The AXESS system was developed in-house to allow our students greater access to our computer resources whilst still maintaining security. In 1995 the first prototype system was commissioned in the Department and has operated successfully since. During the first 12 months of operation, the system was used 22,000 times by 350 students to gain access into 10 laboratory and specialist areas. In 1996 the system was used by over 1000 students and staff approximately 40,000 times to gain access into 25 areas throughout building 87.

The system can control and monitor all internal doors and allow access to areas by swiping previously registered magnetic swipe-cards. A single Building Access Controller is used to control all functions and is connected to the RMIT computer network. In order for a department to monitor and control the system it requires a PC which is connected to the computer network. If required a magnetic swipe-card reader can be attached to the PC so that cards can be registered.

The AXESS system allows the use of the users' own magnetic swipe-card including all credit and Medicare cards. The advantage of this system is especially applicable to a large and dynamic student and staff body. The cards are more secure as they belong to the user and are also cost free. If required, cards can be supplied at a minimal cost. If RMIT upgrades the current student card to a magnetic swipe-card, then these too can be used with the system.

The user database is very flexible in terms of controlling student access. Student information can be down-loaded from the main student database and used to group students according to the subjects in which they are enrolled, or their level of study. These groups can then be assigned unique access rights to areas or equipment including the control of times and days for access. Individual access rights are also supported with the ability to provide special access modes for the disabled.

RBAC unit attached to Department's PC

Card Reader