Upgrading and Centralising Access Control at a Prestigious UK University

One of the oldest and most respected universities in the United Kingdom, this institution has been home to generations of influential thinkers and pioneering research. Across its three campuses sit nearly 300 buildings, many of them listed for their historical or architectural significance.

With 40,000 students and 10,000 staff, the University places a strong emphasis on security, safety, and the smooth running of daily operations. Its facilities, some of which contain highly sensitive spaces, require a robust, modern approach to access control.

A Fragmented Access Control Landscape

With multiple access control systems installed over decades and operated independently across buildings, the University faced considerable operational inefficiencies. Different manufacturers, inconsistent processes, and siloed administration created ongoing problems for both users and estate management teams.

This misalignment was increasingly incompatible with the University's expectations for integrity, safety, and operational excellence.

The Need for Centralisation and Standardisation

The University concluded that consolidation under a single manufacturer — along with centralised administration — was essential. A unified platform would:

• Strengthen security across sensitive and restricted areas
• Reduce operational delays
• Simplify user management
• Enhance long-term reliability and governance

Given that thousands of access-controlled doors needed upgrading, the programme required a long-term, carefully sequenced implementation plan.

Integration with Critical University Services

The upgraded system also needed to interface seamlessly with several existing operational platforms — for example, Leisure Software Systems and Bureau Services. This integration requirement formed a core part of the system design and demanded a forward-thinking, innovative approach.

Strict Term-Time Restrictions

Because university regulations restrict non-critical repairs and disruptive activity during term time, all project delivery had to be meticulously scheduled to occur before students returned. This necessitated detailed logistics planning, aligning with A-Plus Security’s value of reliable, well-governed service delivery.

Comprehensive Upfront Planning

Drawing on our extensive education sector experience and long-standing expertise with the chosen manufacturer, we undertook a full evaluation of the challenges before the rollout began. Through early-stage workshops, the University clearly communicated its long-term vision, enabling A-Plus Security to run a highly collaborative planning process helping ensure the success of the eventual implementation.

Minimising Impact on Historic and Live Campuses

Each campus area required precise, building-by-building planning. Because most upgrades had to take place outside of holiday periods, our programmes were structured to ensure:

• Minimal disruption to daily university operations
• Protection of listed building fabric
• Guaranteed installation windows with no delays

Our ability to plan meticulously, work transparently, and deliver consistently reflects A-Plus Security’s commitment to our core values of integrity and reliability.

Seamless Network Integration

Every upgraded building sits on the University’s estate-wide network, allowing security and administration teams to:

• Monitor access events in real time
• Manage user permissions centrally
• Maintain uniform security standards across all three campuses

This centralised management structure significantly improves response capability and operational oversight.

Salto Systems was selected as the standardised platform for the multi-year upgrade programme. Its proven reliability, extensive integration options, and strong security credentials made it the ideal choice for a complex environment requiring long-term scalability.

Our team delivered comprehensive, hands-on training to the University’s administrative and security staff to ensure smooth adoption of the new system. Training support remains in place as part of an ongoing annual support agreement, reinforcing our commitment to long-term partnership and knowledge transfer.