Engage is the software used to manage many of the Valley Library electronic locks.
Vocabulary
Audits: Audits tell us about the locks. In Engage, it also included diagnostic data, lock update attempts and battery power levels.
Credentials: This is essentially the "key" someone uses to unlock a door. The credential can come in many different forms. Valley Library uses key cards and fobs.
Credential Reader: The credential reader reads the credentials prox chip or the smart chip number and inputs it into the programming software. If the reader is unable to read the number, it means the credential is incompatible with the reader or damaged and needs to be replaced.
Site: Database files are called Sites in the lock software. The electronic locks in Valley Library are separated into several different facility files, based largely on user group usage. Because the locks have been added incrementally, sometimes the groupings may seem strange.
Fob: Another kind of credential that can be easily added to a key chain.
Hot Stamp: Smart chip cards have a 6 digit code on the back of the card which can be used to find and/or identify key cards in Engage.
Key Card: Smart chip cards are used for research rooms and study rooms. Prox chip cards and fobs are used for staff areas. OSU ID cards have both but we only use the prox chip.
Manual lock programming: Walking to the lock, connecting to it with a device, and updating the lock programming.
No Tour Programming: Smart chips can be used to carry the program to the lock so you don't have to manually program the lock.
Prox chip or Proximity chip: This is the chip inside prox chip cards and fobs. When placed near the lock, the reader in the lock induces a current in the card. The current powers the chip in the card and allows the card to then transmit data (specifically the chip's serial number) to the lock.
Smart credential: In simplified terms, this is a credential that can carry programming to the lock for you and allows us to program locks remotely.
Wireless lock updates: LE locks connect to wifi nightly. This is another way to program locks without manually programming the lock.
Overview
Valley Library Engage Site Files Structure
There are many factors to consider when setting up a site within Engage for the locks. The table below outlines how the two Engage sites have been structured to meet the needs of The Valley Library.
Site Name | Valley Library | Library Staff |
|---|---|---|
Primary Purpose | Public area spaces. This includes study rooms, research rooms, and other reservable spaces with LE locks. It also includes some staff areas in public spaces such as the faculty offices in the Graduate Student Commons on 6th floor. | Areas that are primarily staff area spaces such as LEAD staff area, some 2nd floor conference rooms, and Barnard classroom (5420). Most devices are LE locks but there is also a CTE device on the glass door into LEAD by the main entrance. |
Credential type used | Smart (cards and fobs)
| Prox (OSU ID cards and Schlage key cards)
|
Credential Reader | MT20W. Requires desktop Engage application and wi-fi connection. | MT20. No additional software required. |
Programming Method | No-tour, scheduled updates, and manually. | Scheduled updates and manually. |
Device Groups | 1st floor, 2nd floor, 5th floor, 6th floor, GSC Consultation rooms, GWC Offices | None |
Device Schedules | Summer Unlock | None |
Global Settings | No-Tour enabled | No-Tour not enabled |
Device Defaults | Beeper Enabled, 3 second relock delay, Long communication and normal performance | Beeper Enabled, 3 second relock delay, short communication and normal performance |
Reader Defaults | Credential: SMART MIFARE (Classic and DESFire) | Credential: Proximity (Schlage HID) |
Web Application vs. Mobile Application
Engage uses a cloud-based web application to manage sites, users, and credentials. The mobile application is used for enrolling and programming locks. Many tasks can be done using either application but some are application-specific. The web application tasks can be done anywhere you have an internet connection, but lock update tasks done through the mobile application must be done while connected to the lock.
Task | Web Application | Mobile Application |
|---|---|---|
Add/delete/edit user | Yes | Yes** |
Add/remove team member | Yes | Yes |
Add/delete credentials | Yes | No |
Assign/Remove access | Yes | Yes** |
Create device schedules | Yes | No |
Assign device schedules | Yes | Yes** |
Assign device groups | Yes | No |
Add/delete device | No | Yes** |
Update programming | Yes | Yes** |
Update firmware | Yes | Yes** |
Configure Wi-Fi | No | Yes** |
Retrieve Audits | Yes | Yes** |
** Must be connected to the device through the mobile app
Getting Started
Creating an Engage Account
Create an account through the Engage web application.
This account can be individual or shared.
Shared accounts, like accounts for student employees to update locks, shouldn’t have full privileges.
Administrators can create invite others to create an account in Engage and set the account privilege profile for that account.
Users must be invited to each site separately, but can access both sites from the same login once invited.
Enrolling locks (aka Commissioning the device)
The first step to using a new lock is enrolling it in the software. This must be done through the mobile app.
Open the Engage App on your mobile device and login to Engage.
The Devices screen will open up. Select the + in the upper right corner.
Select LE for the type of devise you are commissioning.
The app will ask you to turn the inside handle to prepare the lock to advertise. Turn the handle. The lock will "advertise" it is ready for the next two minutes. Select Next.
Once the app finds the lock, it will appear on the screen. Select the lock.
The app will attempt to connect and ask you to verify that the red light on the lock is blinking.
Once it has found the lock, it will ask you to name the lock.
Name the lock after the room number and select Next.
The app will ask you to connect to the wifi.
A special login has been created specifically for the locks. This login should not be posted on a wiki page. Ever.
The app will then sync the lock and fully enroll the lock into the app.
Login to the web application to assign the device to a group if needed.
Under the Devices menu, select Device Groups.
Select the group from the left menu
Select the + button on the upper right of the screen. A pop-up will show you a list of assigned and unassigned devices.
Add the new lock and save.
Support
Contact information for support can be found in the Engage app under "Help".