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  • 1.  Access Control

    Posted 09-11-2023 07:30 AM

    Hello Everyone,

    Our access control system, Schlage SMS, has been in maintenance mode for some time, meaning there will be no more enhancements to their product except for security updates.  We are just beginning to look at a replacement software, and I thought I would see what other schools use for access control.  I would like to move toward a cloud-based system that is easy to use.  We find Schlage SMS to be very cumbersome.  If you are willing to share, I have a couple of questions below.

    1. What access control software are you using? 
    2. Are you happy with it? 
    3. Are there things that you wish it could do that it can't?
    4. If you went through an RFP, what was your process and are you willing to share your template?

    Thank you for your help!


    #General
    #ITSystemsandSupport

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    Mark Adair
    St. Anne's-Belfield School
    Charlottesville VA
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  • 2.  RE: Access Control

    Posted 09-12-2023 08:06 AM

    Hi Mark,

    I hope this helps. For background, we had an old Geovision security camera DVR solution on campus and our move to Verkada was originally prompted for cloud-based security cameras. As time passed and the company's offerings expanded, we added more of their services. So, what started as a camera project quickly grew to include much more, like Access Controls.

    1. We are using Verkada for our Access Control systems. Additionally, we use Verkada for campus cameras, panic alarms, and environmental sensors (aka vape/smoke/loud noise sensors). The Verkada Access Controls module integrates with the security cameras so that every tap has a corresponding image from the nearest camera (if configured to do so). 
    2. We are very happy with it.
    3. I do wish that the individual records linked up across all modules. For example, when you create a user record in access controls, it doesn't automatically link up to a user record from the facial recognition on the cameras, nor does it automatically link up with the user records for accessing the Verkada platform. I also wish there was a bulk process for importing headshots for the facial recognition process; it would be great if we could provide a CSV file and a folder of images, similar to how we import yearbook photos into our Blackbaud SIS. There is a bulk import for Access Controls and printing IDs (but back to my last comment, those records are not integrated with the other modules).
    4. Our original RFP was years ago and was for the cameras specifically, we expanded our existing system by adding the Access Controls module since it was able to provide the integration with the pictures and videos.

    If you want to go deeper, please reach out and I can get our Director of Technology Infrastructure and Operations and/or Director of Campus Safety to hop on a call about the everyday use experience. Oh, and we have some experience with the Schlage access controls as they do integrate awkwardly with the Verkada solution.

    Best of luck!

    Jimmy



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    James Cudzilo
    Miami Country Day School
    Miami FL
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Access Control

    Posted 09-12-2023 09:08 AM

    We are currently upgrading our Access Control system to AMAG Symmetry Mobile. The Symmetry app allows users to connect their mobile phones to the keypads via Bluetooth technology and open the doors...no codes or badges needed (although the keypads still have that capability). However, the process is taking F.O.R.E.V.E.R due to some importing errors during the user setup phase. The company is working to resolve these issues, and we hope to move forward soon. We were drawn to AMAG because of the mobile phone feature and cloud credential portal. I wanted to get away from managing parent codes for our preschool and allow their staff some user control using the cloud. With our current Eclipse system, the software resides on a computer in my office and all codes and badges have to go through me which is not ideal. However, since AMAG is not widely used in schools, we are still unsure about how well it will work for us; it's a gamble.



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    Martha Clagg
    Skycrest Christian School
    Clearwater FL
    https://www.skycrestchristianschool.org/
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    Original Message


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