Many schools, like UTM, use keycards that are swiped through an access port, which allows the individual to have access to that area. It lets the system know who is entering the dorm or the cafeteria.
UTM currently uses this typical magnetic key card for just about everything on campus, including entry to dorms, the cafeteria and even some classrooms.
However, there is a large problem with this kind of system. People very often lose, break or even wear out their key cards. This means that the card must be replaced, which costs the school, and more importantly, the students, money and sanity.
There are a multitude of new inventions that would help get rid of this old-fashioned system. Instead of the traditional key card, there are now apps that allow students to enter an area with just a click. Most students are walking around with their phones all day anyway, and it is likely the last thing that they would misplace or forget inside their dorms.
The smartphone is a great new way to redo the entire key card system. There are apps such as Brivo Mobile Pass App or the CBORD Group.
Brivo Mobile Pass is a simple app that would allow students to enter their dorm or any school room. This would be a simple solution for the inability to get inside of the dorms, as well as other areas like the cafeteria or classrooms.
This is a bare-minimum way that the school could change their key card system, but there are other, more sophisticated ways to come to a solution.
The CBORD group allows for the keycard to be replaced, but also would allow them to pay for their food using their ID on their phone, much like how the current keycard functions. It even has a security feature that would notify security in an emergency while walking through campus or in the parking lots.
This mobile app would be available to both iOS and Androids, which means all a student has to do is download the app through their respective online store. This app would likely make the key card obsolete.
If a phone is lost or stolen they can easily disable their app, just as they would notify the campus if their card was lost or stolen.
Many different campuses are using these kinds of apps.
Illinois Institute of Technology is using the CBORD group for their mobile ID to get inside of their dorms, in which they just send a message or tap a button and they are allowed access to their dorms.
The University of Chicago uses a mobile app for security and food purposes. Their app keeps track of their student’s location like a security escort throughout campus.
This is meant to help keep their students feeling safe on campus. If they feel in danger, they hit the help button and people are on their way to rescue them.
This same company also made a miniature version of UberEATS with their app for students who are late-night studying. They just order from the app, with their student ID attached for payment and their location typed.
There are boundless options of what UTM could do if they replaced the keycard systems with something more modern like a mobile app. It would allow for people to have more options such as ordering food, having virtual security on campus and it would allow access to the dorms.
With the added benefit of not losing or forgetting your means of getting into your dorm, cafeteria or classroom, because who forgets their phones? UTM may very well benefit from changing their security system over into a more modern-day solution.
