Case study
Northampton College
EA Group was approached by Northampton College with the goal of improving campus security and access management. The client required a modern, effective entrance control solution that would boost both safety and flow at key student and staff entry points.
The client wanted to install an aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient Speed lane solution, one that was delivered and commissioned within a tight timeframe and integrated easily into the existing architectural environment.
About the client
A large educational institution based in Northampton, Northampton College has a large, diverse community of students and staff. With a focus on delivering a safe and secure learning environment, the campus features multiple access points that require reliable, efficient entrance control systems.
As part of ongoing improvements to site infrastructure, the site wanted to modernise its access management in line with evolving security standards and operational needs.
The challenge
Northampton College wanted an entrance system that would:
· Deliver improved security without compromising on aesthetics
· Handle high pedestrian throughput, especially during peak times
· Be installed with minimal disruption to the active campus environment
· Meet strict delivery deadlines for the academic term schedule
Alongside this, the client wanted professional support throughout the process, from planning and installation to handover.
Client objectives for the upgrade
Enhance campus security
Implement a controlled entry system to make sure only authorised individuals are able to access key areas.
Improve pedestrian flow
Minimise congestion at busy entry points during peak student and staff movement times.
Modernise entry aesthetics
Introduce a sleek, professional entrance solution that matches the institution’s image.
Deliver within term schedule
Complete installation during a fixed window to avoid disruption to academic activities and calendar.
The solution
What EA did
We deployed a Secure Package Upgrade, which included the installation of high-performance Speed lane entrance gates. These modern units combine advanced sensor technology and sleek design to allow fast, controlled access.
The EA engineering team handled:
· Delivery and installation of the Speed lane units
· Integration with existing site requirements
· Making sure the installation was completed quickly and efficiently
The installation process
We followed a 4-step process for installing Trent Water’s new high-glass speed gate:
Delivery & preparation
Equipment delivered to the Northampton campus and site prepared for installation.
Professional installation
Speed lane units installed efficiently by EA Group’s experienced engineering team.
Minimal disruption
All work carried out with no impact on day-to-day campus operations.
Testing & commissioning
Final checks completed to ensure full functionality before system handover.
The outcome
By choosing to go with a Speed lane installation, the campus has significantly improved pedestrian access management, delivering:
· Faster flow of foot traffic during busy periods
· A modern, high-end visual upgrade to the building’s entrance
· Enhanced security through controlled access
And the best outcome was that our client was extremely satisfied with the results, describing the completed project as “a stunning installation.” Internal feedback from stakeholders also reflected the professionalism and speed of the EA Group team.
The benefits of speed lanes
Speed lanes offer a premium combination of form and function, making them ideal for the education sector where both security and efficiency are a priority. The key benefits include of speed lanes:
· Controlled access: only authorised individuals can pass, increasing on-site security
· High throughput: fast-acting sensors and doors reduce bottlenecks at peak times
· Sleek design: boosts the professional image of campus entry points
· Minimal maintenance: designed for reliability and long-term performance
· Scalable integration: can be adapted to work with existing or future access control systems
Hear from the client
“EA Group delivered a professional and seamless installation that has significantly improved the flow and security of our main entrance. The Speed lane system integrates perfectly with our environment and was installed with minimal disruption. We’re very pleased with the result and would not hesitate to work with the EA team again on future projects.”
Upgrade your access control
EA Group successfully modernised Northampton College entry system, providing a secure, efficient, and future-proofed solution. If you’re looking to enhance your site’s access control, get in touch with EA today.
