The facts and figures
About Jagiellonian University
The Jagiellonian Library in Krakow, Poland is part of the Jagiellonian University. Thanks to its extensive and valuable collections, it’s known as a national library and is one of the most important educational institutions in Poland. So it needs a high level of security – but without creating barriers for students and other library users.
When the library’s outdated security system needed replacing, the university decided that AEOS access control by Nedap would meet its intricate needs.
Facts at a glance
- AEOS Access Control
- AEOS Intrusion
- AEOS Locker Management
- Integration with Assa Abloy Aperio wireless locks
- Integration with HID readers
Complex challenges for a historical building
The library’s existing security system was 20 years old and offered no support or opportunities for future expansion. For its new security system, the university had three key requirements.
- High levels of protection
The university wanted to feel confident the new system would provide adequate protection for the library’s valuable contents. This included communications in the system being encrypted at every level to help protect it from cyberattacks.
- Centralised control with integration options
The university wanted a complete system incorporating access control, intrusion detection and management of lockers and key cabinets. It also wanted the option to integrate other systems such as video surveillance and wireless locks. And it wanted to be able to control these technologies centrally.
- Respect for the building
As the library has such historic architecture, the university wanted to work with collaborative partners who would take care to understand their special needs and adjust plans accordingly. They didn’t want everyday business in the library to be disturbed or cabling to affect the fabric of the building or the way it looks.
AEOS access control proved its worth
The university decide to run a small proof-of-concept pilot with AEOS access control by Nedap. It was reassured that Nedap has a great depth of experience in the security market, including with universities. And it’s a market leader in Poland with a very long, stable history. Nedap was also able to offer the complete system the university was looking for, as well as the option to integrate third-party technologies – now or in the future.
The pilot proved that AEOS could meet the university’s requirements. After a year of intensive testing, it decided to invest in AEOS for the whole of The Jagiellonian Library.
High security that adapts easily
A great reassurance for the university’s security team is that AEOS enables them to implement security levels with predefined procedures that can be activated in seconds. So they can respond quickly and appropriately to any kind of incident at the library.
Despite offering intricate adaptability and functionalities, AEOS is very easy to operate and has simplified user management for the university. They’ve been able to continue working with their existing provider of card readers. And AEOS’s open platform has enabled them to use RFID cards as identifiers. This gives students much more convenience – they can now use their student card to access both the library and lockers, without using old-fashioned keys.
Experienced local partners
AEOS access control and intrusion detection was installed at The Jagiellonian Library in 2020. This work was carried out by an experienced integrator from Nedap’s certified channel partner network – [DYSKRET], based locally in Krakow.
[DYSKRET] also worked on the second phase in 2021 to begin implementing AEOS for locker and key cabinet management at the library. And they integrated wireless locks to prevent affecting the building’s architecture.
The university appreciated being able to work closely with the local Nedap Poland team on this project too. Nedap Poland provided support right through from introducing AEOS to the proof of concept and on to the installation stages.
Extending the university’s AEOS system
AEOS has already been implemented on 60 out of 200 lockers at the university, and the plan is to rollout AEOS to the remaining lockers. [DYSKRET] will remain involved, fulfilling the highest service level expectations. And if the university decides to implement AEOS at other buildings and sites, it will be very straightforward as it’s a system that scales easily.
“We were really proud to work with this prestigious institution and the project is a great example of AEOS’s flexibility. No matter what the building or scenario, or how complex the security needs or authorisation requirements, AEOS can be configured and integrated accordingly. And all with a very light touch in terms of the impact on the building and day-to-day operations. And while giving clients the freedom to choose which installers and hardware they use.”
Grzegorz Kosik - Regional Channel Partner for Poland and Eastern Europe Nedap Security Management
