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“The University” (which has asked to remain un-specified) planned to do something rare in the college marketplace: they would undergo a secure ID initiative while remaining independent from the proprietary technologies of the usual system providers.
Across state campuses, they faced a security threat in outdated access control systems and a logistical nightmare with hijacked downstream applications piggybacking off the existing card technologies (a combination of barcodes, mag stripes, and HID® iClass®). Something had to be done. Surrounded by a saturated market of proprietary technology, The University faced a crucial decision: either trust a system provider to meet all their needs using proprietary technology, thereby relinquishing control, or develop a custom solution that kept control firmly in their hands. Given the importance of maintaining autonomy and flexibility, the choice was obvious.
Amid the added strain of the COVID pandemic, maintaining consistent tuition costs was already challenging. Instead of relying on system providers to offer fair pricing, the university sought a partner who could bring both a ‘pride of authorship’ and critical decision-making power to the table, ensuring they could navigate these challenges more effectively.
In the university marketplace, a few major system providers, such as Transact (Blackboard), Atrium, and CBord, dominate the technology space — and everything is proprietary. These companies’ cloud-based portal applications, registrars, employee services, and more, create an ecosystem that makes it difficult for universities to switch providers and can allow these companies significant control over pricing.
The university aimed to avoid being pigeonholed into these proprietary systems commonly used in the collegiate marketplace. They needed to migrate from outdated magnetic stripes, bar codes, and existing proprietary solutions to a single, unified card. The only way to implement this secure ID system was by using custom encrypted keys, which would provide both flexibility and security, liberating the university from the constraints of proprietary tech.
A university environment requires numerous card applications, presenting ample opportunities to become locked into proprietary technology. K&A understands these pitfalls and the importance of maintaining control over your own roadmap. That’s why K&A Industries is committed to being the Secure ID Architect this Big Ten University needs, ensuring every decision is made with the school’s best interest at heart.
As a truly local source ‘just around the corner’ with over 30 years of experience in the ID industry and a portfolio of similar projects, K&A is uniquely suited to support the university’s initiative. The fact that K&A is not a proprietary technology manufacturer established a strong foundation, while their proven ability to manage the university’s goals led to one of the fastest partnerships ever seen.
STEP 1 – Whiteboarding. K&A began by mapping out current systems to identify every third-party downstream application where a card could be used on campus and brought it into the fold. The cards would need to work with both iClass (the proprietary keys to migrate away from) and the custom-encrypted DESFire® EV3 technology with University-owned keys. The card printers would need to print on both sides of the card, laminate the front, write data to the mag stripe, and then read/write data to the DESFire EV3 chip. Finally, K&A collaborated with the branding department to create graphic samples, which led to a final card design.
STEP 2 – Testing. K&A modeled the new technology in a test lab, combining all the elements together in a sandbox environment to ensure the cards would function seamlessly throughout the migration.
STEP 3 – Training. K&A configured and installed new printers throughout all of the badge production facilities, then provided the University personnel with the necessary training in how to use the new card printers.
STEP 4 – Deployment. Beginning with the incoming freshmen before expanding to other students, faculty, and staff, everyone was issued a new card utilizing both old and new tech. The initial rebadging involved over 110,000 cards.
STEP 5 – Security. K&A oversaw replacement of vulnerable card readers with new custom-encrypted readers for secure access control and downstream applications. The multi-technology migration cards worked across all campus readers, allowing for a seamless transition that didn’t disrupt student life.
Throughout the process, the University’s control over technology, card printing, and distribution remained paramount. The ultimate goal: Boil everything down into one secure technology (EV3) for all University ID cards, before rolling out an accompanying mobile credentials system.
deployed in the initial re-badging initiative.
annually supplied for new and existing students & faculty.
to support new custom keys and mobile credentials.
for secure document printing, vending applications, etc.
with laminators and inline encoders, maintained by K&A.
Our White Glove Services can make the most challenging issue feel easy.
With K&A’s personalized white glove services, you can relax while we provide secure, future-proofed identity management solutions — fit just for you.
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