Requirements
- More secure way of managing identity of staff and pupils in school
- Integrate new authentication method with existing student records
- Easily integrate Suprema biometric readers with Paxton access control system
- Minimize software administration time
Challenge
The John Roan school located in Greenwich, UK is one of the oldest state schools in the country with a rich and distinguished past. The school’s security administrators were looking for a more secure way of managing the access control of their grounds. With their previous system, they found that it was easy for students to share or guess PIN numbers and take advantage of restricted areas on the premises. The administrators were also interested in finding a way to integrate their existing student records and catering systems to make the transition as smooth as possible.
The system upgrade would be primarily used for access control for staff initially, to expand and include students and with future integration with a cashless vending solution.
Solution
Ideal Security, the lead access control install company for John Roan School recommended BioConnect’s solution.
Suprema BioLite devices provided a relatively cost effective, yet quality looking reader with multi-factor authentication (PIN/fingerprint/card). The multi-factor authentication meant that the school could still utilize PINs and cards, but also add in a more precise authentication factor with fingerprint which is truly unique to the individual.
It was also a key factor that via BioConnect’s identity platform, they could easily integrate the new readers into the school’s Paxton Net2 access control system, leading to a much simpler end-to-end solution for John Roan School’s administrators.
Result
“The simplicity of BioConnect’s identity platform has allowed them to roll out the system to more users than anticipated in a short time.”
The initial install of the Suprema readers for access control of the staff was completed in July 2014. The complete solution, with full integration has been in full operation since March 2015 including an enroll of 300 staff and 1600 students.
“The simplicity of BioConnect’s identity platform has allowed them to roll out the system to more users than anticipated in a short time.” Russell Webb, the Director of Ideal Security declared.
Webb was also impressed by the level of technical support and professionalism received from the BioConnect team which lead to a much more secure facility:
“From the point at which BioConnect became involved in the install, both ourselves and the end user have seen an improvement in the performance of the system and confidence in the support available.”
“Beyond the completion of the install, BioConnect has continued to provide a high level of support as we add further readers to the site. We look forward to working with them again on future projects.”
About John Roan School
Founded in 1677, John Roan School is one of the oldest state schools in the country with a rich and distinguished past – dedicated to serving the community of Greenwich for more than 335 years. Having received funding under the government’s Building Schools for the Future initiative, they opened their doors to one of the UK’s most stunning, innovative and flexible learning environments. With a brand new, state-of-the-art building at Westcombe Park and a fully redeveloped facility at Maze Hill, they are perfectly placed to deliver the highest standards of education into the 21st century. For more information visit www.thejohnroan.greenwich.sch.uk.