Multi-layered security systems are key to protecting Australian businesses, with everything from security cameras, environmental monitoring and visitor management systems key to ensuring the safety of workers and guests.
They help project that image of calm and productive access in most offices, which projects a positive image of a business in its more public areas. They also reassure workers and guests that the office space or business has their interests well-managed, with time and space for the human touch where needed.
As more buildings become multi-purpose, and offices play host to temporary workers, contractors and a wider range of guests, knowing where and that they have left is an intrinsic part of office security. That’s from both the health and safety perspective, and the need to deter crime, prevent anti-social behaviour and avert the risk of terrorism in public offices.
From office blocks to malls, sports grounds to healthcare facilities, Victorian workers and visitors, all have a right to safe and secure access.
Meeting Laws and Guidelines for Visitor Management
There are both compliance and privacy laws at play when it comes to local visitor management and the collection of data. The Australian Privacy Principles Act (APPs) have increased the importance of secure data collection and retention.
Any company relying on old manual-style visitor logs faces compliance and speed of response risks, while digital systems offer live updates for day-to-day use, and audit-ready records and customisable data governance.
When it comes to workplace health and security, businesses and building owners prefer to integrate visitor systems with access control, emergency alerts, and lockdown protocols to improve the level of physical safety and the responsiveness of staff.
A rise in hybrid workers and distributed teams means reception areas must be capable of handling fluctuating guest volumes without overstaffing the reception desk. The use of smartphones-as-badges, touchless sign-ins for health reasons, QR codes for guests and short-term visitors with real-time notifications all help to streamline the visitor experience.
Hosts will know who is on the premises, and guests can be directed to which lifts they can use, where they can access, all handled quickly and efficiently. All of which helps ensure the building operator’s flexibility and responsiveness in dealing with fire alarms, health emergencies and any crime.
The faster and more seamless the system, the better the building will function and the more space and staff there are on hand to greet VIP guests and deal with any disruption.
Faster and Safer Access for Events
Most office blocks have visitor, demonstration, theatre, dining and other areas that make them ideal for business or external events. Visitor management systems can help streamline the arrival of a herd of guests and direct them to the right location.
For guests, they help manage check-ins and check-outs, provide access and credentials, notify people they are here to see, and guide them to multiple destinations at the right time, as needed.
That helps avoid them wandering around looking lost, and improves the overall running of the event, with different IDs for hosts, guests, ancillary staff and so on. Doing so creates a strong brand experience and even the use of custom branding and messages for guests to help them stick to the event’s schedule.
The Data From Visitor Management is Highly Useful
The data from visitor logs can help improve the overall management and operations of a building’s welcome team, help predict future visitor numbers, and improve how security operates as the use of the building changes over years or decades.
When linked to security camera systems, environmental sensors and other monitoring tools, the overall system can improve the responsiveness to any incident, from the trivial, like a guest trying to vape in a stairwell, to people trying to exit the building through a no-exit door during an emergency or test alarm.
Ultimately, these systems leave more time for reception agents to deal with people who have a genuine or complex issue. Security is aware of who is in the building, and where they should be. While business managers have a firmer overview of attendance, especially in the hybrid era to ensure that the company runs efficiently.
