Wren Reveals Keys for Locking Down Successful Implementation of Electronic Access Control in Schools

ATLANTA, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Locking down school security is a challenging task that requires administrators to be aware of risks, communicate with key groups, and leverage technology to create a safe learning environment.  Controlling access to different areas on campus is one way schools protect people and property.  While 90 percent of schools report controlling access to buildings during the day, the majority still employ traditional lock-and-key systems, which can be difficult to manage, lack consistency and burden staff.

What are the keys to successful implementation of access control? Wren's latest Bird's Eye View advisory provides school administrators with step-by-step instructions for maximizing the effectiveness of an electronic access control solution.  

"Successfully implementing electronic access control solutions in a school environment can be challenging," said Jeff Floreno, director of operations and security strategy, Wren Solutions. "Because the most common failures result from a lack of planning, we are advising schools to start with objectives in mind and then configure the system to meet those objectives."

The advisory recommends a four-step process that involves deciding on criteria for the system, prioritizing areas of the campus that require additional security, planning for implementation and communicating with key user groups.  The advisory includes questions to guide administrators and school resource officers (SROs) through this planning process.

New Wren School Security Blog Tackles Today's Most Pressing Security Topics

To help schools navigate and better understand the sometimes confusing aspects of school security, Wren's newly-launched School Security blog aims to provide readers with guidance and best practices from other schools. The blog serves up weekly content covering a variety of school security issues including risk management topics, emergency planning, overcoming budget cuts, and technologies that schools can leverage for improved security. Written for school administrators, SROs and others who have a role in providing safe learning environments, the blog also features guest posts from other security and school experts.

"The Wren School Security Blog is intended to be a commentary on school security and safety issues that helps administrators and SROs to generate ideas about how they can keep up with security challenges at their schools and recognize opportunities for improving processes," noted Bret Rachlin, primary author of the Wren School Security Blog.

In collaboration with the Bird's Eye View advisory, this week's blog discusses electronic access control and how schools can leverage this tool to protect the students and staff on a daily basis through increased consistency and improved visibility.  

To read the full Bird's Eye View advisory, visit http://budurl.com/af9z.  To read the Wren School Security Blog, visit http://budurl.com/lag9.

About Wren

Wren specializes in physical security technologies and services for retail, education, hospitality, healthcare and government facilities. The company's solutions, including enterprise-class video management software, access control systems, security assessments,  surveillance cameras and hardware, and professional services, enable organizations to protect people, assets and facilities, while empowering them with operational insights for better performance. Established in 1983 and headquartered in Jefferson City, MO, Wren is a member of the Security Industry Association (SIA), the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), the National Association of School Safety and Law Enforcement Officers (NASSLEO), and the National Retail Federation (NRF). Visit us at our website www.wrensolutions.com.

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