According to a survey by Parks Associates, 76 percent of K-12 schools report that the ability to lock school doors automatically is a desirable capability in an emergency. In fact, this technology offers one of the best solutions for ensuring the security of faculty and students.

A remote access control management system goes one step further. These systems enable immediate lockdowns with the click of a button on a mobile app. Cloud-based access control allows remote management of all entry points through one dashboard. 

Let’s look at why schools in Edinburg, TX, implement these systems and their vital role in keeping schools safe.

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Implementing an Access Control System

Essentially, these systems allow authorized individuals to enter school grounds and keep unauthorized individuals out. When activated, gaining entry requires the correct credentials and using a keycard, fob, biometrics, or, growing in popularity, smartphone.

You can set door schedules at the beginning of the day and when students leave campus. Outside of these hours, anyone attempting to enter must have valid credentials. Remote unlocking capabilities also enable onsite and offsite administrators to grant entry.

Planned visitors and vendors are provided onsite badges or credentials sent to their smartphones, and their visit is logged into the system. Advanced systems incorporate electronic locks and sensor alarms installed at various checkpoints to keep unauthorized individuals from entering restricted buildings. Security personnel immediately receive an alert if someone attempts a forced entry.

First Line of Defense

Electronic access monitoring systems detect unauthorized access immediately and send instantaneous alerts to security personnel. This action enables a quick response that can prevent security incidents from escalating. Should someone gain access, the system can be programmed to lock down critical areas immediately to prevent the intruder from entering classrooms and other areas.

Authorities who have experienced violent school incidents noted that some events occurred because of the failure of a door-locking system. The best security practices involve creating emergency lockdown plans before an intrusion, active shooter event, or weather event, such as a tornado, occurs. Lockdown plans that are automatically activated can significantly reduce response times in situations where seconds count. 

At Circle Industries, we help schools throughout the Rio Grande Valley develop security plans and systems to ensure a prompt response to any emergency. 

Access Based on Roles and Areas

Cloud-based access control systems can be managed remotely from anywhere. Administrators can adjust settings and authorize or remove access. They can also manage access based on roles and responsibilities. 

Through the dashboard, they customize when and which doors remain locked or unlocked throughout the course of a day. These systems also create a virtual guard for high-risk theft areas, such as computer labs and music rooms.

Implementing Remote Access Management

Are you ready to implement one of the best security measures for your school? These systems are quick to deploy and scale effectively. At Circle Industries, schools across the Rio Grande Valley entrust us to stay abreast of the latest security developments and support them as they take a stance against school violence and theft. To learn more about remote access control management or to schedule a site survey, contact Circle Industries today.