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Birmingham City University invests in smarter campus
while providing staff with data and analytics, including insights into student accommodation occupancy and attendance metrics.
Andrew Foster, managing director for public services at North, said:“ It is fantastic to partner with BCU in its journey toward becoming a smart campus. This upgrade is an exciting step forward in enhancing campus security while providing students and staff with a modern, userfriendly experience.
North, a leading provider of smart technology solutions, has been awarded a million-pound contract to deliver a smart access control system at Birmingham City University( BCU).
The £ 1 million initial investment represents the university’ s first step toward becoming a smarter campus, enhancing security, sustainability and the student experience. Following a highly competitive tender process, North will design a new security access control solution using Genetec technology, replacing BCU’ s existing system, which is nearing end of life.
BCU is home to more than 31,000 students from over 100 countries, making it one of the largest and most diverse universities in the UK. The access control upgrade will be rolled out across its two city-center campuses, benefiting students, visitors and staff. The new system is designed to future-proof the university’ s infrastructure, supporting resilience, compliance and higher safety standards.
The upgrade will also enable the university to transition to app-based digital technology, supporting BCU’ s sustainability goals and contributing to its recognition as the most sustainable university in Birmingham and one of the leading sustainable institutions in the UK.
North’ s integrated solution will combine the new access control system with existing platforms such as student records. This integration will streamline operations and enhance security
“ As the squeeze on higher education finances tightens its grip, universities need to think ahead and adopt smart technologies to future-proof their campuses. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and environmentally conscious, embracing these innovations is key to creating smarter, safer and more sustainable learning environments for future graduates.”
In addition to strengthening physical security, the new access control system will also support compliance with emerging legislation, including Martyn’ s Law, by helping the university meet evolving safety requirements.
BCU’ s investment in its security infrastructure reflects a broader vision to create a smart campus by adopting advanced technology to improve student experience and operational efficiency.
This upgrade is an exciting step forward in enhancing campus security while providing students and staff with a modern, user-friendly experience.
Nick Moore, director of IT and digital at BCU, said:“ This partnership with North signals our commitment to building campuses that are ready for the future. We’ re not just upgrading security; we’ re reimagining how people move through and engage with our spaces. North bring the innovation and experience we need to accelerate our shift toward a smart, data-driven environment that supports sustainability and enhances safety.” • www. intelligentcio. com
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