Locks Protect Students, Staff and Equipment, Help University Meet State Requirements for Internet and Database Security

FORESTVILLE, CONN. (September 14, 2004)–IR Security & Safety announced that California State University Channel Islands, located in Camarillo, Calif., is using its Schlage COBRA and computer-managed (CM) locking system. The locks save time and money on rekeying high traffic doors, offer varying levels of security, and provide an audit trail for sensitive areas.

“We like the Schlage programmable locks because of the flexibility they offer,” reports Don Fleming, an electronic technician at Cal State CSU. “We needed to secure offices and labs and also student housing, which has an inherently high turnover. Every time you cut a piece of brass it’s fairly expensive and not reusable.”

Schlage CM standalone locking products provide features found traditionally with online, networked systems. Whatever the credential used, a user-friendly software programs all, including the locks, access trim, and offline hard-wired controllers, which manage strikes and magnets, from a laptop or PDA. New users, access points and access privileges can be entered into the system in seconds. They also provide an audit trail capability.

COBRA locks are electronic cylindrical or mortise-style locks that can store up to 100 3- to 8-digit user codes and allow locksmiths to easily add or delete codes in seconds. Until it receives an authorized code, the clutching lever simply gives way, discouraging vandals and others from breaking it to gain entry. Schlage COBRA mortise locks have an architecturally appealing design and are available in five finishes and two lever styles that fit most mortise door preparations with minor modifications. Coverplates are available to cover door preparation left from prior installations.

The university uses CM locks in areas where it needs the ability to track who has accessed a door and when. For instance, higher security doors, such as those to the University President’s office and to Internet and database rooms, have CM locks because of their audit trail capability. COBRA locks are used on other doors that also require higher security or that have high turnover rates. All locks are accessed with PIN codes, electronic key fobs, or both for varying levels of security.

For instance, the student housing area uses both COBRA and CM locks. The housing area is gated and secured with a CM lock. Using the “SmarTime” feature of the CM locks, Fleming can automatically lock the gates at the same time every night so that all students must enter through the one gate that is located in front of the housing office. The housing office is open all night.

Inside the student housing buildings, each apartment has four bedrooms. The apartment itself is secured with a CM lock and each individual room is secured with a COBRA lock. COBRA locks are also installed on the student pool and study rooms so that no one can access them past a certain time at night.

“The nice thing about it is that students don’t have to carry a bunch of keys,” Fleming explains. “We program their credential into all the locks that each student is supposed to have access to and then the student can access the locks with one PIN code and their key fob.”

The locks also simplify access for the Cal State CSU’s emergency response personnel. Officers on campus each have their own PIN number, which gives them access to any door on campus. “They don’t have to carry a huge ring of keys and they don’t have to remember which key goes to which lock,” Fleming says.

“Everybody loves them,” Fleming reports. “The biggest problem right now is we can’t buy enough of them to put them everywhere everyone wants them.”

The locks provide value for the money by improving operations and saving on rekeying and maintenance costs. Fleming emphasized, “IR is a very good company and they stand behind their products. They also build products that stand up to the abuse that is commonly seen in universities.”

About IR Security & Safety’s Electronic Access Control Division Since 1969, IR Security & Safety’s Electronic Access Control Division (EACD) has provided premium electronic access control solutions, including electromagnetic locks, monitoring consoles, electromechanical locks and strikes, electrical and electronic exit devices, power supplies and controllers to security professionals and their customers. Leading brands such as Recognition Systems, Schlage and Von Duprin comprise the Electronic Access Control Division of IR Security and Safety, which serves an international clientele from its headquarters in Forestville, Conn. Phone is 866-322-1237. The IR website is www.irco.com.