates was imperative given the size and complexity of the organisation.
All systems and services put in place were required to be future proof allowing the University to expand the use of the card applications both on site and if required incorporate the ability to use the card with external services.
Nedap Education in the first instance has provided two main applications:
- Access Control System:
Nedap Education carried a complete ‘refit’ of the existing access control system replacing it with the AEOS access control system to control the entry and exit for students and personnel in the buildings or parts of them. The project successfully utilised one form of identification which incorporated other identification techniques and offered dual verification where required.
The controllers that are used by AEOS were attached to the existing IT-infrastructure and are able to store data locally. This characteristic removes the need for constant communication with the server, which can slow down performance.
The embedded software that controls the hardware was programmed to allow different functionalities for each door. The communication is via TCP/IP connections via the network. For this particular project the AEOS rule engine enabled the University to create key profiles using a set of ‘rules’ which looks at staff/student profiles and automatically attaches an access template. This process streamlines the whole allocation of access templates and avoids the system being cumbersome with a multitude of separate templates which are very difficult to monitor and can create a security problem.
The provision of an online software service facility enables upgrades or operational issues to be dealt with without costly maintenance visits on site, and also can be used to upgrade templates and access points if required.
The system utilised the existing cabling infrastructure on all sites and allows for expansion as required by the university.
- On-Line Card Print Bureau Service:
The second application was concerned with an online card print bureau service allowing all new staff and students to upload a digital photograph which initiates a production process. The card is printed, encoded and activated in the access control solution as described above in one process. The cards are then delivered directly to the University or to the member of staff.
The initial project required that all 40.000 cards were reproduced in bulk in tandem with the creation of an on line service to accommodate the new student intake. This was logistically difficult but achieved with co-operation from the University and by the September term the majority of cards had been produced and delivered. The system links directly to the database of the university with a daily import of changes to staff and students. This in turn interfaces with the access control system automatically updating the card profiles.
A single photo and print system were installed at a location on site at the University to accommodate the need for instant production in the case of lost or damaged cards. The card identified in this case was a Mifare 1k card ISO standard to enable its use with other solutions on site. The local bus company has utilized this card aswell to facilitate a service for the students on the bus route servicing the main campus. The card also acts as a Library card and there is still space to integrate with other systems.
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University of Nottingham