Middleware Integrates Disparate Technologies
To facilitate the upgrade, Idesco enlisted the help of braXos Security Software, a specialist in physical security middleware. Middleware is the critical software that sits in between a security engine and any other application or system requiring connection. BraXos developed a software application to pull the existing access control database including all time zones, access levels, card readers, inputs/outputs, and schedules and import them into the newly specified system.
“BraXos security software had a tremendous amount of software development for this project,” states Tom Skoulis, chief connection Officer at braXos. “We spent about 200 hours developing the application based on SVA’s requirements. The scope of work was tremendously challenging. Without the exceptional teamwork from Idesco and SVA, the project completion timeline would have been greatly extended. The leading edge vision brought about by Idesco, in collaboration with SVA, is extremely rare. The results for SVA were tremendously impactful not only in the short-term, but will be for years to come.”
Troiani and Idesco Operations Manager Brian Simpson analyzed and reviewed the data from SVA’s existing system to supply braXos with clear, organized information, which helped cut the transition time in half. Due to the high level of coordination, the project was completed within three months and the system transition was seamless. In addition to Tomescu’s involvement, Brian Nakahara, SVA’s IT director, also played a large role in the upgrade.
“We wanted to work with a company that had intimate knowledge of the hardware and could implement a new system quickly,” Nakahara says. “Working together as a team allowed us to make important changes to our security system, changes that can help other schools out there.”
Integration Improves Registration Process
At SVA, the Registrar’s Office handles all student, faculty and staff ID card requests. The college also creates special IDs for outside vendors and for select SVA events for an added layer of security.
“During the upgrade, we preserved the existing ID-issuing process and, over the course of our migration we were able to export all existing student, faculty and staff ID photos,” states Tomescu. “The integration between all systems was done in-house, and our updated records are now synchronized across all systems every hour, seven days a week.”
All ID templates were updated to reflect SVA’s latest branding standards and were upgraded from one to three ID-printing stations, all of which use faster Fargo printers.
Additionally, the school’s in-house developers created a custom web portal for all academic departmen
ts, which allowed them to assign specific door access to students and faculty within their spaces. SVA’s portal integrates with both Active Directory SSO and Colleague in order to access the information required to maintain these security levels (active students, active faculty, course information, classroom location, schedules, etc.). In addition, reports can be run through the portal when needed.
Security Command Center Gets a Renovation
Migrating to a new security platform allowed SVA to implement significant changes in its infrastructure. The college’s security command center – a centrally located office used for communications coordination as well as investigations, data collections, strategic meetings and emergency response efforts – was renovated with new computers and screens that are used for continuous passive monitoring of all critical high-traffic areas on campus. The new system offers long-term digital archive capabilities that allow security staff to access historic footage quickly and efficiently. SVA also added new touchscreen workstations and all-in-one PCs at security stations, saving desk space and enabling officers to more easily interact with the surveillance and access control systems.
The direct involvement with SVA’s security and IT team had a tremendously positive impact on this upgrade and helped drive the project’s success. SVA not only assisted with defining the scope of work, but also rolled up their sleeves and waded into the applications, conversions and integrations in order to transition to the exact system the school required. The benefits SVA received were a seamless access control system transition, without compromise of the facility, and an on-time availability for new student and faculty badging and access.
“This project showed that a security system conversion can be a smooth process.” says Troiani. “The entire process was done without ever compromising physical security of people or assets.”
SVA Breaks New Ground with a Futuristic Approach
In the fall of 2016, SVA plans on opening its newest building, a 150,000-square-foot, 14-story residence hall that will accommodate more than 500 students and feature a number of specialized facilities and amenities. Given the college’s recent security upgrade and revamped infrastructure, ensuring that the building’s future residents, staff, operations and technology will be kept as safe as possible has become a much easier goal to achieve.
“Schools can now get the security system they need at an affordable price point,” says Andrew Schonzeit, President of Idesco Corp. “The key is to define clearly what you want to achieve with your solution and discuss all options with your integrator. Always look at the bigger picture and anticipate future requirements, not only in terms of products but also for service and support.”
Keeping students safe and secure now and in the future is the motivation behind the recent installation at SVA. Idesco, SVA and braXos proved that teamwork is a crucial element to any successful security system upgrade.
It’s important for schools around the country to open their doors not only to students, but keep the door of communication open among the top executives and school administrators to help keep security goals top of mind. When everyone involved understands the benefits of a centralized security platform, effective changes can take place that protect not only physical assets but also the biggest asset of all…. our students!
Check out our slideshow of SVA’s new security systems!
Monique Merhige is the president of Infusion Direct Marketing.
