Stellenbosch University secures computer labs with Speedgate Secure Lanes
Listed amongst the top 300 universities worldwide, the picturesque University of Stellenbosch is undoubtedly South Africa’s most prestigious tertiary educational facility. With 29 000 students and 300 permanent staff members, this iconic learning facility has shaped the futures of many promising South African and international scientists, engineers, educators, lawyers, theologians and medical students in its 10 faculties.
Sensitive research, learning and examination material, together with student assignments and post-graduate theses are compiled in the university’s computer laboratories. The need to provide educators and students with complete peace of mind with regard to the integrity and protection of their data is a critical factor in the facility’s integrity and reputation.
Students have access to the internet through a dedicated computer user’s area (FMHSCUA) opposite the library. The FMHSCUA has 148 computers, 121 in two multifunction laboratory/e-classroom facilities, 26 in a small e-classroom, and the remainder in a small room providing specialised services such as CD/DVD burning, colour printing and scanning. All areas are air-conditioned and have 24-hour DVR security camera surveillance.
The need to control access into the FMHSCUA was a top priority for the university and led to a collaborative agreement for Turnstar to provide five Speedgate Secure Lanes at strategic access points into the computer rooms. Craig Sacks, CEO of Turnstar, explains that each student at the University of Stellenbosch is issued with an RFID student card that provides them with access to predefined areas, such as the computer rooms.
The Speedgate Secure is Turnstar’s highest-level security wing gate/flap gate and is designed to integrate with all popular access control software systems and readers. The sophisticated anti-tamper and anti-tailgate detection increases security levels and ensures that the system maintains the highest levels of integrity and reliability.
The system is both aesthetically pleasing and highly practical, with the design allowing for the glass wings to seamlessly retract into the stainless steel cabinet for high-speed access. The Speedgate Secure high-volume units at the university are full-height wide lane (900 mm wide) and contain an optical safety sensor array that prevents accidental closure when people are passing through.
Together with an appealing design, the hand-made Speedgate Secure barriers are focused on ultra-heavy-duty high-speed operation, through the incorporation of a high-spec motor drive and gearbox.
Feedback from the university has been extremely positive and centred on the ease of use of the systems and the elimination of pedestrian bottlenecks, with a simultaneous increase in security of valuable assets within the computer laboratories.
