In the past few months, we’ve had to adapt our way of life in many ways, not in the least being in our educational facilities. Now, as we head towards the fall months, educational institutions are reopening their doors and implementing new technologies and policies to help mitigate risk. For many K-12 and higher education institutions, the simple intercom has been a security staple for years, but now in a pandemic-centric world, these devices provide a new set of much needed capabilities.
Increased health screening at campus perimeters
Many educational facilities already utilized intercoms to manage access, but now, it’s more important than ever to ensure the safety of students and staff by thoroughly vetting all those who enter a campus. Going beyond a simple intercom, an IP-based video intercom system can provide visual verification that the person requesting access into a school building does indeed belong there. Whether they are a student, parent, or staff member, ensuring proper credentials is key. Pairing an intercom with a camera allows for visual communication between the front office and individuals requesting entrance.
Additionally, an IP intercom system can be used in tandem with new thermographic technology, thus allowing operators to communicate specific safety protocols to staff or students before they are granted access.
Touchless systems
Due to COVID-19, educational institutions are looking to leverage touchless security technology to minimize the spread of germs. Intercoms can feature a touchless operating system that can detect motion within a preset range. When anyone approaches the sensor field, it triggers a signal for two-way intercom and video communication. The individual isn’t required to touch anything. This solution has a myriad of benefits for access points into main campus buildings, shared facilities, and dormitories where a large number of visitors need to be screened.
Occupancy management in dorms and common spaces
Today, it’s not enough to simply hear a person, campus security and staff should always visually confirm identity and ensure they are following campus guidelines on proper facial protection. This capability is increasing in popularity, as many educational facilities seek to maintain occupancy regulations. For end-users, it’s critical they can see how many people are requesting access at the door – as well as who’s at the door. For example, if a person is requesting access into a science laboratory where only limited occupancy is allowed, a video intercom provides a safe way to confirm there are not too many people entering at once.
For common areas where students might gather, such as lobbies, gyms, and other recreational facilities, additional social distancing and occupancy management might be necessary—further stretching the capabilities of an IP-based intercom.
It’s no longer enough to only manage access to main entry points and exits of any educational facility. Campuses will now have to manage occupancy levels in classrooms, living facilities, common areas, and recreational facilities. End-users will find value in a video intercom solution that enables them to directly communicate instructions to those requesting access, as well as visually ensure identity and proper credentialing.
