Streamlining visitor management

June 2018 Access Control & Identity Management

It is estimated that about five million people reside in organised communities in South Africa. There are 1,9 million homes in organised communities and R800 billion in assets are managed by community managers. This presents a large and obvious target for criminals.

A best practice visitor management system forms part of the whole security equation which includes deterrence, obstruction, identification, detection and response. Identification acts as a deterrent and also assists with detection. Visitor management can allow on-site and remote security teams, and management, to know who is on the premises at all times and to keep an accurate record of who visited whom and when. This is also useful for providing information regarding people on site in the event of an emergency.

“Previously, one had to rely on the archaic physical visitor log book which is disadvantageous due to the fact that handwriting is often illegible, log books do not contain a privacy feature, sign-in is time consuming, visitor’s credentials and background must be manually verified and there is no photograph available, making verification of identity difficult,” says Excellent ID’s Riaan van den Berg. One way of ensuring that only visitors with verifiable identification are permitted to enter residential estates and business premises is the scanning of drivers’ licences using 2D barcode scanning technology.

When a visitor arrives at a security controlled area such as a business park or residential estate, the visitor must always consent to their identity being verified by the body providing conditional access. When the visitor refuses to identify themselves, the right of access can be denied by the security officer on duty. When the visitor hands over their driver’s licence for the purposes of identification, they are then consenting to be identified using their licence.

The machine-readable component (barcode) of the South African driver’s licence (SADL) contains the visible information displayed on the card, with the exception of the fingerprint image and the driver’s signature image. The driver’s photograph, as reflected on the front of the card, is embedded in the 2D barcode and all data is encrypted. In order to decrypt the data string, a decryption algorithm is used by solution providers.

Using a 2D SADL barcode scanner to assist in visitor management, the following benefits are evident: information is accurately captured; the data can be stored, tracked and reported; the sign-in process is quick and easy; visitors can be pre-registered; photo identification is readily available and verifiable.

The latest-generation eSkan SADL 2D barcode scanner from EXID incorporates OEM barcode engine technology from Honeywell. Available with an LED-based aimer, the N6600 series integrates Adaptus 6.0 technology for 1D and 2D scanning performance. The scanner reads barcodes and OCR fonts, even for hard-to-read codes like the SADL barcode and those on mobile phone screens.

For more information, contact EXID, +27 (0)12 548 0940, [email protected], www.exid.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

The future of security: intelligent automation
Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
As the security landscape evolves, businesses are no longer looking for stand-alone solutions, they want connected, intelligent systems that automate, streamline, and protect.

Read more...
Smart automation is changing security
SA Technologies IntelliGuard Access Control & Identity Management
Security has come a long way from manual check-ins, logbooks, and standalone surveillance cameras. With the rise of intelligent automation, security is now faster, smarter, and more connected than ever.

Read more...
The future of security in South Africa
ATG Digital Access Control & Identity Management
Security technology is evolving rapidly, but is local innovation keeping pace? Some global players recognise the potential of South African products for international markets, but can our manufacturers and service providers thrive without external support?

Read more...
Integration enhances estate access control
Access Control & Identity Management
With one-third of residential burglaries starting at the front door, the continued seamless integration of Glovent’s estate management platform with Impro access control software is welcome news for estates.

Read more...
T&A in South Africa’s retail sector
ERS Biometrics Access Control & Identity Management
Using existing systems, ERSBio provides a practical and more cost-effective way for businesses to manage operations, reduce payroll mistakes, and enhance overall efficiency through innovative T&A processes.

Read more...
Navigating the complexities of privileged access management
Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management
Privileged Access Management and Identity Access Management are critical pillars of modern cybersecurity, designed to secure access to sensitive resources, enforce principles like least privilege, and implement just-in-time access controls.

Read more...
Paxton opens second experience centre
Paxton News & Events Access Control & Identity Management
Security technology manufacturer, Paxton, has opened a new experience centre in Cape Town on 12 February in partnership with its exclusive distributors, Reditron and Regal Security.

Read more...
DoorBell with built-in AI
Ajax Systems Access Control & Identity Management Products & Solutions Smart Home Automation
Ajax Systems has announced the release of Ajax DoorBell, which features built-in AI, an IR sensor, and app control, seamlessly integrating into the Ajax ecosystem to ensure efficiency and security confidence.

Read more...
Physical security evolving beyond security teams
ATG Digital Access Control & Identity Management
The landscape of physical security is undergoing a major shift. Traditionally, selecting access control and visitor management solutions fell squarely on the shoulders of security professionals, but today includes legal, IT, technical operations and more.

Read more...
A passwordless future?
Access Control & Identity Management
The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it comes the urgent need for more secure authentication methods. Passwords, once the cornerstone of online security, are now easy targets for cybercriminals.

Read more...