Inheritances

I didn't know what to title this...inheritances or victims of our success. Anyhow, I might brag or show some bravado, but I think my team is pretty good at what we do with what we have.

Last year we inherited badge access control our buildings. All I got was another help desk staff. I think I made out like a champ. Sad? Maybe, but she's really good! anyhow, Security access, awesome?! Why? Well, people have this notion we solve problems in our department and 3 months to change a badge access was too long. Who'dathunkit? So now this is my beast to manage as of last year.

Its now year 1+ of owning access control. It is the start of school, and badge access is my disaster to deal with. Its not technically a disaster, it just is something we have to take care of. we hire 10-15% new staff per year and move another 10-25% around. 40 sites, 3500 staff. Yep, its not pretty right now. So, our access control systems don't work well for our customers. Yeah, we've identified the underlying problem(s), our connections to HR systems, etc, but the customer doesn't care. Ms. Teacher gets pissed her badge doesn't work on the door. We GET it. we get pissed too. Hell, i set off the alarm and call security when my doesn't work. (hello, security, i'm the the building. i set off the alarm. i'll be here for 2 hrs. I'm guessing my badge doesn't work on the way out either so you'll have to set it). We get 100 work order per day for badge access now. They get resolved quickly, but having a door not open when you badge it pisses everyone off. Its that simple. Trying to educate bosses and customers, that 700 open active work orders aren't -that bad- is a task. Last year we peaked at 1200. I'm guessing 2000 this year will be the peak.

I'm sure there is a moral to the story. I think it is integrate your systems. I've met with HR. They are willing to help. there are good software solutions to help update all systems quickly. There is budget. Now, can we get the people part to work.