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When it comes to navigating access control, security managers are looking at a method of guaranteeing that users are who they say they are, and based off that data, the certain groups have access to particular pools of information. You wouldn’t want the wrong person peering into a case file for which they have no business being in. Authentication is a tool utilized by IT teams to better verify that someone is who they claim to be, by adding additional layers of padding to one’s security structure. Without authentication or authorization, there really is no protection for such sensitive data points and the end result can be catastrophic. Touch-less Access Control has been a popular additive for years now, especially with the usage of proximity access cards and biometrics such as iris scanners, facial recognition, and so many more outlets.
If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that surfaces are dirty, and we’re all just a little more hesitant to touch things without almost immediately sanitizing or washing our hands. Touch-less entry and access control technology has become incredibly intelligent at recognizing and identifying individuals whose photos have been stored in a database, so that a tilted head or blinking eye won’t confuse the technology. Adding to that, automatically opening doors are a possibility as well and can be programmed so they aren’t able to hurt anyone with their opening and closing swing. For entry points that don’t have this option, careful measures can be taken to ensure safe precautions are being followed.
Smart solutions in touch-less access control such as mobile access, cloud-based systems, video intercom, and even facial recognition ID for employees and visitor management systems can change the game, helping security professionals everywhere to better understand how to maximize their potential. 
In today’s world, many retail stores and even employers are requiring facial coverings to admit entrance, but now as additional coverage, many facilities are introducing fever-scanning technologies to gauge whether people would be permitted to enter the location, without transmitting their illness to others around them. Sophisticated solutions could include a combination of thermal imaging camera, facial recognition, and smart devices to make note if a high temperature was detected.
Touch-less access control systems have been around for some time and have also been accelerated due to COVID-19. These solutions are likely bound to stick around for quite some time “after COVID-19” and there is so much potential for how they can be expected to grow. As employees are beginning to start the cycle of returning to work, after the year-long period of working from home, there will likely be a lot of concerns for how workplaces will work to keep the cubicle a safe place for employees to continue working efficiently and effectively. In order to reduce contact of shared surfaces, these technologies and strategies must be implemented in accordance with clear policies and the supportive digital signage to provide the necessary educational materials.
