Visitor Management and Contactless Check-in: Post-COVID Innovations
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how we interact with the world, and businesses of all sizes have had to adapt to new norms. Among the many changes, the way we manage and welcome visitors has seen a significant transformation. In a world that values safety and convenience more than ever before, contactless check-in systems have emerged as a key innovation in visitor management. In this blog, we’ll explore how contactless check-in systems have evolved in response to the pandemic and the ways they are shaping the future of visitor management.
The Pre-COVID Visitor Management Landscape
Before we delve into the post-COVID innovations, it’s essential to understand the pre-pandemic visitor management landscape. Traditional methods involved visitors signing paper logbooks, receiving paper badges, and interacting closely with front desk personnel. However, even before covid contactless check in system existed, but we weren’t aware of its need and the safety it provided. The traditional techniques were widely used, but while these systems were widely used, they had their limitations, including:
Security Concerns: Paper records were susceptible to tampering and unauthorised access.
Inefficiency: Paper-based systems were time-consuming and required manual data entry.
Lack of Data: They provided limited insights into visitor patterns and behaviours.
Poor User Experience: Visitors often found the process cumbersome and frustrating.
Enter the COVID-19 pandemic, and these limitations became even more apparent. Health and safety concerns prompted businesses to look for safer alternatives that would minimise physical contact and reduce the risk of virus transmission. There are innovations like emergency assembly point as well that are used for disaster management. This gives an idea that technology is advancing for our benefit and COVID-19 has helped us embrace these changes.
The Rise of Contactless Check-in
The need for a safer and more efficient visitor management system led to the rapid development and adoption of contactless check-in solutions.. These innovations leverage technology to streamline the visitor registration process while ensuring safety and security. Let’s explore some of the key elements of contactless check-in systems:
- Mobile Apps and QR Codes
One of the most significant advancements in visitor management is the use of mobile apps and QR codes. Visitors can now use their smartphones to check in by scanning a QR code displayed at the entrance. This eliminates the need for physical contact with surfaces like pens, logbooks, or touchscreen kiosks.
- Pre-registration and Self-service Kiosks
Many businesses have implemented pre-registration processes, allowing visitors to complete registration and health questionnaires online before arriving. Self-service kiosks equipped with touchless technology can then verify this information upon entry.
- Integration with Access Control
Contactless check-in systems often integrate with access control systems, enabling automatic door access after a successful check-in. This minimises the need for physical contact with door handles or security personnel.
Post-COVID Innovations in Contactless Check-in
As we transition into a post-COVID world, the evolution of contactless check-in systems continues. Here are some of the latest innovations that businesses are embracing:
- Temperature Screening
To enhance safety, many contactless check-in systems now incorporate temperature screening. Infrared thermometers or thermal cameras can quickly identify visitors with elevated temperatures, allowing businesses to take appropriate precautions.
- Contact Tracing
In the event of a COVID-19 exposure, contactless check-in systems equipped with visitor tracking capabilities can provide valuable data for contact tracing efforts. This information can help contain potential outbreaks.
- Virtual Receptionists
Virtual receptionists, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and chatbots, can handle visitor inquiries, guide them through the check-in process, and even provide directions within the facility—all without any physical interaction.
- Hybrid Check-in Options
Businesses are recognizing the importance of flexibility. Hybrid check-in options allow visitors to choose between contactless methods and traditional check-in processes, accommodating those who may not have smartphones or prefer in-person assistance.
- Enhanced Data Analytics
The data generated by contactless check-in systems provide valuable insights into visitor behaviour, peak hours, and facility utilisation. This information can inform decision-making and resource allocation.
The Future of Visitor Management
Visitor management is also called a multi-tenant visitor management system. So, as we look ahead, it’s clear that contactless check-in systems are here to stay. They have not only proven their worth in maintaining safety during a pandemic but have also enhanced the overall visitor experience. However, their evolution doesn’t stop here. Here are some predictions for the future of visitor management:
- Integration with IoT and Smart Buildings
Contactless check-in systems will increasingly integrate with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart building technologies. This will enable seamless coordination between visitor management, environmental control, and security systems.
- Enhanced Personalization
Advanced AI algorithms will allow businesses to personalise the visitor experience further. From tailored greetings to predictive service recommendations, the future holds exciting possibilities.
- Global Standardisation
Standardisation of contactless check-in processes and technologies will become essential, especially for multinational organisations and industries like aviation and hospitality.
- Augmented Reality (AR) Integration
AR-powered glasses or apps could provide visitors with real-time information and navigation within a facility, further reducing the need for physical assistance.
Conclusion
In a post-COVID world, contactless check-in systems have become extremely popular in visitor management. They not only prioritise safety but also enhance efficiency and convenience. As these systems continue to evolve and adapt, businesses that embrace these technologies will be better equipped to meet the changing expectations of visitors and provide a seamless and secure experience. Visitor management software has come a long way, and the future holds even more exciting possibilities in the realm of contactless check-in.
The system is used by most enterprises, corporates, and multi-tenant buildings. If you’re looking to buy one, Scrum System is a brand in India that provides many such industrial management products including, Visitor management, labour management system, safety training, emergency assembly point. VisiteX Touch is the visitor management system by scrum, a touch screen-based system that automates the check-in process, eliminating the need for trained manpower to handle this task. Here’s how it works:
The process begins when the host, typically an employee within the company, sends an advance email with a cc to the security department detailing the upcoming visit. The email includes the visitor’s name, organisation, date and time of the visit, and other relevant information.
Upon the visitor’s arrival at the main gate, the security guard checks the email and directs the person to the VisiteX™ Touch kiosk. At the kiosk, the visitor’s details, such as their name, mobile number, and government ID, are captured. To confirm the visitor’s mobile number, an OTP (One-Time Password) is sent to their mobile device. Once all the necessary details are securely collected, the kiosk photographs the visitor and generates a badge containing their information and a QR code.
Doesn’t the process above sound less time consuming? It is safe, convenient and extremely reliant. With time, traditional visitor management is going to be completely replaced by contactless systems. Covid is long gone, but the lessons it taught us still prevails. It taught us the value of time and most of all safety, thus, these new innovations will soon be thriving. We have shifted into a new era now where technology will soon be replacing every manual work and our country will be reaching new heights!
