An integrated access control and CCTV system is in use for managing the safety and security of students, staff and visitors to Uxbridge College across its campuses in Uxbridge and Hayes.
The installer at the north-west London college is Evolution, which services, maintains and upgrades the system that protects the 4,000 students and 600 staff, while taking into account the college’s growth and constantly changing infrastructure. Evolution is now fully supporting an IP-based system with card access, turnstiles and proximity readers to control the movement of card holders across the two sites, as well CCTV cameras to monitor those seeking unauthorised access and provide a further layer of security.
The relationship between Uxbridge College and Evolution dates from 2006; since when the system has been regularly upgraded and added to as the needs of the college have changed.
Michael Mcdonagh, Head of Security at Uxbridge College, says that students are each issued with their own photo-ID pass: “Should a student forget their pass, we can immediately issue a replacement. However, in maintaining full control, the student’s ‘forgotten’ or ‘lost’ pass is automatically de-activated. Each card also has the shelf life of a student’s course length – so it automatically expires when they finish for the year. Should a user attempt to gain access with a de-activated card, we are immediately notified.”
Each of the passes is tailored to take into account a student’s studies and lifestyle. It can control which ‘zones’ that student can enter, identify whether or not a student has a pre-paid car parking permit, and even enable access to extra-curricular activities such as sport or drama.
Being IP based, technology support is important. Michael says: “The team at Evolution has built a very strong relationship with our IT department, and it ensures problems are identified and resolved even before they emerge.”
The college has more than 120 controlled-entry doors and 80 CCTV cameras, which control room operators can use to pinpoint and track unauthorised access.
Both campuses are integrated under the single system, which also includes an intruder detection solution. Alarms can be set/un-set remotely, and operators are alerted to the status of each panel to ensure there are no gaps in security. Michael adds: “False alarms are virtually a thing of the past, but if there is a problem, an Evolution engineer or tech support is never far away if needed. Evolution’s on-site support is second to none and highly trustworthy. The team knows where existing cabling is, so that new buildings or upgrades can be easily accommodated, and it quickly solves any problems that do arise. And the low turnover of staff means we have an excellent rapport.”
