Post on 23-Jul-2020
An Advanced Degree of Access Controlat Northwestern University
An interconnected web of wireless access control locks
weaves a thorough system of doorway security throughout
Northwestern University. The common thread connecting
these doorways is WiFi locks from ASSA ABLOY Group
brand Sargent.
Sargent IN120 locks form the base of the access control
system along with Sargent 80 Series exit devices,
8200 Series mortise locks and a mix of access control
components, hardware and a key system from HID Global,
ASSA ABLOY Architectural Door Accessories and Group
brand Medeco.
Installing an online access control system can be costly,
requiring either labor-intensive hardwiring of doorways
or a separate proprietary wireless network. But the IN120
WiFi locks provided a cost savings for the university by
leveraging the school’s existing IT infrastructure to deliver
advanced access control to more locations.
Since the lock utilizes IEEE 802.11b/g/n WiFi infrastructure,
there is no need for a proprietary wireless network or
equipment that is specific to a lock manufacturer. Doors
“Wireless locks bring a
significant reduction in
infrastructure costs,”
- Anthony Hicks, head locksmith for the Evanston and Chicago campuses
Photo by: Steve Anzaldi, Northwestern University
can easily be connected to a centralized access control
system without the need for costly wiring. This extends
the range of access control systems to include doorways
in remote or hard-to-wire locations.
“Wireless locks bring a significant reduction in
infrastructure costs,” said Anthony Hicks, head locksmith
for the Evanston and Chicago campuses. “With thousands
of doors throughout the university, hardwiring would
have been a huge cost. Plus we plan to install electronic
access control on doorways that have traditionally been
equipped with mechanical locks. The Sargent WiFi locks
give us security without the cost of hardwiring.”
From the perspective of residential services, the move
to electromechanical locks and a campus-wide one card
system created major improvements in efficiency.
“We used a security consulting firm to evaluate the
building management systems we use and our network
infrastructure and then determine which locking system
provided the best fit,” said Roger Becks, director of
administrative services for Northwestern University. “The
most important factor was integration to a one card
system. We didn’t want students to have separate cards
for everything. We needed software that would provide
a seamless experience. The ASSA ABLOY lock and its
accompanying PERSONA Campus software made that a
pretty easy decision for us.”
SARGENT IN120 WiFi Lock
That one ID makes it
easy for everyone.
- Roger Becks, director of administrative services for Northwestern University
SARGENT 80 Series Exit Device
The locks feature multiclass SE®
technology from HID Global
and seamlessly integrate with
the university’s access control
software. PERSONA Campus
software enables the school to
bridge multiple systems, including
the RMS residential software and
ID Works photo ID software. This
allowed the school to use the
same credentialing system for
academic buildings and residence
halls. Any time a student misplaces
a credential, the card office can
quickly and easily issue a new
credential and remove the missing
one from the system.
“That one ID makes it easy for
everyone,” Becks said. “We have
the ability to shut off access once
we know a card is missing. Within
10 minutes, a new card can be
activated and the old card is shut
off from the system.”
“Our philosophy at Northwestern
is to gain control of security,” Hicks
explained. “If you can’t control the
credentials, then you have no true
security.” This strict adherence to
credential control is enhanced by
the HID multiclass SE technology
used for the campus card system
and a Medeco high security key
system for doors that require
mechanical keys.
Sargent mechanical locks are also
used throughout the campus,
including in the newly constructed
school of music and the recently
opened Kellogg School of
Management.
Effective 07/20182500-3948.B
“With thousands of doors
throughout the university,
hardwiring would have been a
huge cost. Plus we plan to install
electronic access control on
doorways that have traditionally
been equipped with mechanical
locks. The Sargent WiFi Locks
give us security without the
cost of hardwiring.
- Anthony Hicks, head locksmith for the Evanston and Chicago campuses
SARGENT 8200 Mortise Lock
“We are a longstanding Sargent customer and believe in the quality
and integrity of the ASSA ABLOY family of products,” Hicks said.
“Thanks to our wireless access control system, we have a higher level
of security on campus.”
Typical WiFi System Configuration
Internal Building Network
Wireless Network Device
Server
ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions110 Sargent Drive New Haven, CT 06511 www.assaabloydss.com 1.800.DSS.EZ4U (377.3948)
ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions Canada160 Four Valley DriveVaughan, ON L4K 4T9www.assaabloy.ca
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