Integrated Solutions
Integrated Solutions provide maximum ease of use, flexibility and future-proofing for some of the daily activities of any school or academy. The use of a fully integrated identity management platform will enable the management of all relevant systems including print management, cashless catering, library systems, access control and e-registration.
Extensive reporting is possible within the system so that usage across all control technologies can be completely understood. These reports can be exported in varying formats and can be passed in to a learning platform. The system is fully customizable and has multi-functional capabilities to integrate with all the required services, from its simplest use as an ID to access the building through to its wider uses in cashless catering and Follow-Me printing.
The identity management solution is fully integrated and uses a single, secure, back-end database to manage, monitor and carry out all daily tasks. The system is defined by the user, and multiple accounts can be set up for a variety of uses.
Follow-Me Print Management
Gaia has deployed the Follow-Me Print Management system to several schools. This system provides an innovative and flexible approach to print management and is designed to reduce the overall cost of printing across the school. This is achieved by reducing unit print cost and volume of printing. The solution uses the latest technology to efficiently and cost effectively manage printing/copying and integrates both functions into one device. The effect is to eliminate the production of uncollected printouts in classrooms so ensuring that uncollected or unwanted printouts become a thing of the past.
How it works
When a print job is sent to the printer, it is redirected to a print server where it is queued. The user goes to any managed printer on the network and identifies oneself using either a Proximity card or biometric (finger-print) identification system. Their photocopier account will appear with a list of print jobs they have sent. The user can then select an individual job or all jobs to be sent to this printer. They system uses the same device and same principles for copying and printing.
Cashless Catering
Gaia offers an easy to use integrated Cashless Catering System designed specifically for the education market. The system is simple to manage and use, and it allows for a fast throughput of pupils through till locations. These systems significantly increase the speed of the service at meal times by removing all cash transactions from the point of sale, and also eradicate the issue of bullying or lost lunch money.
How it works
Instead of paying for food with cash, each student’s account will be accessed at a point of sale terminal by presenting their identification to the reader. The student’s photo appears on the screen, along with their existing balance and any special data such as allergies. The cashier will use the touch screen terminal to enter the food details and automatically be informed of credit available, daily spend limit and any relevant dietary information. Parents can top up cards in several ways; this can be done at the admin office using cheque, cash or lunch credit vouchers, or securely over the internet using Parent Pay. The system operates via an online service that is constantly linked with the central management database.
Library Information Management
The Library Information Management solution is an effective tool for managing all information stored within the libraries and Learning Resource Centres in any school or academy. This fully integrated system includes cataloguing, circulation, OPAC, acquisitions, serials and system administration. The solution allows for the creation of user accounts from MIS or Active Directory; reporting services, overdue notification and tracking of stock; cataloguing books, digital media, periodicals, DVD’s, pictures, artefacts, cameras, projectors, laptops and musical instruments; allocating resources other than books; sending automated emails; providing an online search tool; and writing reviews and ratings on all catalogued items.
How it works
Library users will be identified through their Proximity card or a biometric identification system and matched to their library-enrolled account. All account information is synchronised with the central identity management database. The system provides all required reporting services together with additional reporting services available through the learning platform. Overdue notices can be sent automatically via email. This system can be accessed through the learning platform or the Internet as required.
Access Control
The Access Control system provides a flexible access control integration solution using the identity management solution. This allows schools to protect expensive equipment, maintain safety in science labs and prevent pupils from leaving school grounds unsupervised or without permission.
How it works
The access control system can integrate with most building contractor provided access control systems.
E-registration
Registration technology will furnish teachers with real time information of students present and absent. Classroom registration readers can be either integrated into or connected to the teacher’s laptop, allowing the teachers to monitor the student’s registration and send data to an attendance database when complete. The registration solution incorporates the facility to monitor late students instantly rather than filling in a late book that has to be manually transferred to the system.
How it works
Registration of attendance will be taken by electronic readers connected via the standard cabling infrastructure or via a PC. The e-registration reader instantly authenticates a user (student) once their smart-card is waved in the proximity of the reader. This information is then passed into the MIS either on an AM/PM and/or a lesson by lesson basis.