Now, because of COVID-19, health and safety are critical for buildings and facilities. Since the pandemic, the insecurities of outdated access control technology and systems have increasingly become a concern. In order to increase safety and mitigate the current health crisis, touchless access control technology is taking the lead not only in security but in physical health as well.
The rise of smart buildings
Smartphones have revolutionized how we use our phones. Now, smart solutions are changing our interaction with buildings. Electronic devices can now communicate regardless of the distance between them. This is because common building appliances like thermostats, gates, doors, and lights can be connected to the internet.
The concept of smart buildings has been around for awhile. Unsurprisingly, it is attracting a lot more attention in our current environment. Their utility serves a much greater purpose which is slated to become the new normal.
Access control is getting smarter
Traditional access control uses standalone electronic devices to manage building occupants. In these legacy systems, there is seldom any interaction between the devices. Electronic visitor logbooks, automatic door unlock, card readers and other access control systems function independently of each other. But that isn’t the case with recent innovations in access control.
In smart access control, all the devices necessary for access control interact and exchange data to form a more efficient network. All the information shared in this network is stored in the cloud.
Smart access control uses biometric and/or mobile credentials, video intercom and door release to manage the occupants and visitors of a building. These otherwise independent technologies are now connected via the cloud. This allows them to seamlessly provide hands-free entry and authorized guest access.
By creating an environment without the need for physical contact, smart access control prioritizes health and safety. In the following section, we will discuss how these innovations combine to create a touchless environment.
5 innovations in smart access control
Automatic door openers
At the foundation of a smarter solution to access control systems is automated door release. This technology can be seamlessly integrated with various access control solutions. This no-contact solution eliminates the need to touch high-use surface areas like building doors which harbor disease.
Face recognition
In traditional systems, standard access credentials include passwords, key cards, key fobs, etc. Face recognition is a biometric access control function that uses facial features to grant or deny access to a door or building. Face recognition integrates with an automatic door release to enable touchless entry into a building. This provides the most secure identity solution.
Cloud-based systems
Cloud-based systems have been revolutionary for remote management. Network systems operate on-site only, which limits capabilities when it comes to any building function. COVID-19 has underscored the need for resilient systems that can withstand the changing world. As it stands with access control, the cloud fuses security, flexibility, and health by enacting a remote system that safeguards the most advanced authorization credentials.
Mobile access
Mobile devices like smartphones have effortlessly integrated into our everyday lives. So, mobile innovation in access control is particularly significant. Mobile access control enables the remote management of the entire access process. This includes the authorization of visitors as well. Any authorized person can access the comprehensive dashboard information in real-time to manage building operations.
Visitor management
Video intercom visitor management systems go beyond authorized users to take security to the next level. Buildings will always welcome visitors, whether it be a client or a delivery. As such, it is the facility manager’s job to ensure the safety of his or her occupants in doing so. Video intercom is an undisputed way to confirm identification and confidently grant access from anywhere.
The spirit of technology lies within generating connections. Since COVID-19, everyone has had to find new avenues in which to connect the pieces of their lives. Luckily, in looking down the new road to access control technology, we have found a way to maximize security as well as physical health.
