Most access control systems use a keycard or multi-factor authentication. Some opt for biometrics, such as fingerprint or retina scan. They can mostly be seen in sliding or handle doors. Apps and smartphones use this technology for security purposes as well.
Touchless access control takes the security measure a step further. This features a no-contact confirmation access. You only need to set up the
Bluetooth on your phone and connect it to the sensor.
Waving your hand or closing into the sensor activates it and searches for the nearest Bluetooth connection. Once it recognizes your smartphone, it grants entry. It restricts people who do not have their devices with them.
How useful is this technology compared to the other types of access controls? Can this be truly the future for the access control of security systems? Let’s delve into its pros and cons to help you decide whether you prefer to adapt this technology for an upgrade to your business.
Pro: Touchless access control provides a higher level of convenience
Touchless access control only requires the setup of the app for customers and employees to use. You only need to wave your hand or show your face to the scanner for entry verification.
Touchless access control has faster processing time, proving to be more useful in high volume areas such as universities or hospitals. New clients can have a touchless sign-in experience for their first time by registering through the app.
This move allows your business to effortlessly monitor and track who goes in and out without having to register new key cards or new biometrics. It promotes both workplace security and hospitality to clients.
Remote access can also be granted, providing less of a need to set up the entry access face-to-face. Keycard issuance calls for a meeting or orientation for its usage.
Touchless access control can issue new entries from remote settings —sometimes needing no help due to automation.
For users who tend to forget their passwords or misplace their keycards, entry can get overwhelming in seconds. Touchless access control uses your phone as a means for your entry.
Most people use their phone for everyday use, and touchless access control takes advantage of it. There is no need to get stressed about remembering passwords or losing keycards, which can both take time to retrieve.
Bonus service of touchless access control: Some workplaces use touchless access control to reserve parking for their employees even before coming to work. It can lessen employees’ worries as they commute.
Pro: Touchless access control features hands-free technology
The COVID-19 pandemic required stringent measures for indoor spaces. Touchless access control adapts to the safety measures from the pandemic. This reassures both your clients and your employees of a safe meeting and workspace for productivity.
It promotes hygiene in the workplace. Communal places are notorious for becoming breeding grounds for germs due to the frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles.
With this technology, you eliminate these worries. If your business accommodates many people in a day, you would easily appreciate the long-term effect of transitioning to touchless access control.
The benefits of hands-free technology extend beyond viral transmission. It allows your business real-time tracking of new entries, exits, and re-entries. Your workplace security increases its security efficiency in tracking employees’ work shifts and exits.
Sometimes, you have your two hands occupied with your business materials and a coffee. A hands-free entry to your building just makes your day better without having to linger around to grab your keycard or type the password. Higher level of convenience, indeed.
Pro: Touchless access control uses cloud storage
Cloud storage for the data gathered from the touchless access control allows immediate protection of your files. Backups become readily available.
Faster troubleshooting happens with this system as well. Fixing locks directly on-site turns into restoring stable versions of the touchless access control.
If new clients are unable to enter, fixing the app’s bugs solves the problem. Troubleshooting can be done remotely due to the cloud storage.
Security levels for different kinds of entries are also set and changed real-time. Cloud storage synchronizes the security for your whole building and across different branches, if preferred.
Con: Touchless access control increases dependency on smartphones
Rarely do people these days go without their phones. Reliance on this technology leads customers and employees to heavily depend on them. Absence of phones may discourage clients from entering your building.
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may find it tedious to interact with this kind of technology. You may need to assign services for their entry in order to welcome them. Your business may be tailored to help these people, so you need to provide more guidance for this change.
Con: Touchless access control incurs high initial costs
Touchless access control costs $1000 per door on average. This does not include other fees, such as developing and centralizing the app for entry. Different security systems have different payment policies for installation of touchless access control.
You may find the need to reinstall everything from your previous security provider to the next. If your business relies on them, you may need to shop for new security providers.
You may even have more than one store that needs to adapt this technology. Shopping for a new provider takes time and effort to rebuild your security with touchless access control.
Con: Touchless access control embarks on the dangers of data handling
Applications always request permission to access the different functions of a smartphone. Consider the data policies of security system providers when it comes to the handling of data.
Exposure to the internet implies cyber-attack threats. Make sure that your touchless security system creates a robust system for all who enter. This is vital to the long-term safety of your business.
Data privacy and handling remains to be a huge problem for manufacturers. Some users do not invest time to understand the terms and conditions of their participation in your app. It may create user hesitancy for careful clients.
Some people may not prefer to give their data. This creates conflict with the business relationship you try to create with them.
So, is touchless access control worth all of the hype?
Certainly. Other corporations look at it as the future of security. While not many have adapted to it yet, it will take time to see its benefits.
The pros allow you to navigate from being in the pandemic to the post-pandemic world. Automated security and health security are easily appreciated once touchless access control is adapted. It gives your business long-term safety from viral transmission and physical breaches.
The cons of data handling and ethics extend its discussion to other technological usage. You can argue that other apps overstepped ethical boundaries for data handling, most of which are not required for your touchless access control.
Are you interested in access control and security systems? Alarm Masters provides you this service with zero up-front fees. Small businesses find their services beneficial. Check out their website if you are interested in knowing more about their services.
