New key card scanners have been installed in all buildings on campus, according to the Network Operations Team at SNHU. In the past few weeks, the key card readers on campus have been gradually replaced with new readers from Schlage, a lock & access control company founded in the US.
Stacy Gomez, the Manager of Site Services with the Network Operations Team, shared more about the transition. “At this point, the vast majority—over 450 out of more than 500 readers—have already been transitioned to the new hardware. The remaining readers (about 50) require a non-standard size, which is why they weren’t included in the initial rollout.”
Stacy also shared that there’s two main reasons for the upgrade- first, lifecycle management. The Network Operations Team is responsible for ensuring that technology like badge readers stay up to date for long-term reliability. The second reason is Mobile Credentials, which would allow students to have their ID digitally in their phone. using a mobile app or service like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
“These new readers are compatible with future integrations like Mobile Credentials, which would allow users to access spaces using their mobile devices instead of physical ID cards, ” said Gomez. “While we don’t have a go-live date for Mobile Credentials just yet, we’re taking steps now to be ready when the time comes.”
The upgrade comes as part of a larger initiative on campus where the Network Operations Team is doing standard lifecycle management of this hardware on campus, with help from Facilities. They expect the transition to be complete in the coming weeks.
The team also expects to upgrade the Millyard facilities as well, however the funding is pending approval. “The Millyard is part of the plan, but we’re currently waiting on funding approval to determine the timeline for that phase of the project,” said Gomez.
