Automating access control from classrooms to conferences
At the University of Lodz, the Faculty of Philology is building a smart campus hub. Find out how investing in open and unified access control has amped up security and automation, and made things smoother for students, staff, and guests.
The company
At the University of Lodz in Poland, the building that houses the Faculty of Philology stands out. The cube-like structure was built in 2014 with paneled glass walls and distinct aluminum features, creating a modern, high-end design. Since then, faculty authorities have been working hard to upgrade operational systems. Their goal is to transform the building into a smart campus hub.
The challenge
The first step toward this smart building goal was implementing an electronic access control system. This would create easier, more secure access for students, staff, and visitors and drive huge operational efficiencies. The team responsible for access control spent almost a year testing solutions tailored for the building. After much consideration, they chose Genetec™ Security Center.
The solution
Unified security environment
Security Center combines advanced access control, video surveillance, intrusion and other systems in one solution, giving the Faculty a unified view of the academic environment.
Access control automation
The Genetec platform is also linked to the university’s staff and student databases. This ensures that privileges are automatically given to cardholders based on different attributes such as roles or classes.
Streamlined access requests
By completing an access request form on the faculty’s website, students can apply for access to a room for individual work using their student ID. Once approved, the access rights are automatically assigned.
Adapted to academic needs
Custom door schedules automatically lock and unlock certain doors at certain times for after-hours use or big university events. Lecture rooms also remain open for 15 minutes, ensuring classes start on time.
“For us, investing in the Genetec platform was never meant to be a one-time replacement of standard keys with cards. Rather, we’re looking to complete a series of upgrades that will optimize automation and enhance everyday life across the faculty. This project is pioneering among universities in Poland.”
Dorota Cieślak, Administrative Director of the Faculty of Philology at The University of Lodz
Results
Today, the team uses the Security Center platform to manage access control across the lecture halls and specialized rooms. They have also unified access control with video monitoring. Seeing video alongside access control events helps operators quickly handle incidents and identify security threats. The result is a safer, smarter, and more efficient learning and working environment for everyone on campus.
The Security Center platform also offers an open architecture and strong integration capabilities, ensuring the team can easily adapt and make changes as needs arise. Future plans include full video monitoring and greater building automation. They are also looking to set up detailed reporting on alarms, fire incidents (via the fire control center), water leak detection, energy usage, and the scheduling of ventilation systems.