Using smartphones for access control has taken a major step forward following a second successful pilot project by HID Global – an ASSA ABLOY Group company – and RFI at on-demand media company Netflix.
Using smartphones for access control has taken a major step forward following a second successful pilot project by HID Global – an ASSA ABLOY Group company – and RFI at on-demand media company Netflix.
The latest pilot showcased the benefits of using Bluetooth Smart and patented HID Global gesture technology for opening doors from a distance.
Pilot participants at Netflix used the HID Mobile Access solution on a variety of Samsung and Apple smartphones and utilized HID Global's patented ‘Twist and Go' gesture technology as a new, more convenient way to open doors.
“This latest project really illustrates how far mobile access control has come over the last couple of years,” says Amy Dee, director of procurement and facilities with Netflix. “The HID Mobile IDs and HID Mobile Access App are extremely easy to use, and HID Global's mobile-enabled readers meet all the needs of our demanding enterprise environment.”
A key element of the latest pilot was the use of Bluetooth Smart, as near-field communication (NFC) was the only short-range communication technology available for mobile access control during the first Netflix pilot in 2012.
Adding support for Bluetooth Smart enables mobile access control to be used with popular smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, without the need for accessories. Bluetooth Smart also delivers a longer connection range, which, coupled with HID Global's patented ‘Twist and Go' gesture technology, makes it possible to open doors and gates while driving or walking up to a mobile-enabled reader by simply rotating the smartphone.
Adrian Noriega, the RFI field project manager who installed HID Mobile Access for the Netflix pilot, says: “Once participants received the invitation code, they were able to use the app with ease. Also, having the ability to use the ‘Twist and Go' feature was very convenient. This solution really represents technology at its best, and is the next step in security and convenience for access control."