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Comprehensive Security Solutions for Safer K-12 Schools

By dormakaba  |  October 8, 2024
Read Time: 4 Minutes

School security has always been a top priority, particularly for K-12, but the rise in violent acts and aggressive behavior on school property is an issue of increasing concern. Finding a suitable security strategy encompassing the unique conditions and scenarios impacting an educational environment can be complex and seem unsolvable, but a variety of solutions do exist. The key is to find the solutions that work together to create a balanced security strategy that considers all access control elements. This includes intrusion protection, video management, wireless technology, emergency management, third-party software integrations, and hardware compatibility. While at the same time, the solution must remain comprehensive, expandable, flexible and simple to use.

When it comes to any security strategy, you want to think through an overarching solution and plan to include an access control system, electronic hardware, and IP video cameras or video management systems (VMS). By strategically selecting and thinking through these three pieces, a school system should be set up to manage security from day-to-day access to real-time emergency action plans.

Compatibility and integration capabilities are key features to look for when selecting an access control system. These features will enable your system to integrate with both existing and future systems. Scalable products ensure longevity and will not only meet a facility's current needs but also adapt to future technologies. They can also greatly impact the cost by enabling educational facilities to institute an adaptable, budget-friendly, extensive solution that includes new installations, retrofits and phased upgrades.

Keyscan from dormakaba is an access control system offering these key features. It offers quality access control combined with renowned software and robust integration options with many third-party products and services.  The Keyscan AuroraTM software provides high-performance capabilities and allows seamless integrations, providing a single solution for access control with no limits, expansion governors, or recurring fees. It is ideal for any access control application, regardless of size. One of the most attractive capabilities is the lockdown feature, allowing administrators to program custom network-based lockdown response scenarios. In the event of any emergency protocol, users can initiate one or more lockdown scenarios in two ways: one, by tapping an authorized credential (P3) at any reader, or two, via the Aurora software, by clicking a program scenario activation icon initiating the lockdown command to all entrances and elevators across any or all sites on the same LAN/WAN/WLAN network. This trusted feature offers maximum protection, making it ideal for schools.

Keyscan and The Keyscan Aurora software by dormakaba.

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Once a facility identifies its access control system, finding hardware that communicates with it is important. Many school boards have enjoyed the option of adding electronic wireless locksets to their facility security. Either standalone or wireless mode locksets, like dormakaba’s E-Plex 7900, can function in tandem with Keyscan Aurora software to offer a powerful wireless augmentation to existing access control systems. With various models, each designed to function with a designated list of credential types, E-Plex wireless locks are trusted in many access control environments.

School districts often consist of multiple facilities located over a wide geographical area. Imagine being able to centralize your security with one access control system. Several school districts have done just that. With just one software installation, every school facility is set up as a site in the central Aurora software. All sites are connected through the board’s local or wide area network (LAN/WAN) and are administered by staff at the school or board office.

Perhaps the most important integration is IP video cameras or VMS. Most school facilities could benefit from integrating access control and video management into one convenient platform. This, among other benefits, would allow schools to consolidate and control all their video feeds without multiple software platforms running. Plus, access control alarm events allow users to view video feeds automatically. When an event happens, the camera pane automatically appears, allowing real-time monitoring of the area.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to school security solutions. It’s important to have a comprehensive plan to ensure security protocols will be the most effective for your school. Access control systems that are flexible, scalable, and compatible with the right hardware and integrations, should be considered in the security strategy.

dormakaba has a long-standing record of ensuring safety and security on campus.

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ABOUT THE SPONSOR

This article was brought to you in partnership with dormakaba.
With over 160 years of experience and millions of installations worldwide, dormakaba is a leading provider of access and entrance systems. As a distribution partner, Wesco delivers a full array of dormakaba security and access control solutions to customers around the globe.

 

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