In our last blog post, we discussed the effect that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is beginning to play in occupancy comfort and energy efficiency. More specifically, we discussed Alerton’s new Roby software and how it helps building managers have more efficient workflows by handling requests, automating repetitive tasks, eliminating miscommunication, and reducing resolution time to increase employee satisfaction.
These are all incredible advances of AI in the workplace, but really, only skim the surface of what’s to come. While we assuredly are unaware of many things in the works, we do know about a couple of AI technologies that are currently on the horizon: Frictionless Entrance Control and Facial Recognition.
What is Frictionless Entrance Control?
It’s likely that your employees experienced a time when they briefly left the facility to go to their car or grab coffee, forgot their key fab and had trouble getting back into the building. Or maybe a visitor has arrived for a meeting at your facility and the security team is unaware of their expected arrival, so they have to wait for someone to come down, verify their identity, and let them into the building. Neither scenario is ideal, and both create friction in the work environment: disruptions to productivity, comfort, and accessibility.
Frictionless entry was created to solve all of these problems. As Tony Smith, Major Accounts and Marketing Manager at Integrated Design Limited puts it in this article by Fastlane:
“A well-thought-through security system should allow people to go about their daily lives freely, but still provide comfort that the required level of security is provided. By freely, we mean the system requires minimum user interaction, not interfering with them unnecessarily… but, there’s no point in having an easy to use system if it doesn’t provide an adequate level of security, giving peace of mind to building occupants that unauthorised people, who might have disruptive intentions, aren’t able to gain access.”
Essentially, the goal of frictionless entry control is a good balance between security and “frictionless” user experience when entering and occupying a facility. There are several different technologies that allow for frictionless entrance control—each of which has its own pros and cons.
Turnstiles
Also discussed in this article by Fastlane are their special turnstiles that utilize AI technology to allow up to 60 people per minute, one at a time, which means there is little or no dwell time between users. And, while easy on the eyes, these turnstiles are still obvious physical barriers that will prevent unauthorized access.
However, this aesthetically pleasing, technologically advanced system is definitely costly and may not be feasible for smaller facilities. Thankfully, there are more financially accessible options that will still keep your facility both secure and frictionless.
RFID Technology
RFID is a popular replacement for badges and keycards—another accessibility tool that causes friction in the work environment. Rather than going through the burden of wearing a keycard around your neck, scanning your badge in every door, RFID is able to read transmitters (which can be the size of a quarter or a regular badge-size, according to Security Industry), within a certain range of a receiver antenna, allowing a more frictionless entry experience. Smartphones can even serve as these transmitters, eliminating the need for a separate transmitter or badge whatsoever.
Facial Recognition
Facial recognition is by far one of the most versatile and frictionless technologies that we’re starting to see more of both in our personal lives (the new iPhone series) and in the workplace. It offers a quick and efficient way to process and track visitors, while also providing an easier way to manage building controls such as lighting and temperature controls.
Visitor & Employee Tracking
Facial recognition makes it possible to track who comes in and out of buildings without missing a beat. Security cards and sign-in sheets make it easy to miss everyone who goes in and out of a building and when—something that poses a security and safety threat. As Viatech states, in case of an emergency like a fire, it’s critical to know who has vacated the building and if anyone is left inside. This technology is also a more reliable method of tracking visitors and identifying intruders.
Facility Management & Building Controls
Beyond security, facial recognition is also an extremely useful tool for building controls such as temperature control, lighting controls, and reporting.
Control Solutions can upgrade your facility!
Interested in learning more about various frictionless entry methods like facial recognition and the potential benefits for your company? Control Solutions, Inc. are the experts you can count on to listen to your facility’s unique needs and then develop a thorough, well-thought-out plan to meet those needs and make business operations and facility management as smoothly as possible. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Credits:
FastlaneViatech
Security Industry
