For many years, TDSi and its installation partner Network Security and Fire have worked in close partnership with the University of Portsmouth to deliver high quality access control solutions for campuses across the city, with the original systems based on a combination of TDSi's S-Series controllers and magnetic swipe readers.
More recently, and working closely with the IT and Estates departments at the University, it was decided that the complete access control system would be upgraded to a ‘Master and Slave' arrangement, connected via TCP/IP to a central server and providing three separate client workstations. However with around 400 readers to replace and over 22,000 card holders to migrate, it was agreed that this change would take place over a planned period of time, meaning that the existing and replacement systems would be required to work in parallel.
To meet both the University's ongoing operational and security needs, as well as the requirement for seamless migration, TDSi's smartcard technology was selected, with the company's MIFARE readers and cards, EX series network controllers and EXgarde software management system specified. This solution also effectively accommodated both legacy and new systems, with cards incorporating both Magstripe and MIFARE technologies issued to staff and students, allowing the University to manage the transition to the new system in manageable phases.
This new system not only delivers high performance immediately, but also provides the opportunity to incorporate additional functionality in the future, if required. For example, other sectors in the MIFARE cards could be dedicated to library use, cashless vending and so on, and additional EXgarde capability could be employed to integrate with student and staff databases as well as other building management systems.
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| TDSi's products were selected to provide Portsmouth University with an access control solution |
EXgarde has been used in applications across the world, delivering outstanding access and integrated security systems management. Recently upgraded to Version 3, the system offers unrivalled integration capabilities, providing users with a flexible and dynamic platform. Through the use of a suite of database tools, EXgarde delivers seamless integration with a wide range of proprietary and bespoke systems such as Schools Information Management Systems (SIMS), Student Databases, Staff Payroll, HR, Time and Attendance and CCTV applications - delivering the capability for complete building and security management and so the potential for considerable resource savings, in terms of both time and cost.
This latest version of EXgarde also includes several standard Wizards to guide users through common tasks step by step (for instance adding controllers or new key holders) as well as a number of intuitive ‘drop-down' options which allow users to quickly locate commonly used information. The system may also be configured to send selected events via SMS or to an e-mail account, in addition to a wireless PDA. This ensures that security operators are kept informed of critical events even when away from the EXgarde PRO workstation, allowing appropriate responses and actions to be taken immediately. This module, EXnotify, is available as an optional module for EXgarde PRO.
