What Is Frictionless Access Control?

June 10, 2020

As the economy begins to open up and people around the world return to work, it’s critical to have processes and solutions in place that keep employees and visitors feeling safe, comfortable, and confident. With the threat of COVID-19 still genuine, frictionless, hands-free solutions are a crucial part of any organization’s efforts to create a healthier, more hygienic environment.

But what exactly is frictionless access control?

Frictionless access control is a way to permit access to an area without interfering with the user’s experience. In essence, the goal is to make the entire process easier. Employees no longer have to carry a badge or search through their belongings to present credentials to a reader.

A well-designed access control system should allow people to go about their daily lives freely, but still provide peace of mind when it comes to security needs. Regardless of the ease of a platform, it needs to deliver an adequate level of protection to eliminate unauthorized access.

Mobile Apps as Credentials

Mobile applications leverage Bluetooth and capacitive technologies to allow for complete frictionless access. Loaded on to a user’s smart device, the mobile application acts as a physical credential. An employee can keep their mobile device in their pocket, then wave their hand near the reader, and the door unlocks. Since most of us are glued to our mobile phones, organizations can expect to see a sharp decline in those who forget their credential at home.

Some advanced systems have hit the market that don’t require a reader at the door. The software-based architecture uses the mobile device’s location to determine a person’s proximity to the door for hands-free ingress and egress. How’s that for a “clean” access control authorization process?

MobilisID

MobilisID is smart frictionless access control, no touching required.
Buy Now ›

No-Touch Attendance

Frequent touchpoints, like punch clocks, can easily be replaced by contactless technology. Smart card readers with multiple frequency options and a keyboard emulation are perfect for employers who use a mixture of techniques for logical access. Integrating easily with most time and attendance systems, employees tap the card to the reader to clock in for the day. This process simplifies the user experience and also makes it easier for employees to focus on the day at hand.

uTrust 3721 F

Out-of-the-box, uTrust 3721 F Smart Card Reader can integrate with most time and attendance systems.
Buy Now ›

Look, Ma! Nearly Hands-Free!

Near-field communication (NFC) and 125 kHz low-frequency (LF) proximity technology have something in common: you can use them to get near an access point without ever touching it. These types of transponders create a contactless transaction and connect electronic devices with a simple tap-and-go model.

Are you tired of reaching for your phone or card every time you need to gain access to a parking garage, building, room, or elevator? Well, we’re here to save the day. A wearable passive radio frequency identification (RFID) device can be used instead (and since it’s impervious to moisture, it can be especially helpful during those 20-second hand washings).

uTrust Proximity Wristbands

Our wearable uTrust Proximity Wristband keeps access where you need it.
Buy Now ›

When choosing to invest in any type of frictionless access control, it is vital to keep in mind that the system needs to adhere to your internal requirements and must have room to grow over time.

Overall, frictionless access control will continue to see increased demand following the pandemic, as more organizations move away from older technologies and make way for more secure, less complicated techniques.