Traka achieves key management objectives at Loughborough University

Renowned as one of the Top 20 research-led universities in the country, and arguably the best in the world for sports-related subjects, Loughborough University offers top-class facilities complete with integrated security innovation for the benefit of students, staff and visitors alike.

Alongside academic departments, the Loughborough campus comprises 350 buildings, among them 17 Halls of Residence, the Students’ Union, two gymnasiums, gardens and playing fields. As a result, the facility managers operational on the campus need to use over 25,000 keys, all of them requiring careful management such that they can be employed by 5,223 members of staff.

Implementing Traka’s key management solutions has assisted in managing contractor access on-site, which is often required outside of normal operating hours or during holiday periods. To date, seven systems allow automated access control for authorised personnel with complete audit trail capability meaning that management of the keys from them being taken through to the point of return is always mapped out.

Complex issue

Mark Findley, stores and key room co-ordinator at Loughborough University, explained: “The sheer size of Loughborough University and the number of keys in operation presents a complex security challenge. The campus is designed as a ‘welcoming’ public space for our students. This must be balanced with the need for managing constant visitor traffic, securing multiple buildings and managing the number of contractors on site.”

Findley continued: “Keys have to be easily located and ready for use to ensure works programmes are not delayed that may impact university operations. We needed a smarter solution. Traka helped us from the design process right through to system implementation. The company’s secure key cabinets realise time and cost savings for us as members of the Security Department don’t have to be called out every time a contractor needs a key or access. We can instantly account for who’s on site and what work is being carried out.”

Loughborough University recently added a Traka key cabinet to a student-focused residential development, which is a 60-room facility. The key management system enables visitors to receive an automated e-mail with door numbers and access requirements relating to the length of their stay. This removes the need for reception operators to provide access at weekends or across holiday periods. It’s a clear cost saving.

Traka is also looking at ways in which to support the Students’ Union for those students requiring temporary access to different rooms for club meetings.

Highest levels of security

Findley went on to comment: “The flexibility and scalability of the Traka system is beneficial to the site team at Loughborough University. It ensures the highest level of security at all times and removes the risk of human error. It also allows us to adapt and grow our access management capabilities in step with the evolving needs of the campus environment.”

Tom Smith, Traka UK’s sales director, explained: “Our work with Loughborough University is a true partnership arrangement. We work closely with our universities right from the initial design and specification process, at which point we can understand the issues facing the team. We can then implement a bespoke solution with countless advantages, including contractor management. We’re proud to work with the team at Loughborough University, not only to enhance security, but also to alleviate issues around stretched resources. This then enables the university to operate seamlessly for the benefit of all its staff, students and visitors.”

*Further information is available online at www.traka.com