ADEKThe Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the educational authority for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates and the home of the country's capital city. Organized in 2005 by the UAE's president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the department is responsible primarily for the management and administration of the emirate's public schools. Additionally, it issues licenses, monitors, and inspects the emirate's many different private schools.
Facts at a glance:
- Smart access control system using combi cards, virtual IDs and QR codes
- 100+ multi-technology readers
- Mobile access
- Speed gates integrated with long-range UFH RFID readers
- Integration with facial recognition
- Integration with time and attendance system
- Two-way integration with Oracle ERP
Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) was looking for a new security system. In particular, it wanted a system with flexible architecture that would enable centralized control and the integration of several other systems. Including HR management software, vehicle access, visitor management and smart access control technology.
ADEK’s security system was outdated and didn’t offer centralized control, so the department wanted to replace it with more flexible, futureproof technology. The migration needed to be completed, however, with no downtime for ADEK’s existing system.
The main requirement was to secure entry and exit points, replacing existing fingerprint technology with touchless access control using RFID technology. The department wanted to enable mobile access for its employees, powered by digital IDs, and make use of facial recognition technology. It also wanted to provide seamless vehicle access to its parking facility.
ADEK wanted to use its new system to not only improve security but aid its effectiveness by tracking employees’ productivity via a smart time and attendance system using mobile phones. Remote clocking with geofencing was an important requirement for this element.
What ADEK really needed was an open-platform security system with the integration capabilities to fit seamlessly into its IT ecosystem.
After a detailed review involving several rounds of evaluation, ADEK decided to implement Nedap’s AEOS access control system, which offers end-to-end security. This is not only now the core system for ADEK, but also for the Department of Community Development (DCD).
With one central server and database, the team at ADEK can now stay in control of access and monitor employee attendance. webTA – the smart time and attendance application – and Oracle ERP are now integrated seamlessly with AEOS and meet ADEK’s requirement for remote clocking with geofencing.
Touchless, third-party speed gates have also been integrated with Nedap’s NVITE multi-technology reader to provide convenient access for employees. They can gain touchless access using facial recognition or a digital ID on their mobile phone. The development of digital IDs for ADEK not only helps to improve security and convenience, but also removes the need for employees to carry plastic cards. For standard doors, Nedap’s long-range readers are used.
A visitor management system has also been integrated with ADEK’s AEOS system, and uses QR codes to provide a streamlined, touch-free experience for visitors.
“We now have a smart, centralized system with each element integrated in a streamlined way. It’s enabling much closer, more efficient management of access and operations. And we feel reassured that we have the option to easily make changes and additions, as and when we need to in the future.”
Mr. Walid Nsouli, Division Director – ICT & Smart Services, ADEK.