Regional Manager for Gallagher in North Asia, Jin Hui, discusses how commercial buildings can utilize the innovation that lies within their access control system to support frictionless experiences and improved contactless capabilities for their tenants.
The past 18 months have fundamentally transformed the way the world lives, works, and plays. During this time, the security industry has accelerated developments in both contactless and frictionless access control technologies to support healthy workplaces and create smarter buildings.
The value of a physical security system has always gone beyond just opening and closing doors, however, through the acceleration of technologies to create frictionless and touchless environments, the wider benefits are becoming more apparent for commercial buildings.
Intelligent systems for a seamless tenant experience
Frictionless experiences are fast becoming an expectation for many people, as property managers look to support a more efficient and dynamic environment for their tenants. For commercial buildings, the opportunities that reside within their access control system are endless – from using facial recognition technology to provide automated building and lift access for tenants, to interfacing lighting and air conditioning services for better energy use and cost-savings.
“Creating an efficient and safe user experience has become one of the number one considerations for commercial buildings to not only attract tenants and visitors, but to also add value beyond the spaces and services they provide. A highly integrated, frictionless security solution should enhance how people go about their daily lives, while still providing the comfort of knowing they are as protected as possible,” says Jin.
Access control has moved beyond just traditional access cards, with a variety of multi-use options available that can be tailored to meet a site’s individual security and business requirements. “By utilizing a security software that can integrate with a wide range of third-party products, it gives buildings the flexibility to tailor their system to their own unique circumstances,” Jin adds.
For a seamless elevator experience, the KONE elevator system integration with Gallagher’s Command Centre security platform is an intelligent enhancement that gives sites the ability to personalize elevator preferences for an individual. By setting passenger default floors for automated floor selection, tenants can simply arrive at their building’s elevator, and have it take them to their usual floor without needing to lift a finger. Additionally, once a user has gained access at turnstiles via facial recognition or mobile credentials, their information can be sent to the integrated elevator system, which then securely transfers the tenant directly to their office floor.
To streamline the use of shared facilities or meeting rooms, Gallagher’s Booking Interface makes it possible for doors to lock and unlock in response to a scheduled booking, while simultaneously managing room services such as lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning to activate only when in use - ensuring efficient energy consumption.
Making the move to mobile
Most of us have a mobile device that we use to manage different aspects of our lives – from banking, to accessing public transport, and even paying for a coffee. When implemented as part of an integrated security system, mobile technology and credentials are simple to operate, easy to deploy, and offer significant cost-savings.
“Mobile credentials can considerably enhance how people interact with their office space or building by combining everything they need in one simple app, while removing the need to carry physical cards,” says Jin.
Gallagher’s Mobile Connect solution replaces physical ID cards and provides users with a highly secure contactless access credential that eliminates the risk of lost or stolen access cards. Through having optional two-factor authentication, it provides an additional security step in the form of fingerprint or face recognition to ensure that the person coming through the door is exactly who they say they are.
Furthermore, by using Mobile Connect SDK, commercial buildings can harness the same functionality through their existing app. This gives tenants the ability to access facilities and professional services securely and seamlessly through their mobile phone.
Enhancing the visitor experience
No longer is visitor management solely about meeting and greeting visitors at the reception desk. Integrated visitor management systems can simplify building reception tasks, ensure the smooth processing of visitors, and give building owners and their tenants the assurance that the appropriate health and safety compliances have been met.
“For a truly contactless experience, visitors who are pre-registered can sign in from any device using barcodes or QR codes which initiates a mobile notification to alert the host of their arrival to the building. The system then automatically removes access rights when the visit is complete,” explains Jin. “People want swifter and smarter solutions. Not only does a visitor management system make a good first impression, but it allows greater flexibility and makes the visitor experience enjoyable and hassle-free.”
Long-lasting benefits
“The advantages of contactless and frictionless security technologies for commercial spaces will only continue to grow,” says Jin. “With the continuous development of biometric technology, artificial intelligence, and mobile credentials, building owners will reap the benefits of being able to access valuable insights that will enable them to create better user experiences for their tenants and visitors.”
Jin concludes: “Gallagher’s integrated access control solutions provide complete building automation and control from a single operating platform to create smarter, safer, and more secure commercial spaces.”
For more information about Gallagher’s security solutions, visit their website.