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The United States Coast Guard Academy implemented IDScan.net’s VeriScan as its primary Physical Access Control System (PACS), streamlining visitor identification and REAL ID verification while improving administrative oversight and operational efficiency. By replacing its previous solution, the Academy gained real-time access to visitor information, complete control over its own data and access policies, simplified access management, and a more user-friendly experience for staff.
The Challenge
The Coast Guard Academy sought a more capable and flexible visitor management solution after experiencing operational frustrations with its previous provider. Administrators had limited visibility into visitor information, concerns around pricing, and insufficient equipment support that complicated day-to-day operations.
More importantly, the Academy lacked control over its own visitor management protocols. Under its previous provider, security personnel could not immediately ban or deny access to an individual. Instead, they were required to submit the person’s information to the provider and wait several days for approval before the restriction could be applied. This created unnecessary delays and prevented the Academy from enforcing its own security policies in real time.
The Academy needed a solution that would improve operational visibility, streamline visitor processing, ensure compliance with REAL ID requirements, and provide complete administrative control over physical access decisions.
The Solution
The Academy selected VeriScan as its primary Physical Access Control System because of its ease of use, responsive customer support, flexible administration, and ability to provide real-time access to visitor information.
Today, security personnel use six PA768 handheld scanners to verify every visitor’s government-issued identification before access is granted. While scanners are stationed at facility entrances, the Academy also leverages cellular connectivity to perform ID scans aboard incoming buses before they reach the entrance checkpoint. This allows visitors to be verified in transit, reducing congestion and accelerating the entry process upon arrival.
Unlike its previous solution, VeriScan gives the Academy complete control over its own data and access policies. Administrators can immediately implement security protocols, restrict individuals, and manage visitor permissions without relying on a third party or waiting for external approval.
The streamlined workflow provides security personnel with immediate access to visitor information while eliminating many of the manual processes associated with the previous system.
The Results
- Complete Administrative Control
VeriScan gives the Academy full ownership of its visitor data and access policies, allowing administrators to immediately enforce security protocols, restrict access, and manage visitors according to their own operational requirements. - Real-Time Visibility
VeriScan provides administrators with immediate access to visitor information, making it easier to monitor and manage physical access across the facility. - Simplified Administration
Administrative management has become significantly easier since implementing VeriScan, reducing the operational burden on staff responsible for visitor access. - User-Friendly Experience
Despite no formal training prior to deployment, personnel were able to begin using VeriScan immediately, highlighting the platform’s intuitive interface and straightforward workflow. - Improved Operational Efficiency
Staff reported that the new verification process is easier to use than the previous solution, contributing to smoother visitor processing and day-to-day operations.
A spokesperson for the Coast Guard Academy shared:
“This is one of the most user-friendly systems as well as the best customer support we have ever used.”
By implementing VeriScan as its primary Physical Access Control System, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy has modernized its visitor verification process with a solution that combines speed, flexibility, and administrative control. With real-time visibility into visitor activity, six mobile handheld scanners, pre-arrival bus screening, and complete ownership of its access policies and data, the Academy is well-positioned to support its current security operations and future physical access requirements.
