FS Systems Secures WITS With Gallagher Security.
FS Systems Secures WITS – FS Systems has secured the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s largest and most prominent universities, using Gallagher Security access control solutions.
WITS opted to replace its previous US-based system due to licensing costs and integration limitations. The decision to move to Gallagher also reflected a desire for stronger local support and a more scalable platform.
WITS spans 400 acres across Braamfontein and Parktown and includes 5 faculties, 35 schools, more than 30 service departments, 11 libraries, and 18 student residences accommodating 6600 beds and has an enrolment of 42,189 students and 1273 staff in 2023.
This substantial project will see Gallagher’s Command Centre platform replace the university’s existing access control infrastructure. The rollout began in April 2025 and will continue in 2 phases until completion in 2027. Gallagher’s system will be implemented across 173 buildings on seven campuses, involving the upgrade of 2500 doors and enrolment of around 80,000 cardholders.
“173 buildings have been identified across seven campuses that need to be migrated onto Gallagher’s system,” said Gallagher Security sales manager for South Africa, Tarryn Fortune.
“Phase 1 will be the major component of the migration and will encompass the replacement of all the existing access control hardware with Gallagher hardware.
“Additionally, the existing card readers and wave readers will be reused and hardwired onto new Gallagher controllers. All other door hardware such as maglocks, break-glass units, pushbuttons, cabling will be kept, and a new interface will be developed.”
According to Fortune, by consolidating multiple security systems into 1 intelligent Gallagher platform, WITS will gain greater control, efficiency, and future scalability.
“Our focus is always on providing innovative, people-centric security solutions that adapt to the evolving needs of our customers, and this project is a testament to that commitment,” Fortune said.
You can learn more about FS Systems here, discover Gallagher Security solutions here, or read more SEN news here.
FS Systems Secures WITS
- Gallagher Command Centre platform
- 173 buildings across 7 campuses
- 2500 doors and 80,000 cardholders
- Existing readers re-used, new controllers installed
- Phased implementation, completion due 2027.
“FS Systems Secures WITS With Gallagher Security.”
