Smart campus access control

Project overview 

All staff and students are issued with identity cards when they join the University. These cards grant them access to the buildings they need across campus whether that’s their accommodation block, the Library or their office.

The University currently uses four different systems to manage building access control. This project will see us move to using a single system, simplifying how we control access to buildings across campus. 

Moving to a single system will also allow us to explore new options, functions and technologies.

When?

Work is expected to begin in early 2025.

Where?

This is a large-scale project which will require new identity cards to be issued to all staff and students and locks to be replaced across campus.

Why?

Some of the card access systems currently in use are approaching ‘end of life’ and will soon no longer be supported by their manufacturers. 

Moving to a single system will improve efficiency for staff who manage card access, reduce confusion for staff and students, and would allow us to better integrate with other University systems.

Benefits 

• easier to maintain and control access when only using a single system. Staff will spend less time physically programming locks and cards. 
• increased security, the new system will allow us to ‘lock down’ specific buildings
• adds to the ‘seamless student experience,’ by streamlining and simplifying everyday building access 
• we’ll be able to utilise new technologies, such as using the MyUoY app to unlock your student bedroom, or gain access to your office.