Is “frictionless access control” a reality or an empty promise?

Although already well on the way, the notion of frictionless access control was accelerated by the desire for “non-touch” solutions thanks to COVID-19 and is quickly transforming the way we, as users, interact with our access control systems. With the rapid development and integration of advanced technologies such as facial recognition and smart or mobile credentials, traditional access methods are evolving into seamless, touchless experiences. Although these advanced technologies are often more secure than the traditional card or fob-based credential, true frictionless access is only as good as the speed and accuracy with which the technology can function, which in the past has often been a limiting factor to its mass adoption.

To answer the question directly, frictionless is not an empty promise. It’s where the access control industry is heading, including HID. And, to a degree, frictionless is available today with mobile access. You pull out your phone, touch or twist it in front of a Bluetooth or NFC reader and gain entry. But you currently still must perform that step. Achieving total frictionless operation is a compromise, however, between security, privacy, and cost. While frictionless access control is possible now, there are security implications we don’t recommend. Take a simple example. If you’re using a smartphone for access, it can be set to trigger a door to open automatically. But what happens if that person is walking down a corridor? The device will open everything, which you might not want. The problem: How to detect the “intent” of the user as to who then gets access or not? Then there is the issue of privacy if biometric movement detection is used. We have shown a proof-of-concept using a smartphone equipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) technology and HID Mobile Access. But this kind of technology is still not standardised, some smartphones don’t support it, and there are different deployment methods, too.

The feasibility of frictionless access control depends on various factors, including its definition and specific use cases. Established technologies like mobile credentials and biometric authentication have made accessing areas more user-friendly. Biometric scanners and mobile credentials eliminate the need for physical credentials, enhancing convenience. However, completely frictionless access to restricted areas remains a distant goal, necessitating advancements in artificial intelligence, deep learning algorithms, and processing speed. These technologies must evolve to accurately handle multiple individuals within a single frame and recognise moving individuals from a distance while respecting their privacy. A well-designed access control system aims to balance convenience and security, ensuring authorised access while allowing individuals to go about their daily lives. In high-security or restricted settings, traditional access control methods may still be more suitable.

Though it seems far-fetched or futuristic, frictionless access control is already a reality – whether it’s being widely implemented or not. Previously, the facial recognition technology and QR reading cameras needed to make frictionless access control effective were either not easily deployable, couldn’t handle large crowds, or were too slow once in use. With the progress made recently in AI and the enhancements made to Bluetooth technology, however, the tech is now more effective than ever. The world has already made huge strides towards being contactless, and this is the logical next step. It’s up to organisations to decide if they’re ready to take hold of this reality and take the leap from merely contactless to frictionless.