Originally based at Porirua, and now with campuses at Porirua, Kapiti, Mohuia, Wellington and Auckland Central. Whitireia Polytechnic has grown to host 7000 students across all five campuses.

The need
Two of the biggest challenges facing Whitireia Polytechnic were security and the use across all campuses of single function devices that took up valuable space and were inefficient from an energy consumption and service delivery perspective.

They required a new system that would integrate various security protocols including campus access, printing and copying, and accessing materials from the library into one centralised system. In addition, the new solution would need to offer devices that would free up valuable space and deliver high quality, energy efficient services.

The solution
A team of Canon experts went onsite to analyse the environment and requirements, and from this a comprehensive functional specification was developed. Following a competitive tender process, Canon was given the go-ahead to begin work on a totally integrated solution.

The first test facing Canon was to enable the new system to “talk” with the current Cardax™ security system which offers a proximity card to access doors and doubles as a student ID. The card would become the tool to operating print and copier jobs, while recording exact usage and user activity.

Rolled out in two parts, all existing hardware was replaced with new Multifunctional Devices and copiers. This, in itself, was a challenge as new technology had to be implemented across classrooms and office buildings in five separate campuses, to link all the devices to the central hub at Porirua.

Hylton Tuckett, IT Manager for Whitireia said “We were
impressed by the functionality of the devices installed; in some cases we replaced 8 existing machines with 1 Canon MFD. This led to networked devices and a huge saving on space and power.”

The second stage was to deploy Uniflow™ Document Accounting software and integrate the system into the existing IT and security infrastructure based on Microsoft™ Active Directory.

  

The result
Whitireia now have a fully integrated system where students and staff members have one card to manage a print run, operate a copier, access a building or even loan a book from the library. Meanwhile, behind the scenes Uniflow™ is verifying each user, taking machine meter readings and allocating costs.

When the system went live across the five campuses,
Canon staff were on hand to resolve any issues that arose and provide support. As part of the implementation plan, Canon provided training of the new system and ensured that the transition was as seamless as possible.

“Education is our primary focus and jeopardising the work of students or staff was a big concern. The integration of this system had to be accepted by all who use it and Canon made that possible.” says Hylton.

Whitireia now has a system that provides security where it is important, and makes cost management and accountability a priority. Hylton mentioned that the added bonus is the Canon equipment and software comes packed with added features and functions that staff and students are getting more benefits from. “We have seen a personal change in staff who are much more confident with newer technology and students who has access to high quality equipment; both are producing better, more advanced results.”

For more information

Canon New Zealand
www.canon.co.nz
Mike Hooker - Product Manager - Solutions
Business Imaging Solutions Group
mike.h@canon.co.nz
Ph 09 926 9367


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