Higher education ready to ditch legacy access control systems for advanced biometric tech

Higher education institutions are migrating from traditional access control system to more advanced, unified systems with multiple application support, finds a survey from access control software provider Genetec and biometrics company HID Global. According to the data, 44 percent of institutions want technology that can be seamlessly integrated with other security systems for all-inclusive campus safety.

Colleges and universities surveyed complained that the systems in use are aging, emphasizing the need for upgrades and new technology. Some 33.76 percent of readers, 30.6 percent of controllers and 24 percent of software have been installed more than six years ago. Physical access control systems still leverage barcodes, magnetic stripes and 125khz low-frequency proximity credentials, which often malfunction.

“There are new technology options that can make life easier for administrators as well as those who use the systems,” said Jason Friedberg, Commercial Head, Education at Genetec in a prepared statement. “With ever evolving threats, and a need for increased efficiency, accessibility and privacy, security on higher education campuses is an everchanging environment. Institutions need to be prepared for these changes by upgrading to a unified video and access control solution that is flexible, connected, and easy to use.”

“And while cost is seen as an obstacle, the true value is often not factored in,” he added. “With a modern, unified system, ongoing costs often end up being lower than those of legacy systems because the additional capabilities of newer systems increase operational efficiencies across multiple departments.”

Nearly 35 percent want to implement advanced technology to improve student, faculty and administration experience, while more than 54 percent would use access control credentials for applications beyond physical access. Most institutions want to implement a single card or mobile credentials for multiple use, from entering dormitory rooms and checking out library books to locking bicycles and paying for food and parking. Costs remain the top roadblock for 64 percent of institutions, which may lead to implementing systems that address minimum requirements.

HID Global acquires document reader developer

HID Global has just purchased UK company Access-IS, ID document and miniaturized reader device developer for mission-critical markets, to meet customer demands for digitized services, the company announced.

For the past 30 years, Access-IS has been developing a range of products and technologies, from barcode reading and image processing for document scanning to NFC and EMV for mobile ticketing.

“Strategically aligned with both our existing Extended Access Technologies business and HID’s transport and ticketing solutions in our Identification Technologies business, Access-IS will enhance HID’s industry leadership while positioning us for growth in a variety of attractive markets,” said Björn Lidefelt, CEO of HID Global in a prepared statement. “HID and Access-IS share a similar purpose to embed trust in physical products as a bridge to the digital world.”

Access-IS is now a Business Unit within HID’s Extended Access Technologies’ Business Area, led by Steve Currie, Vice President and Managing Director.

Access-IS products have processed over 100 million transactions and have been integrated with more than 20,000 public transportation and ticketing systems. With over 50,000 users of its identity and security solutions, the technology has been deployed on more than 200 airports around the world and used by top airlines.

Genetec declared fastest-growing access control software provider

Genetec has been named the fastest-growing access control software provider in the world by Omdia (Informa) in its latest access control report, rewarding the company for an estimated growth five times higher than the market’s pace. The report places the company in fourth position globally, and recognizes the company’s leadership in video surveillance software.

“Genetec was the fastest-growing software provider in the Americas in 2019, increasing by over 1 percentage point to reach over a 9 percent share and maintaining its third-place ranking in this region,” said Bryan Montany, physical security analyst at Omdia in a prepared statement. “The company’s rise over the past several years has been emblematic of a broader trend favoring vendors that actively sell first-party access control and video surveillance solutions. Genetec’s Synergis access control software readily supports integrations with VMS software and video analytics.”

“While much of the industry has been concerned with traditional access control needs, Genetec has taken a radically different approach that looks beyond the door,” said Genetec Vice President of Product Engineering Léon Langlais in a prepared statement. “As the market moves away from legacy technology, enterprise customers want to invest in a modern, open-architecture access control solution that enables their organizations to not only strengthen their security, but also extract actionable intelligence to improve operations.”

Genetec’s access control system Security Center Synergis lets customers use existing network and security equipment investments, while delivering flexible deployment options.

Article Topics

access control  |  biometrics  |  credentials  |  Genetec  |  HID Global  |  video analytics