Going Global

Going Global

Google requires a seamless visitor management solution

The new and growing interest in the technology sector has given rise to a new phenomenon known as “Tech tourism,” whereby tech companies have seen ever increasing numbers of visitors being attracted to their sites as tech enthusiasts undertake a kind of digital pilgrimage.

As the world’s leading Tech organization, Google has experienced a surge in visitor interest attracting thousands of visitors to its facility sites around the globe each year.

As a result, Google required a seamless visitor management solution that could effectively facilitate such high volumes of global visitors annually. Security for both visitors and employees was also an important consideration with the visitor management system requiring the ability for security and staff to quickly distinguish temporary visitors to the site and who is responsible for the guest during their visit. Due to the sheer numbers visiting Google sites, a solution was required that could reduce administrative burden allowing for front of house to have a more productive day overall.

Further to reducing administrative burden, Google sought to transfer ownership of visitors from front of house to individual hosts to facilitate monitoring and review of visitor activity.

Working in tandem with Google, Time Data Security Ltd., helped create a visitor management system that would not only offer a scalable solution to overall visitor management but also allow for full integration into Google’s current access control and internal systems, providing a safe and secure environment for staff and on-site staff.

A user-centric software organization, the visitor project was underpinned with one of Google’s core principals “focus on the user and all else will follow.” With this in mind, TDS enlisted a hardware design company, Evoke, to design and build the TDS Visitor Kiosk. A visitor kiosk designed to provide a straightforward and efficient user experience, requiring minimal on-site maintenance which would seamlessly integrate with Google’s famously tech-led office environments around the world.

The pioneering visitor management solution incorporates the ability for visitors to self-register and sign-in, take a picture, and agree to the company’s NDA. This desktop, wall mounted or free standing unit can also scan QR codes and barcode ID for rapid onsite/ off-site confirmation. The self-contained kiosk will automatically alert the host of their guest’s arrival, reducing waiting time at reception desks and facilitating the management of visitor lists. A visitor pass is printed directly by the kiosk upon visitor collection by the host. A comprehensive reporting tool allows for added security and visitor monitoring.

In addition to the development of the Visitor Kiosk, TDS also developed additional event functionality ‘PiGate’, a small piece of hardware that allows guests to use the QR code printed on their visitor badge to enter pre-selected doors and turnstiles.

To date, five million visitors have checked in to Google offices globally using 277 kiosks in 225 cities in 52 countries. Customers, visitors and staff use TDS Visitor with ease, the only maintenance required is the occasional change of printer roll. The end user has enjoyed an enhanced, feature-rich visitor experience and increased operational efficiency, but the overarching success has been the seamless global integration.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2018 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Neil Fox is the head of marketing at Time Data Security Ltd.

Featured

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • 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.