Ohio University Expands Use Of Morse Watchmans Key Control, Management System

  • Dec 02, 2010

The scalability of the Morse Watchmans key management solution installed at Ohio University in Athens has enabled security management to add six KeyWatcher cabinets to their system.

The expansion allows for all of the key control cabinets to be on the school’s IT network for ease of management, efficiency and security.

“I was comfortable with the user-friendly interface and software of the Morse Watchmans system as well as its reliability,” said Matt Smith, access control manager at Ohio University. “It was a definite bonus that we could add on to the existing system without any complications or major alterations.”

Before installing the original key control system, which used Morse Watchmans’ KeyBank, University maintenance and custodial employees carried several different master keys in order to complete their assigned tasks.

It was often a challenge for management to ensure that the keys were not transferred to others, misplaced or simply not returned if an employee left their position at the University. With the installation of the KeyBank storage system and later the KeyWatcher system, management gained control of who could remove keys, what keys they could remove and for how long. Now, all master keys used by Facilities (Academic/Research Facilities and Residence Halls) are maintained in the KeyBank and removed as needed by authorized personnel.

“The school’s overall security has been upgraded since KeyBank and KeyWatcher have eliminated the need for an employee to carry multiple high-level keys around with them at all times,” Smith said. “With keys secured in the tamper-proof cabinet when not in use, we have lessened our exposure to the potential security risk of multiple high-level or master keys for our facilities being carried on personal key rings.”

The automated key control system has also made it easier to audit who accessed keys and when. Previously, Smith noted that monitoring who removed keys to access a specific area would have taken hours of searching through manual logs. Now, by running a report, he can determine who accessed a certain key/space and when it occurred.

“I appreciate the peace of mind and the convenience that the Morse Watchmans solution provides,” he said. “I know that at any time I can run a report and determine who is currently using keys and how long they have had them signed out. I know that all keys are secured in a tamper-resistant cabinet within a secure location which is also access controlled.”

Product reliability and after-sales customer service were also cited by Smith as further considerations for adding to the existing system.

“Maintenance on the system is minimal and we are very satisfied with its reliability,” Smith said. “Both the sales representative and the service department are highly professional and efficient and know the system thoroughly.”

 

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities