How SMaRT Building Technology Can Enhance Campus Security
University campuses have a delicate balance to strike in fostering a welcoming environment while protecting their community, assets and reputation. The challenges surrounding safety and security on campus are complex.
In parallel, SMaRT building technology is fast evolving and the benefits it can bring to the modern campus are becoming more widely known. However, estates teams face several barriers to design and implementation.
This article discusses SMaRT, how it can enhance campus safety, and the obstacles estates teams may encounter, from our viewpoint as a specialist consultant in the higher education sector.
NuXform, SMaRT & UK Universities
NuXform are independent SMaRT Consultants, working client-side to help universities and organisations along their journey to SMaRT. Among our current projects, we are working with the University of Glasgow on the delivery of a new joint IT and Estates initiative to build a sector-leading network and security operations command centre with a unified operating platform. On completion, the centre will provide the security service with unprecedented campus awareness and control.
What is SMaRT Building Technology?
SMaRT building technology leverages advanced systems like CCTV networks, access controls, lighting sensors and building management systems (BMS) to create safer, more comfortable and more efficient environments. For university estates teams, integrated systems and real-time insights can improve resource allocation, save costs and help drive sustainability.
With enhanced visibility and control campus-wide, SMaRT can also radically change how safety and security is managed.
- Real-Time Monitoring - Linked CCTV cameras, motion sensors and access controls can be used to provide live updates, detect potential security breaches or suspicious activities and initiate appropriate response protocols, placing teams on the front foot ahead of potential threats.
- Data-Driven Security Strategies - With access card and library card data connected to a central hub, systems can analyse entry patterns, occupancy trends, even high-risk zones. This enables estates and security teams to proactively plan patrols, identify bottlenecks and implement smarter safety measures.
- Emergency Response Integration - Whether it's a fire alarm or a medical emergency, the integration of SMaRT technology can enable rapid response capability with automated and sophisticated alerting.
- Optimised Space Usage for Security - By understanding how spaces are used, from poorly secured exits to underutilised lecture halls, SMaRT systems allow security resources to be directed where they’re needed most. In effect, providing a safety-driven space management tool.
- Improved Student and Staff Welfare - Beyond physical security, SMaRT technology can help foster an ambiance of safety too. Well-lit pathways, monitored entrances, and real-time control can help instil a sense of confidence and comfort campus wide.
Real-Time Monitoring - Linked CCTV cameras, motion sensors and access controls can be used to provide live updates, detect potential security breaches or suspicious activities and initiate appropriate response protocols, placing teams on the front foot ahead of potential threats.
Data-Driven Security Strategies - With access card and library card data connected to a central hub, systems can analyse entry patterns, occupancy trends, even high-risk zones. This enables estates and security teams to proactively plan patrols, identify bottlenecks and implement smarter safety measures.
Emergency Response Integration - Whether it's a fire alarm or a medical emergency, the integration of SMaRT technology can enable rapid response capability with automated and sophisticated alerting.
Optimised Space Usage for Security - By understanding how spaces are used, from poorly secured exits to underutilised lecture halls, SMaRT systems allow security resources to be directed where they’re needed most. In effect, providing a safety-driven space management tool.
Improved Student and Staff Welfare - Beyond physical security, SMaRT technology can help foster an ambiance of safety too. Well-lit pathways, monitored entrances, and real-time control can help instil a sense of confidence and comfort campus wide.
Addressing Implementation Challenges
While the potential and benefits are clear, the path to SMaRT integration can be complicated. Some of the areas that need careful planning and consideration include:
- Defining Requirements - For successful outcomes, project requirements must be clearly defined at the outset, from proactive awareness to communication, data management and security protocols.
- Initial Costs - Setting up a comprehensive SMaRT system requires significant investment in hardware, software and infrastructure upgrades. So, it’s important to examine how financial and operational benefits can be quantified during the early planning phase.
- Leadership Support & Stakeholders - Help secure leadership buy-in by aligning your project requirements with wider organisational values and business objectives. Whilst stakeholder support can be galvanised via an effective communications strategy.
- Systems Integration - Legacy systems often present compatibility issues. A thorough assessment of existing systems and the development of a robust migration plan is key.
- Data Management - Effective data management is crucial for compliance with regulatory requirements, and to maximise threat intelligence through a variety of data sources.
- Training - New tech means new know-how. For effective change management, a thoughtful approach to training, workshops and ongoing communication are necessary. The task beyond implementation is too often underestimated. Instead, by working with a partner to continue to optimise and iterate.
SMaRT Security Technology in Practice
Scenario: You’re monitoring an access-controlled university library late at night. Using a SMaRT dashboard, you watch in real-time as students filter out, the building quietens, and security lights adjust for energy efficiency. However, a side door opens unexpectedly. A live alert notifies security teams immediately, and they're able to verify the situation remotely using connected cameras and put in place the appropriate response within moments.
Time to Make Your Campus SMaRT?
Start a conversation with an unbiased specialist in the HE sector such as NuXform.