During this past spring, the University of Lapland began updating its access control system, and the STID Mobile ID app will be implemented throughout the building during the summer. The implementation has not been as smooth as anticipated, and communication about the mobile app’s functionality has been limited. 

The need for a new access control system arose as the old Flexim system reached the end of its lifecycle, with no parts or maintenance available. The upgrade is part of the joint investments of the Lapland Higher Education Consortium, decided during the 2023 budget preparation. The top management of the University of Lapland has decided to implement a mobile access card with the new access control system, which is a more cost-effective option than physical keys, both financially and time-wise. Currently, there are about 15,000 users (staff and students) in the new access control system. In addition to the University of Lapland, the new access control system was implemented at the Kemi and Tornio campuses of Lapland University of Applied Sciences in spring 2024. 

The consortium’s property services investigated the usage rights and functionality of the STID mobile app. Many questions concerned the app’s location features. The investigation revealed that the STID mobile app does not use the phone’s location features or determine the location in any other way. Reviews in the Google Play Store suggest that Android versions 11 and earlier require location permission when using the Bluetooth search feature. This Bluetooth search feature is used in the STID app to detect the door reader remotely. In Android version 12 and newer, no location permission is required for the app. 

It was also found that the app does not shut down and stays active to speed up the reading process. The Bluetooth feature can also be turned off in the settings, reducing battery consumption. The app can be closed and will restart when the phone is unlocked and brought close to the door reader. 

You can activate the new app by downloading it from the app store and activating it using the email sent by the university. If you have not received this email, please contact campus services. You can test the functionality of the mobile app at the university’s information desk. If your phone does not support the app or you cannot use the app for any other reason, a physical access key will be provided at the information desk.