Universities are, in many ways, cities in miniature.
They manage complex ecosystems of people, infrastructure, research environments, and shared spaces — all operating at scale, with constant movement across buildings, labs, accommodation, and public areas. The challenge of managing secure, seamless access across these environments is one that city leaders increasingly recognise.
A new case study from Gallagher Security highlights how the University of Sydney has addressed this challenge through a campus-wide transition to a mobile-first digital identity system.
From Legacy Systems to Mobile-First Access
Faced with a 20-year-old legacy ID system, the University undertook a significant transformation — moving away from physical access cards to a secure digital credential model.
Today, students and staff can use their smartphone or smartwatch to access campus facilities across more than 140 buildings and 150 research centres.
This shift has delivered:
- A more seamless and intuitive user experience
- Improved operational efficiency across campus infrastructure
- Enhanced cybersecurity and system resilience
- Reduced reliance on physical credentials and associated administration
Why This Matters for Cities
While grounded in a university setting, the implications extend far beyond campus boundaries.
The case reflects a broader shift toward:
- Digital identity as critical infrastructure
- Mobile-first service delivery models
- Integrated, scalable access systems across complex environments
For cities, precincts, and large-scale developments, the lessons are directly transferable. Managing access across transport hubs, civic buildings, workplaces, and residential environments presents similar challenges — and opportunities.
Key Takeaways for Smart Cities
The University of Sydney case highlights several considerations for leaders:
- Governance matters
Transitioning to digital identity requires clear ownership, policy frameworks, and stakeholder alignment - Integration is critical
Success depends on interoperability across systems — not just access control, but broader digital ecosystems - User experience drives adoption
Mobile-first solutions must be intuitive and frictionless to achieve scale - Security must be embedded, not added
Cyber resilience is foundational to trust in digital identity systems
A Practical Step Toward Smarter, More Connected Places
As cities continue to evolve, digital identity and access management are becoming foundational layers of smart infrastructure.
The University of Sydney’s approach demonstrates what is possible when legacy systems are reimagined with a focus on user experience, security, and scalability.
For Smart Cities Council members and partners, this case offers a practical example of how to move from concept to implementation — and how to deliver tangible improvements in how people interact with the built environment.
Read the full case study: https://security.gallagher.com/en-AU/Case-Studies/University-of-Sydney
Smart Cities Council is a global network of cities, governments, technology leaders, investors, and solution providers dedicated to enabling city and community transformation through governance, finance, technology, and partnerships that deliver measurable outcomes.
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