The CBORD Group and the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) have been recognized for a new mobile-enabled security solution for door access.

CBORD’s solution, dubbed CS Access, serves IIT’s more than 7,700 students and staff and was recently awarded the 2013 Innovative Technology Award by the National Association of Campus Card Users (NACCU). The Chicago based IIT — a Ph.D.-granting university in engineering, sciences, architecture, psychology, design, humanities, business and law — has implemented a number of new mobile-based security features.

IIT’s adoption of CS Access enables its students to access residence hall rooms and other doors on campus by simply opening CBORD’s mobile app — CBORD Mobile ID — or by sending a text message reading “Open MyDoor” to gain physical access. CBORD’s CS Access manages both mobile access methods.

The solution is mindful of student convenience, using mobile devices that every student possesses, a mobile phone. Moreover the text message method of access ensures that those students without smart phones are still able to interact with the solution.

As an additional failsafe for student access, campus staff can be assigned temporary, elevated door access privileges using a “MasterKey” text-enabled function. Elevated privilege can only granted with management’s approval with any occupants of the room receiving prior notification of entry.

The MasterKey function has provided an added layer of security by doing away with the riskier metal master key. Additionally, the solution cuts costs associated with manufacturing and replacing lost metal keys.

The NACCU Innovative Technology Award recognizes institutions that implement unique, technology-based solutions on campus, and was presented to IIT during the 20th Annual NACCU Conference— a four-day event for the global campus card community— held in Orlando.

See CBORD’s video for more on the CS Access solution at IIT.