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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