Industry Trends See Businesses Move Toward Touchless Authentication Access Control

Touchless access control solutions are here to stay. Although the pandemic accelerated the demand for touch-free access control, these technologies were adopted well before then. People recognize that keypads can harbor germs and bacteria and require regular cleaning to keep them hygienic and safe.

With touch-free access control, access is simplified, people remain safer, and security is increased. Businesses continue to seek touchless authentication for their access control needs even as the pandemic wanes—here’s why.

Convenient Hands-Free Access

Not everyone has a free hand when entering a building, especially if you have contractors, speakers, students, or other people attempting access to your facility. In addition, some people need to take time to dig through a bag, purse, or pocket to find a key, which can be a security risk.

With touch-free access control, these people won’t have to buzz in to be admitted or put their things down to touch a keypad. Facial recognition access control, Bluetooth access control, and QR code video intercoms all make access a breeze while enhancing security.

Implementing hands-free access also provides additional conveniences. For example, facial recognition can log when an employee enters the facility, eliminating the need to manually log hours into a timesheet [1].

A Higher Level of Security

While keycards, fobs, and keypads provide access control solutions, all these access control methods can be shared with others. In the case of physical cards or fobs, they can be stolen or misplaced, jeopardizing your facility’s security.

Although cards and fobs don’t have to have physical contact with a reader to work, many people touch the reader with their cards, which can also transfer germs. Touchless authentication can help you implement a higher level of security with a lower risk for bacteria transmission.

Touch-free methods of access can also be combined with additional access control measures, such as turnstiles, to help encourage social distancing and reduce tailgating when allowing access to a facility [2].

Reduce Management Costs and Effort

Keycards and fobs can be more convenient than traditional keys, but they still require management in order to maintain security. For example, cards must be deactivated for former employees or residents and activated for new ones.

Keys may also need to be replaced as they are lost or stolen, which incurs an added expense to your business. Instead, you can have one streamlined form of access control with facial authentication or a QR code video intercom, making it simple and secure for people to access your facility even when there’s not a pandemic.

Keep People Safer and Healthier

Although touch-free access control requires you to upgrade your current system, the benefits are often well worth the investment.

Not only are you showing your clients, staff, residents, or students that you care about their well-being, but it may even reduce instances of illness at your location, keeping people safer and protecting them from germs [3].

Have you upgraded your access control to touchless authentication yet? If not, learn more about how simple it can be to upgrade your system for a healthier environment and more secure and convenient access. Contact Surveillance Secure today at (877) 388-1248.

Sources:

1. https://www.securityindustry.org/2022/04/07/using-technology-to-bring-employees-back-safely-touchless-access-control-and-other-solutions-enhance-both-security-and-health/
2. https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/95004-touchless-access-control-solutions-look-to-alter-the-landscape-of-higher-education 
3. https://www.securityinfowatch.com/access-identity/access-control/article/21227118/touchless-access-control-continues-to-expand-its-mission