The role of access control and door automation in educational spaces

As a building filled with hundreds of children, educators and administrative staff, the need for safety and security is self-evident. Staff and pupils need to feel safe and secure but also have the ability to move through the building freely. 

This can be achieved with the right access control and door automation solutions. Together, they increase safety, functionality, and overall user experience.

In this blog post, we’re sharing our knowledge on the benefits of access control and door automation in education environments.

Transforming security with access control

Enhanced security 

Access control systems form the first line of defence against unauthorised entry, safeguarding students, staff, and valuable assets within educational spaces. Whether it’s smart cards, video entry, or key fobs, these systems allow education facilities to manage and monitor who enters and exits the building. On top of this, access to individual areas of the building can also be controlled, adding an extra layer of security throughout the whole space. 

This heightened security not only deters potential threats but also provides a sense of reassurance to the entire school community. 

Individual access

In educational environments, different areas may have varying security requirements – for example, a lab technician is likely to need access to different spaces than a drama teacher will. As mentioned previously, access control systems allow for the customisation of access levels, ensuring that only authorised people can enter specific areas. This flexibility is particularly crucial in institutions with a variety of spaces with different needs such as classrooms, labs, administrative offices, and recreational areas.

Tracking attendance 

If a school or university uses an attendance tracking software, modern access control systems can seamlessly integrate with these, streamlining the process of monitoring student and staff attendance. This not only simplifies daily tasks but also helps to create a safer environment by accurately recording who is present on campus at any given time.

You can view our full range of access control products here. 

Unlocking efficiency with door automation

Streamlined traffic

In an environment that’s made up of bustling hallways and congested through-routes, creating a streamlined flow of traffic is crucial. Both students and staff need to be able to move through the building quickly and efficiently, without being late to classes or meetings. Utilising door automation, rather than using doors manually, enables the smooth flow of traffic within educational spaces, no matter how busy it may be.  

Accessibility and inclusivity

Accessibility is another top priority for educational spaces, as a diverse range of people will be navigating through the building. Automated doors improve accessibility for all individuals, including those with mobility challenges. Removing the need to physically open doors means anyone can easily gain access, no matter their ability.  

Schools and universities should be a welcoming environment, and inclusivity plays a large role in this. 

Energy efficiency 

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices are incredibly important to many schools and universities, so they want their products and solutionsto reflect this. Automated doors are a great choice for education spaces that want to minimise energy waste. Equipped with sensors that detect movement and open/close instinctively, automatic doors are an eco-friendly choice for a few reasons:

– They minimise the loss of heating and cooling inside the school

– They only operate when needed

– They can be set to permanently open or closed

You can view our full range of door automation products here. 

Bringing access control and door automation together  

When access control and door automation work together, they create a security system that works in harmony. Integrated solutions ensure that the opening and closing of doors align seamlessly with access permissions, enhancing overall security and making sure everyone gets the access levels assigned to them. For instance, doors can remain locked until an individual with the correct access level requests to enter. 

Prepared in an emergency 

If an emergency were to occur in an educational setting, swift and easy access is key. No matter where the event happens on the campus, it’s crucial that an emergency response is possible. The collaboration between access control and door automation helps with emergency response procedures, allowing for quick lockdowns or controlled access to specific areas. The ability to do this is a huge step forward in wellbeing and safety in schools and universities. 

Oversee the whole building from one location 

Remote monitoring allows security to oversee all door automations and the whole access control solution across the building, all from one place. This means that security of each area can be controlled in real-time, enhancing overall efficiency in managing the security infrastructure of educational spaces.

Choose Lloyd Worrall for your next education project 

We understand that educational facilities are busy places where safety and durability are the most important attributes. Our experience in the sector, combined with our expertise and technical knowledge, allows us to select the right access control and door automation products to assist you in delivering your school project.

Our dedicated access and autos team will provide a comprehensive access audit and coordinate your access and egress control requirements.

Whether it’s a reliable automatic door solution to facilitate easy entry and egress of users, video entry systems to monitor visitor access, to multi-card systems incorporating vending and sports facilities and library and classroom access, we can specify, supply, and install (to BS EN 16005) the correct solution for the school’s needs.

 If you’d like to speak to one of our experts about access control or door automations for education spaces, or if you just need some advice or technical guidance, contact us on enquiries@lloydworrall.co.uk