16 Feb Incoming trends: Entrance control in 2021
From bespoke design to advanced touchless technology, it is time to make way for the latest developments in entrance control. Entrance Control predicts four trends that will secure facilities in 2021.
1. Customisation
Modern entrance control gates mix form and function, and this year we will see more gates designed to complement the architecture of buildings.
With access to more customisation options than ever, designers are incorporating security systems into their architectural visions. Entrance systems can accompany or accentuate the aesthetic of a building and add to the visitor experience.
“We have noticed more businesses are opting to customise their security and entrance control systems to make them more welcoming or to blend into their surroundings,” said Entrance Control General Manager Michael Bystram.
“Entrance Control’s EasyGate range can be delivered with a bespoke finish from an almost limitless choice of colours, textures and materials.”
From custom lighting and pedestal tops that add a pop of colour to metal panel and paint finishes to bespoke cladding, there are plenty of ways to create a striking design.
“Entrance Control is the only security gate solution in the southern hemisphere to offer such an extensive range of tailored turnstile solutions,” Mr Bystram said.
As one of the first things visitors see when they walk in the door, it is no wonder more businesses are taking advantage of gate customisation to create an aesthetically pleasing entrance control solution.
2. Third-party software
Businesses are looking for efficient solutions to prevent Covid-19 outbreaks, and we predict third-party visitor management software will take off this year as a result.
Two of the entrance control systems we expect to be particularly popular in 2021 are destination lift control and QR code readers, which help with social distancing and contact tracing efforts.
Destination lift control allows visitors to call an elevator as soon as they enter a building. The touchless system automatically allocates lifts, quickly directing people to their destination.
“Destination lift control is a great way to manage visitors in the Covid-19 era because it can give everyone an individual lift and eliminate the need for people to touch buttons inside the elevator,” Mr Bystram said.
Schindler is the market leader with its PORT Technology, which is integrated into the pedestal of Centurion EasyGate SPT speedgates. Entrance Control’s EasyGate LiftCall can also be integrated into buildings’ existing access control systems.
QR codes have become widely used since the coronavirus outbreak. With more people now familiar with the codes that can easily be scanned on a smartphone, we expect to see more businesses adopting QR code readers.
“QR code readers are fantastic for visitor management and a great way to collect visitors’ details for Covid-19 contact tracing,” Mr Bystram said.
Intelligent destination control and QR code readers will be some of the software integrations established as essential this year.
3. Biometric scanners
As people become more accepting of the facial recognition and fingerprint scanning technology built into smartphones, we expect to see more businesses tap into the technology for their security.
Biometric scanners offer contact-free access to facilities with a simple wave of a hand or glance at a scanner.
Entrance Control launched its own facial recognition system, EasyAccess, late last year.
“The EasyAccess reader, which works with almost any gate or door and can be retrofitted to any Entrance Control gate, provides fast, secure and contactless entry,” Mr Bystram said.
The reader can store up to 50,000 faces in its internal database and can scan from up to three meters away.
The IDEMIA MorphoWave biometric scanner, which can be integrated into EasyGates, also offers quick and easy access.
With a touchless wave gesture, the device performs a 3D scan and fingerprint verification in less than 1 second.
Advanced touchless scanners will remove the need for staff and other authorised visitors to carry access cards.
4. Outdoor speedgates
Since taking its speedgates outside, Entrance Control is seeing a spike in demand for entrance systems suitable for outdoor environments.
“Our first outdoor speedgate, the EasyGate SPT-Outdoor, brings all the benefits of a state-of-the-art security gate but is designed to withstand the elements. Rain, snow, sand and varying temperature and humidity levels are no match for the outdoor gate,” Mr Bystram said.
With built-in payment and receipting functionality, the system offers a ‘no contact’ entry point, and infra-red sensors work to deter tailgaters.
The outdoor access point can accept credit cards, tokens or coins, making it ideal for theme parks and attractions, as well as public amenities such as toilets and showers. Warehouses, distribution centres, manufacturing plants and other outdoor facilities can also benefit from the product.
With advanced security gates no longer limited to indoors, expect to see more businesses think outside the box with their entrance control systems.
How will you update your facility in 2021?
For help updating your facility’s entrance control with the latest products, call +61 (02) 9906 7522 or contact the team via the contact form.