School Building Merged Technology Components: THEORY
The installation and maintenance of many school building-based devices now require a hybrid approach that coordinates the activities of Facilities and IT departments’ staff and their contractors. While some of these devices are still direct wired, they are usually also connected to the district’s data network for control and monitoring.
Examples
Public Address (PA) speakers in hallways and exteriors may be hardwired but classroom Clock/PA units are typically run directly from the district’s IP platform. Both device types are monitored and controlled by an IP-connected building headend. IT may be responsible for device installation to ensure adequate bandwidth but Facilities could oversee daily operations.
Access Control was primarily a standalone system that Facilities staff planned, managed, and operated. With the complexity and interoperability of Security Systems, the responsibility for Access Control has increasingly shifted to IT. This also facilitates the integration of access cards with a district’s Active Directory system.
Video Surveillance Cameras were analog standalone system with hardwired monitors. Newer IP-connected cameras require more complex programming and data transfer requirements. Positions are still typically determined by Facilities but IT is ultimately responsible for port availability, programming, troubleshooting, VLANs, and setting up camera viewers on users’ PC and phones.
See the next page for a chart showing the importance of each of these technology components to district operations and how they may effect the roles and responsibilities of Facilities Departments’ staff. Or view 2-page PDF.
Facilities & IT Hybrid Technology Components: PRACTICE >
