HID Global launches NFC key program at ASU for access control

HID Global launches NFC key program at Arizona State University for access control allowing students to carry digital keys on NFC smartphones

HID Global further commits to NFC as an enabler in access control and secureID by fitting out portions of Arizona State University with its state of the art iCLASS NFC-enabled access control systems. At the back end of last month we reported that HID had launched its iCLASS Secure Identity Object, which provides iCLASS SE credentials that can be stored on NFC smartphones and allows access to secured areas. Yep in short, your phone starts to become your keys that allow you to entered restricted areas. Whether those areas are specific offices at your work or the ground floor entrance to a hotel or condo, HID Global have built solutions that allow NFC to be used securely as digital keys. We reported that they had also launched a developer kit so that partners and developers could build off the robust system also.

“NFC technology brings complementary new opportunities for deploying HID Global’s smart cards on smartphones and other portable devices.” Dr.Tam Hulusi, HID Global’s SVP of strategic innovation & intellectual property, told NFC Rumors. “NFC technology enables us to simultaneously improve user convenience and security as we create a new generation of mobile, platform-independent access control solutions. NFC technology lets HID Global tap into the power of mobility to deliver access control services in a new way, on a ubiquitous device that is rapidly becoming the hub of communication, social interaction and commerce.” Hulusi added.

“NFC technology, combined with our Secure Identity Object data structure, is enabling us to take access control beyond cards and readers to create new, more secure and convenient solutions that can be carried on the same smartphone you use in so many other facets of your life.”

However, seeing is believing and HID Global tackled Arizona’s State University to show what its SIO (Secure Identity Object) could do. The pilot was run with a variety of NFC smartphones and had to work with a variety of major mobile networks. Fitting out a complete university for a pilot program is not feasible, especially considering that ASU manages on-campus housing for 13,000 students that live in 34 residence halls.

HID Global implementation of NFC digital keys in Arizona State University

To implement the pilot, HID Global deployed iCLASS SE readerson secured doors to ASU’s Palo Verde Main hall, and HID technology-enabled electromechanical locks from ASSA ABLOY on selected resident room doors. ASSA ABLOY is the parent company of HID Global which developed the mobile keys platform and secure identity object (SIO) technology.

“This project highlights the promise of taking NFC technology beyond cashless payment into new, complementary physical access control applications,” said Denis Hébert, HID Global President and CEO.  “ASU is a leading innovator and long-time iCLASS user, and now the university is helping us validate how bringing mobility to access control improves security while enhancing the user experience by making it easier to deploy and manage keys and more convenient to carry them.With this technology, any door that’s opened with a key or Sun Card has the potential to now be opened with a phone.”

Eighty percent of participants reported that using an NFC smartphone to unlock a door was just as convenient as using the campus ID system that is currently in place in ASU. This particular pilot focused on physical access. Participants also expressed an interest in using the system for other campus applications, including using their NFC smartphones for access to the student recreation center, transit fare payments, meal, ticket and merchandise purchases.

“When I first saw this technology used in other applications, I dreamed about the benefits it could bring to a university campus,” said Laura Ploughe, Director of Business Applications andFiscal Control, University Business Services at Arizona State University. “Mobile phones are at the heart of campus life and play a major role in facilitating the students’ social connections.  This project with HID Global has proven that a ubiquitous device can converge secure identity credentials and physical access control, and endorsed the promise that NFC technology holds within the campus environment.  We were very impressed with the convenience of putting Sun Card credentials on NFC smartphones, as well as the enhanced security that is delivered by this next-generation of advanced access control system.”

“We are pleased to be working on this project with ASU,” said Debra Spitler, HID Global’s Vice President of HID Connect, which provides third party developers with the ability to use existing HID technology-enabled cards for new applications.  “Participants are excited about using these NFC smartphones.  Many have said they often leave their room without their Sun Card, but never forget their phones; by carrying their Sun Card credentials inside their phone, they know they can always get back into their residence hall or room.”

HID Global will be presenting results of the ASU pilot project at the ASIS International 2011 Conference, September 19, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. If you are interested in going and learning about NFC and access control from HID, you can learn more and register here.