HID Global and RFI Pilot Use of Smartphones and Gesture Technology for Enterprise Access Control

  • Oct 15, 2014

HID Global announced that it has completed its second successful mobile access control pilot with RFI Communications & Security Systems at Netflix, the world's leading Internet subscription service for enjoying TV series and films.  For the latest project, pilot participants used the HID Mobile Access solution on a variety of Samsung and Apple smartphones with Bluetooth Smart communications channels, and utilized HID Global’s patented “Twist and Go” gesture technology as a new, more convenient way to open doors.

“We were pleased with the results of our initial pilot in 2012 with HID Global and RFI, which validated the benefits of mobile access control for physical enterprise security,” said Amy Dee, director of procurement and facilities with Netflix.  “Our latest 2014 project really illustrates how far mobile access control has come over the last couple of years. The HID Mobile IDs and HID Mobile Access App are extremely easy to use, and HID Global’s mobile-enabled readers meet all the needs of our demanding enterprise environment. We also found that the HID Secure Identity Services portal is easy to use, making identity management a very simple and secure process.”

A key element of the 2014 pilot was the use of Bluetooth Smart, whereas NFC was the only short-range communication technology available for mobile access control during the 2012 Netflix pilot. Adding support for Bluetooth Smart enables mobile access control to be used with popular smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, without the need for accessories. Bluetooth Smart also delivers a longer connection range, which, coupled with HID Global’s patented “Twist and Go” gesture technology, makes it possible to open doors and gates while driving or walking up to a mobile-enabled reader by simply rotating the smartphone.

Powered by Seos, the HID Mobile Access solution worked seamlessly with the existing Netflix access control system from AMAG, and HID Global’s mobile-enabled iCLASS SE readers delivered maximum flexibility by enabling participants to use Mobile IDs as well as their existing HID Prox keyfobs and MicroProx Tags.

“HID Global has established a true ecosystem for mobile access control that, in turn, has created the opportunity for partners like RFI to enter new markets where we can deliver important new capabilities and customer value,” said Brad J. Wilson, CPP, president and COO, RFI Enterprises, Inc. “As an HID Advantage Platinum Partner, it has been extremely valuable working with HID Global on this ground-breaking pilot. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with a company that has great vision and the critical ability to anticipate and help lead industry developments that require the highest levels of trust and authentication.”

According to Adrian Noriega, the RFI field project manager who installed HID Mobile Access for the Netflix pilot, the HID Mobile Access Configuration Application was used to configure the Bluetooth Smart portion of the iCLASS SE reader so that users could either tap their smartphone to it or rotate (twist) the device as they approached it. Installing the HID Mobile Access App on participants’ phones was also quick and trouble-free.

“Once participants received the invitation code, they were able to use the App with ease,” Noriega said. “Also, having the ability to use the ‘Twist and Go’ feature was very convenient for pilot participants. This solution really represents technology at its best, and the next step in security and convenience for access control.”

“This pilot demonstrated the benefits of HID Mobile Access while also highlighting our ongoing commitment to valued HID Advantage Partners like RFI, which is ranked #16 on the 2014 SDM Magazine 100 Report,” said Debra Spitler, vice president, Strategic Alliances with HID Global. “Our customers and partners are both vitally important to us as we work to innovate what’s next in secure identities, and to bring new products, solutions and services to market.”

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.