Schlage Computer-Managed Locks Provide LA’s Pierce College with Increased Convenience
13 May, 2002
category: Education
FORESTVILLE, CONN. – May 8, 2002 – Locknetics Security Engineering, theelectronic locking systems component of IR Security & Safety’s Electronic
Access Control Division (EACD), today announced that Los Angeles Pierce
College, the fastest growing community college in Southern California, has
increased security and enhanced student, faculty and staff convenience with
a “Locknetics On Board” locking system. The junior college, located on 420
acres in Los Angeles’ western San Fernando Valley, uses Schlage
Computer-Managed (CM) locks with heavy-duty mortise locksets and Locknetics
LockLink software.
The audit trail provided by the CM locks provides Pierce College with
documentation they can take to the State for funding requests. For example,
Pierce uses the standalone locks to ascertain who has access to
laboratories, such as the faculty support lab and student computer lab,
which house expensive equipment. If an item is missing, staff can download
audit trails to determine who was in the room between the last time the item
was seen and when it was noticed missing. The audit also lets staff know
who specifically is using the lab, which results in better management of the
labs for both student and faculty use. The locks can also be used as a
non-official timecard that affirms when a professor opens and closes a
classroom.
“We selected Schlage battery-operated CM locks with “Locknetics On Board”
because hard-wired are too expensive and difficult to install in retrofit
applications. These locks allow us to manage people going in and out of
certain facilities in the most cost-effective way,” affirms Lawrence Walker,
Locksmith/Plant Facilities. “I was introduced to the locks at an
Ingersoll-Rand conference. I was given a lock to bring back to Pierce and
try on a classroom. We liked it and started placing these locks elsewhere.”
Walker uses a Compaq PDA with the same Locknetics LockLink access control
management software to program as well as download and upload information to
all individual CM locks, regardless of credential. An interface cable
attaches the hand-held programming device to the electronic locking device.
“I find that the PDA is easier to use than a laptop,” Walker emphasizes.
“With the PDA and the LockLink software, I can change a lock in seconds.
Best of all, I can change the lock for just one person instead of having to
rekey the lock and distribute new credentials to all who have access.”
Presently, Pierce is using keypads and i-Buttons as credentials. “The
professor in charge of the support lab finds the i-Button very easy to use.
He just attaches it to a keychain affixed to his belt loop and has immediate
access to the lab whenever he needs it.”
However, with the planned opening of a new Student Services facility in
2003, which is being hardwired as it is built, Ingersoll-Rand hardware and
HID proximity as the credentials will be integrated during construction.
From that point on, any doors that are to be retrofitted with CM standalone
locks could also have a proximity credential. Without any changes to the
LockLink software, Walker will be able to program, download information and
produce audit trails exactly as he is today.
“We want to install more CM locks throughout campus,” Walker relates. “We
especially want them on stock rooms and our computer rooms to better manage
staff. With a single computer system costing more than $30,000, it’s very
important to be able to easily track who comes in and out of those rooms.”
About Locknetics
Since 1969, 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. The company serves an international clientele from its
headquarters in Forestville, Conn. Phone is 860-584-9158. Locknetics is
the electronic locking systems component of IR’s Security & Safety’s
Electronic Access Control Division. The IR website is www.irco.com.
For a downloadable, high resolution photograph from Los Angeles Pierce
College, go to www.brighamscully.com and click Photographs/Locknetics or see
the attached.
For more information:
Jeff Koziol
IR LOCKNETICS
860-314-5209
[email protected]
Tom Brigham
BRIGHAM SCULLY
818-716-9021
Lawrence Walker
PIERCE COLLEGE
818-719-6441
[email protected]