(2-minute read)
The project implemented a new door lock access program for uOttawa residences. The Housing Service no longer needs to provide students a separate access card. As a result, all door access is now in one card, the student uOttawa card! Four residences building were included in the rollout. The solution will be implemented for remaining buildings in the years to come.
The traditional key/lock applications for the interior main doors, for the external doors, and access control in residential facilities were all replaced. This is a massive improvement and offers a safe and secure environment for students. Additionally, the access control system integrates with the uOttawa smart card. Students now can use their uOttawa student cards to access their room and the communal zones.
It took many people to achieve this success. The project team consisted of 20 people from Information Technology and Client Relations (including uOttawa Card Service, Housing Service and Student Affairs) under the auspices of the project sponsor, Patrick Genest. Key milestones were:
- the installation of Salto door locks on the doors of student rooms in the first four buildings in July 2021.
- the installation of the secure Salto system to manage all accesses to residences in November 2021.
- the implementation of the interface between the three systems (Kx, the housing management system, NetZcore, the card management system and Salto, the door lock system) in April 2022.
- the pilot of the integration of all the systems required for door access into the uOttawa card in April 2022.
- full launch occurred during the fall move-in period in September 2022.
Technology can make a wonderful difference to the daily lives of students. This is but one example of how we can work together to deliver a practical solution that makes a difference for the uOttawa community.