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The BIG tech players are entering into the world of Near Field Communication (NFC) and expressing new ways it can be used. Doordeck, the world’s only NFC access control aggregator applauds the innovation and increased exposure of NFC technology. Some might ask… what is NFC? read Doordeck’s thoughts before reading on. 

Advancements into the NFC world have been seen from Samsung launch events and Apple at WWDC events over past years, firstly through announcements of digital car keys by both brands. Later Apple brought NFC into their apple wallet to unlock doors for commercial buildings, travel and leisure. The apple wallet NFC innovation is where Doordeck’s attention is captured. Doordeck has incorporated Near Field Communication into its product since starting up and is an established part of its unique product. Doordeck was the first company to embrace active NFC on a smartphone to enable keyless NFC access control.

NFC technology vs Bluetooth

NFC is faster, more secure and more reliable. I could go into the real details and talk to you about the super-secure military-grade encryption and how Doordeck’s security is embedded in its DNA; That two NFC devices can pair in less than 0.5 seconds, or that NFC is specifically designed for communication strictly between two devices in close proximity to each other, for data transfer to happen making it the most secure way to transfer data between devices.

Let’s put it into a real-life example. When riding back on the bus after your long day at work you pull out your Bluetooth headphones and turn on your music on your smartphone, however, nothing is coming through. You turn your volume up, still nothing, assuming something is wrong when taking off your headphones you realise that your phone is playing music to the packed bus, a red-faced moment that could have been escaped by using NFC enabled headphones for reliable pairing. 

Doordeck’s NFC keyless entry for buildings?

So, you’ve already found out that Doordeck is the only access control aggregator around and that it provides a cloud-based solution that integrates with all major access control systems hardware.

This means that with Doordeck there’s no need to install any new hardware or replace existing access control readers and controllers.

All you need to do is let Doordeck integrate with your building’s access control system and select an NFC tile for your building’s doors that can come in personalised with your company logo in your preferred colour. This is then attached next to the door allowing keyless NFC entry with a smartphone.

Building managers can also manage all their sites easily from anywhere with Doordeck’s NFC keyless entry and cloud infrastructure. Using an Apple or Android device through the Doordeck app or via your own app using Doordeck’s SDK.

There’s no need to issue new or replacement key cards or fobs. Digital access passes are ready to go in seconds for both employees and guests. The admin of the building can just register the person’s email address and grant them access to the doors they need.

So, are you set to use your smartphone ‘s NFC for keyless building entry or as a visitor management system, get in touch with Doordeck at their website: www.doordeck.com, for more information. 

Touchless technologies such as QR codes and NFC encompass Doordeck’s smartphone door access control product allowing for secure and safe building access. The pandemic encouraged the use of touchless technologies for a variety of uses from bringing menus up on your smartphone to entering sports and music venues. Doordeck welcomes the increased familiarity with these technologies and the convenience and safety benefits they bring. 

History of the QR Code

A technology that has flourished over the pandemic years is the QR code. A touchless technology was invented by an engineer named Masahiro Hara, 26 years ago. Over these years, companies and tech pioneers all over the world tried to drive QR code adoption, however, only a few countries found success with it, one obvious country being China with WeChat Pay for example… But it wasn’t until Coronavirus hit that it became commonly known globally through its use for customer check-ins and menus in bars and restaurants, as well as being used in contact-tracing apps in several countries.

In 1994 there was no way Hara would have known how successful his invention would play out to be through the widespread use of smartphones and the acceleration by the pandemic. What other uses will the QR code facilitate? We at Doordeck have of course embraced it as a way to enter buildings and issue visitor passes through smartphone browsers but what other potentials does this constantly developing technology have in store.

Doordeck’s visitor management system 

Doordeck’s visitor management system uses two touchless technologies for visitors to enter a building. From visitors arriving for an event or a meeting to tradespeople and delivery men, all Doordeck customers can use the QR code scanner on their smartphone browser for keyless entry into a building. Otherwise, the visitor or employee can enter using NFC keyless entry if they choose to download the Doordeck app, this will allow for fast, reliable and secure door access, this is preferred by those employees using Doordeck every day. 

Digital society means digital ticketing 

Ignited by the pandemic sports teams noticed that they required upgraded smart access systems to enable safer entry for fans into stadiums. The idea is that fans would enter the stadium via NFC entry through tickets in their Apple Wallet or otherwise using a QR code. Access would also need to be temporary due to a match only lasting a couple of hours therefore according to time and date of the match but also personal, in the sense that only the person with the specific ticket can enter. This is an ability Doordeck has been implementing successfully since its development. The same approach goes for venues that house other entertainment events such as music, theatre or comedy clubs.

Benefits of the digital visitor pass

There are flaws such as time and cost associated with the process of a receptionist issuing new visitor passes. Doordeck avoids all these problems with its digital visitor management system, a building admin can set up access for a new user in minutes, the only thing required is their email address and all they need is their smartphone – a process that completely skips the requirements for a receptionist.

Granted access to the visitor can even be set to deactivate automatically after the end time that is set, of course, this can also be done manually as many times for as many users you require to give keyless access to your building. 

If none of this has persuaded you, perhaps the environmental impact of plastic waste will. No more lost keycards or access fobs saving money on replacements as well as helping to save the environment from plastic pollution. 

Visit www.doordeck.com to see how the convenience of digital visitor passes can benefit your building and help save the environment at the same time.