Contactless Entry – The Future of Access Control

The future of access control is most definitely contactless, so join us as we take a look at the growing trend for contact-free door entry and access control authentication methods.

Contactless access control provides fast, secure access through doors, barriers and turnstiles without the need for physical contact such as keypads and fingerprint readers.

Contact-free entry methods include the likes of iris scanning, Bluetooth, RFID, NFC, QR code and smartphone keyless entry. These methods are more important than ever post-Covid, where there remains a heightened attitude to hygiene. It’s also about user experience, meeting today’s demand for faster, easier ways of completing everyday tasks.

What are the benefits of contactless access control?

Contactless access control minimises touch points, helping reduce the spread of viruses and providing a more confident user experience.

It also removes the need for physical interaction as visitors arrive, reducing administrative burden and improving the visitor experience. With the ability to set access permissions and issue smart access keys ahead of a visitor’s arrival, there is no longer any need for a long-winded manual sign-in and security pass issuing process.

Contactless access control systems log occupancy data, so there are real-time insights into who is in a building at any given time, which is useful for fire safety. When connected to a wider smart building management system, this information can also be used to control the likes of heating, ventilation and air conditioning / indoor air quality settings in line with occupancy levels.

One of the greatest benefits of contactless access control is that there is no physical key or card capable of being lost, stolen, duplicated or shared. Smartphone keys can easily be blocked if necessary, and access permissions revoked should a member of staff leave the organisation.

Finally, these systems can be controlled remotely, so permissions can be managed and access monitored and tracked from anywhere via an internet connected device.

What are the different types of contactless access control?

There are a range of keyless access control technologies. Let’s run through them.

RFID access control

RFID or Radio Frequency Identification is a wireless signal transmission technology that uses radio waves to read and capture data stored on tags.

Tags could be the likes of key fobs or cards. Each tag carries unique information for the carrier, including their access permissions.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) access control

Also known as Bluetooth 4.0, BLE access control is a low power consumption technology that doesn’t drain users’ smartphone batteries, staying in rest mode until a connection is initiated.

An example of BLE access control is 2N Wavekey. This technology allows security system managers to generate and distribute access credentials to users within a very short timeframe via a web interface. The main benefit of Wavekey is that it offers simple, remote distribution of credentials without the need for cloud connection.

NFC access control

NFC, or Near Field Communication access control, enables keyless door entry using a smartphone for authentication. The technology is based on short-range transmission radio frequency and is a standard feature of most smartphones. It’s the same technology that’s used to make contactless payments from a phone.

Security system manufacturers are increasingly incorporating NFC readers into access control and door intercom devices as a standard option, in line with the trend for secure, convenient contactless door entry.

QR code access control

QR or Quick Response Codes are similar to regular bar codes, but offer more flexibility and can hold more data.

QR code access control systems are driven by PC software or a smartphone app which can quickly generate codes that are set to allow temporary access. This access can be limited to time and day, number of uses, and floors and zones of the building. Once generated, the code can be sent to the user by email or SMS for them to display on their phone or print out to gain entry.

Biometric access control

Biometrics use a range of personal physical attributes to allow entry. For contactless purposes, these include facial recognition and iris scans.

Biometric access control systems incorporate high resolution camera scanners that capture the relevant unique features, verifying identity in order to prevent unauthorised access to buildings and zones within them.

Contactless Access Control – How Could it Benefit Your Organisation?

Contactless technology is the future of access control. Are you ready to embrace it and all its benefits?

With several decades of experience working with the latest smart security technologies, and as a National Security Inspectorate (NSI) approved company, the experts here at Barry Bros Security are able to tailor pioneering access control solutions to suit your specific requirements.

To learn more about how a contactless access control system could benefit your business, you are welcome to get in touch, or visit us to discuss your individual requirements in person with a member of our team at our London showroom.