Tips and Tricks for Security in Schools: Cloud-Based Access Control Installs with ProdataKey
- ProdataKey
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
When it comes to securing schools, access control isn’t just an option–it’s essential. From keeping unauthorized visitors out to monitoring activity on school grounds, access control allows school administrators to protect life and property at all levels.
As a provider of intuitive cloud-based access control technologies, ProdataKey (PDK) is equipped with all the solutions needed to take security in schools to the next level–whether you’re installing in K-12 schools or sprawling college campuses. Here are four tips for making your next school installation project a success!
Know What You Need Before You Start
Every school is different, and unique factors like campus layouts, daily operations, and state-mandated requirements all shape what kind of access control solution is appropriate for a given space. Christen Dingess, Director of Sales & Marketing at Schmidt Security Pro, explains that installers need to have a clear understanding of the unique needs of each school before diving into an install.
“I think you really have to evaluate what they currently have in place, what their biggest pain points are, what their needs are, and what the vision they have for the future is.”
Christen Dingess - Director of Sales & Marketing at Schmidt Security Pro
Before any detailed plans are drawn out and equipment is ordered, it’s important to ask the right questions:
What are the biggest pain points currently?
Who needs access to what spaces, and when?
What emergency school lockdown protocols need to be in place?
Installers can collaborate with school administrators early in the process to clarify details and ensure that the most demanding needs of each space will be addressed properly. By kicking off your school security project with a clear understanding and plan of action, the installation itself can run as smoothly as possible.
Prioritize School Security Installs in the Off-Season
Access control is all about keeping people safe–but installing access control when lots of people are around can be a hassle. “We've had to do some installs where we've had to work around school schedules and come in to do wiring after school hours, from 3PM-8PM,” Christen explains.
“And other times we’ve come in during the day and we have to work around kids in the hallway, which always makes the work a little more challenging.”
Christen Dingess - Director of Sales & Marketing at Schmidt Security Pro
When it comes to schools where countless students and staff move throughout the premises each day, it’s ideal to pursue installs at times where activity is at a low, so as to avoid disrupting any learning. For schools, the two notable off-seasons are over the summer and winter breaks. These are periods of time where campuses see reduced activity, and integrators can work without any added pressures. By planning projects in these low-activity weeks of the year, school installs can proceed more efficiently and with minimal interruptions.
Expanding Access Control for Schools with Integrations
Control over who can enter school premises is essential to protecting the lives and property within any educational space–but through integration, there’s room to do even more. ProdataKey integrates with various third-party systems that allow schools to incorporate technologies like surveillance cameras, incident response systems, visitor management tools, and more.
Christen points out that integrations not only help schools to create well-rounded security systems, but they are also an essential part of meeting government-mandated requirements.
I know that there's more mandates emerging for schools based on things like Alyssa's Law, which call for different types of alarms, threat management, and so on. Integrations are a big way for us to address all of that.”
Christen Dingess - Director of Sales & Marketing at Schmidt Security Pro
For the team at Schmidt Security Pro, they are always looking for opportunities to get schools on board with integrated access control. Often, this begins by asking questions like, “How would you like it if we could take the cameras that you already have and integrate them with your security, so you get event notifications and you can see what’s happening in real time?”
By highlighting PDK’s ability to integrate with notable security providers like Digital Watchdog or Hanwha, installers can get school administrators on board with an all-encompassing security solution. Because when everything works together, staff can respond faster to emergencies, reduce manual work, and focus more on students–not system management.
Stay Updated on Funding Opportunities for School Security
Security upgrades are often high on a school’s wish list–but low in the budget. Fortunately, there are a growing number of grants and funding programs at federal, state, and local levels that can help schools afford security improvements.
“I think with the schools in general, you have to have an appreciation for their budgets and their funding. Having some understanding of the grants that are available and what the qualifications are for those grants is super helpful because then I can also steer my customers towards these opportunities.”
Christen Dingess - Director of Sales & Marketing at Schmidt Security Pro
Staying informed on funding opportunities and pointing your school clients in the right direction can help you put customers in the position to receive the financial support that they need. Additionally, this proactive attitude helps you to build trust with clients and build long-term relationships, opening the door for more business in the future.
ProdataKey: Helping You Find Success in the Summer Season
As the summer season approaches, preparation is key–not just for rising temperatures, but for all the opportunities that this time of year brings to access control professionals. By acquiring the right tools and prioritizing health and safety, your installs can continue without a hitch. Furthermore, by utilizing this time of year to install and train users on PDK’s mobile-first access control, particularly in areas experiencing a decrease in use, you will set yourself and your customers up for success year-round. So get the proper gear, be proactive, and make this summer your most productive season yet!
