Security

Avnet Division Launches School Visitor System

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 11/03/14

A systems integrator has launched a new identification system intended for use by schools to vet and track visitors. Rorke Global Solutions (RGS), a business unit of electronics component maker Avnet, recently introduced the RGS Visitor and Student Identification System (VISIT). This turnkey product logs visitors in, verifies their identification and tracks them once they're on school property. The software also maintains reporting information to serve as an audit trail.

RGS VISIT includes a camera, driver's license reader, printer and software with options for staff badging and mobile check in and verification modules. The software performs a quick background check against the United States Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Web site and other criminal databases.

The company said the data is encrypted and password-protected to prevent loss or theft of sensitive information. When a particular visitor causes concern, the software sends an alert for help to the appropriate people and prompts the operator with district or school-approved instructions for how to respond.

RGS VISIT also includes functionality for more mundane purposes, including creation of custom badges for teams, students, visitors, volunteers, staff and special events to simplify the visitor process.

"Most schools today have some form of controlled access to their buildings, but having a staff member sitting in the lobby 'buzzing' visitors in is of little value unless you can ensure these individuals mean no harm," said Scott MacDonald, RGS vice president and general manager. "At the same time, schools want to remain respectful of the time and privacy rights of the 99.9 percent of school visitors who are there to support the learning process. Our new VISIT system provides an efficient, secure and non-intrusive way to manage visitors without overt measures such as armed security guards which could negatively impact the learning experience for children."

This isn't RGS' first offering for education. The company also offers wireless 1-to-1 learning systems for Windows and Chromebook.