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

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 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.