Despite the ongoing vaccination drive and hopes that the pandemic would be behind us, it seems the Covid-19 risk will remain with us in 2022. However, life must go on and so businesses and events will be opening up again. In terms of access control, this means a lot more stringent measures to ensure health and safety at all venues. Here’s a look at some of the ways this will be achieved.
Access Control Trends
1. Mobile access control
The prevalence of smart phones, smart watches and tablets means that they’re being incorporated into access control measures. Mobile access control is set to increase throughout the year for optimised security in businesses and estates. These will ultimately replace key cards which are cumbersome, easily misplaced and cloneable.
2. Multi-factor authentication
For additional security measures, we can expect to see more multi-layered access control with multi-factor authentication more likely. The aforementioned mobile access control will, no doubt, be incorporated into this alongside physical ID cards, biometric scanning or passwords.
3. Cloud-based access control
Rather than relying on on-site security, access control is now shifting to the cloud for remote management. This is only expected to grow in popularity this year with stronger security measures in place. Because it’s located in the cloud, administrators can grant or prevent access from wherever they are. This also allows for more multi-site accessibility which is hugely beneficial for businesses with multiple offices.
4. Biometric access control
While biometric access control will continue to dominate in 2022, we’re more likely to see touchless biometrics as the preferred option considering the continued risk of Covid-19 transmission. Many organisations are looking to bring in facial ID recognition with other touchless security options being explored such as iris, voice, palm, vein and fingerprints. Where such software was cost prohibitive in the past, the emergence of more competing organisations is driving the price down and increasing its prevalence.
5. Wristbands
One of the biggest highlights on the 2022 calendar is the return of events such as music festivals with spectators allowed at sporting contests. However, pre-screened and possibly even vaccinated individuals will only be granted access, which means access control needs to be rigorous. We’re likely to see more wristbands being used for event access, as well as for entrance into areas such as hospitals and businesses.
What are the types of wristbands for access control?
A major advantage of wristbands is that they come in a wide assortment depending on the type of access control required. The main wristband options are:
Tyvek or paper wristbands
Tyvek wristbands are the most popular type as they are non-transferrable so there is sufficient access control, however, they are still very cost-effective. They work well for outdoor events as they’re tear and water resistant. In terms of sustainability, these wristbands are constructed from 100% high density polyethylene (HDPE) making them recyclable.
Vinyl wristbands
For a more durable wristband option, vinyl wristbands offers a high-level of access control as they’re tear-proof, tamper-proof and water resistant.
RFID wristbands
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) wristbands transmit a unique wristband identity over radio waves. This technology allows the scanners to capture whatever data is saved on the RFID chip and send it to a back-end computer. This is a great option for any event access, as useful information such as personal details and location, can be stored for enhanced security.
Screening wristbands: Used for Covid-19 screening, these Tyvek screening wristbands are printed with space to include relevant screening information such as the individual’s name, temperature and the date. Different coloured wristbands can be used for different days and allow employees to come and go without screening every time.
For the best in wristband access control options, contact South Africa’s leading supplier IDCBand for details and a quote today.
