The University of London required a comprehensive overhaul of its access control systems across its estate – a project that demanded a technically robust solution, that was also delivered with sensitivity to the heritage status of its historic buildings.
The Challenge
The University’s security team faced a series of compounding challenges across its estate:
- A fragmented mix of access control systems from multiple manufacturers, with no central management capability
- Staff were required to carry multiple access cards to navigate different buildings, which was an inefficient and frustrating experience
- The absence of a unified platform made it difficult for the dedicated security team to manage access, audit activity or respond to incidents effectively
- Several buildings carry listed status under English Heritage requirements, imposing strict constraints on how works could be carried out and what could be installed
The Solution
The University selected Hall & Kay, working in partnership with Grosvenor Technology, to deliver a unified access control solution built on the JanusC4 platform. The project included:
- Full surveys of all installed equipment across the estate to establish a clear baseline before works commenced
- Replacement of legacy readers with hardware supporting EV2 and EV3 credentials, delivering a significant uplift in cloning resistance
- Encrypted communication between readers and controllers, providing a more robust and secure end-to-end solution
- Installation carried out in compliance with English Heritage requirements, respecting the architectural and historical integrity of the listed buildings
- Consolidation of all systems onto a single, centrally managed platform, which eliminated the need for staff to carry multiple cards
The Results and Benefits
Hall & Kay delivered a complete end-to-end solution, from initial survey through to installation of a modern, unified system. Key outcomes included:
- Unified management: The security team now operates from a single platform with full visibility across the estate
- Simplified access for staff: Consolidated credentials mean staff carry one card for all buildings
- Enhanced security: EV2/EV3 credentials and encrypted reader-to-controller signals provide a materially stronger security posture
- Heritage compliance: Works were completed in full accordance with English Heritage requirements, preserving the character of the listed buildings
- Scalable foundation: The JanusC4 platform provides a consistent, future-ready infrastructure across the entire estate
Unifying Security Across a Complex Estate
Large educational institutions often face unique access control challenges – multiple buildings, diverse stakeholder groups, and in some cases, strict heritage constraints that limit what’s possible. This project shows how the right solution can:
- Bring order to complexity: Replacing a fragmented multi-system estate with a single, manageable platform
- Respect what matters: Delivering modern security without compromising the heritage of iconic buildings
- Equip security teams: Giving dedicated teams the visibility and control they need to do their jobs effectively
About Hall & Kay
Hall & Kay is the UK’s largest fully accredited independent Integrated Security and Fire Suppression company with over 300 staff and engineers spread throughout the regions and across EMEA. They bring advanced product technology, the highest standard of professional expertise and service to the core of their business and a one-team approach enables them to achieve engineering excellence every time.
