QR Code technology in Access Control & Door Intercoms
QR Codes are emerging as an ideal authentication option for door entry systems – particularly for temporary applications and time-limited access permission situations such as managing entry for cleaning staff, contractors or deliveries.
What is QR Code Access Control?
There is an increasing range of options for identity authentication being adopted for access control and door entry systems – with ‘keyless entry’ and ‘contactless’ or ‘touch-free’ technologies being the focus of latest-generation devices.
QR Codes are emerging as an ideal authentication option for door entry systems – particularly for temporary applications and time-limited access permission situations such as managing entry for cleaning staff, contractors or deliveries when access to the building may be restricted to certain days of the week, certain times of the day or simply for one-time-only use.
What is a QR Code and how does it work?
QR Codes (abbreviation of Quick Response Codes) are similar to conventional bar codes, but are much more flexible and, due to their 2-dimensional structure, are able to hold much more data (QR codes are able to hold up to 2500 characters, compared to a standard bar code’s limit of just 43, therefore allowing for much longer URLs or text / character strings).
In the case of access control via QR codes, typically the entry system will include PC software or a smart phone App which can quickly and easily generate a unique QR code which can be set to allow access for a limited time period, specific days of the week, limited number of uses and entry limited to specific areas, floors or zones of the building.
Once the QR code has been generated, it can be emailed or messaged directly to the recipient (the user who requires temporary access to the building) for them to display on their smartphone device or print out if required.
A QR code-enabled Access Control or Door Intercom device will feature a scanner (in the form of a built-in camera); the user simply displays the received QR code from their smart phone to the access control device which will automatically scan it to confirm access rights within the specified time/useage criteria.
Benefits of QR Code enabled Access Control
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Keyless Door Entry
Keyless Door Entry is increasingly popular for its flexibility both for the user and system administrator. Unique QR codes can quickly and easily be generated from a smart phone or PC app and emailed to the user in any location around the world – no physical ‘key device’ is necessary.
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Immediate access code generation
An access QR code can be generated and distributed in a matter of seconds.
Imagine, for instance, if a visitor arrives early and you’re not home to let them in, or a high-value package is delivered that you don’t want left outside the front door. Simply generate a unique, time-limited entry QR code and send it to your visitor who can immediately scan the code from their smart phone to unlock the door without having to wait for your return home.
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Remote Access Management
Where high numbers of users and frequent temporary access permissions requires a significant amount of system management and administration, the ability to create and distribute access QR codes remotely from anywhere in the world allows for a highly efficient system management solution.
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Flexible, temporary access permissions
Access QR codes can be set for time-limited and number-of-use limited entry – ideal for one-time-only delivery access or cleaning contractors, for example, who only require entry on a specific day of the week.
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Contactless / touch-free door access
By scanning the QR code from your smart phone supports the trend for contactless door entry to help prevent the transmission of germs and viruses.
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Reduced carbon footprint
QR codes effectively provide a ‘virtual key’, removing any requirement for physical keys, single-use plastics such as ID cards or keyfobs, or printing on paper; thereby providing a notable reduction in overall environmental impact from your security system.
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Cost effective
This virtual key option reduces staff resource requirement, distribution time and the requirement for physical identity to key devices, thereby significantly reducing ongoing costs.
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Other keyless door entry options
The growing trend for keyless and touch-free door entry and access control has seen an increasing range of innovative identification technologies being applied to devices and systems.
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Key pad / PIN code
Simple solution to keyless access by entering a PIN code or password into a physical or digital keyad.
Radio frequency wireless technology often used via an identification keyfob or key card for close proximity keyless entry.
NFC (short for Near Field Communication) is a short range wireless connectivity technology most commonly used in smart phones for contactless payments and virtual tickets, for example. This technology is now increasingly being utilised as a secure, contactless authentication method for door entry and access control from your smart phone.
Bluetooth Low Energy (or BLE) is the most recent smart phone wireless authentication method to be adopted for access control. This latest energy-efficient version of Bluetooth allows devices to run for months on a single battery / cell and so is ideal for battery-powered access and ID devices.
Access and Door Intercom devices featuring a built-in fingerprint scanner which will allow access to registered users only, upon successful scanning of their unique fingerprint profile.
Face Recognition Access Control and Door Entry uses a digital ‘map’ of facial co-ordinates to accurately pinpoint an individual, for touch-free, highly secure authentication and keyless access.
- Biometric Iris Scanning
Biometric iris recognition operates by illuminating the iris with infrared light in order to scan unique patterns in the eye. This allows for a unique iris identity to be registered to each individual user on the access system database.
Want help with your next Access Control system?
CIE is one of the UK's leading distributors of professional access control and door intercom products from leading brands 2N and Akuvox.
Our professional system design team provide a unique system architecture service for installers and integrators to help you deliver the best in door entry and access control technology.
If you would like to discuss your next access control system or would like more information on our full range of security products, please call our team today on T. 0115 9770075 or email us now.
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