Introduction
Although many institutions of higher learning have not embraced the Access Control Systems (ASC), the few that have done so, enjoy immense security advantages. For instance, unauthorized personnel cannot gain access to the dormitories, and this limits theft cases. The ASC will only unlock the door when it recognizes an individual’s details. Consequently, it sends the details to the control room where the details are also captured. Therefore, if someone’s details are not included in the database, the system will automatically lock the door.
In this project, we will develop an Access Control System and integrate it with the dormitory doors, which will be in sync with the camera. We shall also check if the system will automatically unlock the doors if the students swipe their cards on the system. On the other hand, when someone is swiping their cards, the door opens, and the camera captures the face and sends it to the relevant authorities.
Project Scope Statement
The scope of my work as a member of the Information Security team is to develop an Access Control System in a dormitory. This system will heighten the security of the University. Therefore, the scope of this project will include designing and building an effective Access Control System, which will unlock the dormitory doors. Also, the system must also capture any individual trying to access the door and relay that information to the cameras at the security control room.
The information security team must also ensure that all the equipment used is safely maintained. Besides, all equipment must work in tandem to achieve the desired objective. The project’s scope involves the successful installation of the Access Control System, maintenance, and repair of the system. The information security team will set the deadlines for the project’s completion.
Major Tasks
Preparation
When building an Access control system, planning is essential because it is cost-effective. (Nojmol, 2014).The researcher also asserts that planning protects people, assets, and data.
- An access Control System team that works towards completing the project.
- A survey of the entire dorm will be done by the team. The team needs to survey the entire dorm so that they can identify appropriate sites for the installation of the Access Control Systems.
- Develop a budget and timeline for the project. The team will estimate the total cost of the materials involved as well as the labor cost.
Building of an Access Control System
- Installation of wires is done.
- Setting up of a control system. Its major function will be to control the card/pin access of any person entering the dormitory.
Configuration
- Software should be installed in the Access Control System with all the students’ details. This will hinder intruders from getting access since only those indentified by the system can gain access to the dormitory.
- The Access Control System should be configured with the camera. The cameras should be placed in a strategic location at the entrance of a dormitory. This will help them identify any person requesting access to the premises and in case of any danger, the camera will provide the face of the intruder.
Implementation
Any decision must be tested before bringing it into consideration. The Access control system must be tested.
- Soft deployment test. The team will perform several tests to make sure that the system operates smoothly.Everytime a software is built, it risks the problem in introducing differences.(Chen,2015).To reduce this differences, the researcher proposes that it is proper to conduct soft deployment tests, so that we can verify whether the software has met the objectives. If not, the software must be developed again to meet the original objectives.
- Full deployment. If the system is found to be 10% efficient, then the Access Control team will issue access cards to the college students and they always use the system.
Maintenance
Maintenance improves the efficiency of a system. It also helps in improving asset utilization. (Lee, Bagheri & Khao, 2015).If the systems at the access point are effectively maintained, they promote reliability and identification of students as they enter into their dormitories.
Gantt chart illustrating the Project tasks
System Design
References
Chen, L. (2015). Continuous delivery: Huge benefits, but challenges too. IEEE Software, 32(2), 50-54.
Lee, J., Bagheri, B., & Kao, H. A. (2015). A cyber-physical systems architecture for industry 4.0-based manufacturing systems. Manufacturing Letters, 3, 18-23.
Nojmol, I. (2014). How can access control systems improve security and reduce costs?. Public Sector Estates Management.