TouchByte safe workplace system with face biometrics piloted at UK construction site

A contactless biometric solution for safe workplaces from TouchByte is being trialed at a UK construction site, while ERS Biometrics has developed a system to replace legacy workplace management systems with touchless processes. Paylocity, meanwhile has developed an access control system with body temperature scanning and optional touch or non-contact biometrics.

A system for touch-free site access control with facial recognition from TouchByte has been developed, and is being trialed by VolkerFitzpatrick at the Brent Cross West railway station, according to Construction Enquirer. The idea is to replace systems using fingerprint biometrics, key cards or PINs for access control.

The trial is being conducted in collaboration with innDex, and has received backing from Innovate UK’s support fund for COVID-19 solutions.

“We believe this is the first fully UK developed and manufactured 100 percent non contact facial recognition access control unit predominantly aimed at construction sites and facilities management,” innDex Director George Smithies told Construction Enquirer.

“We open our phones and travel between countries all with our face. Why shouldn’t we access our construction sites and provide proof of presence using our faces?”

Smithies also says the company pursued development of the solution because of frustrations with a lack of innovation on construction sites, and that facial recognition for access control is not “a short term fad.”

New systems developed

South Africa’s ERS Biometrics has been developing solutions with face biometrics to replace legacy workplace management systems with contactless processes, and its latest module, ERS Watchdog, is designed to support work-from-home controls.

ERS Watchdog combines facial recognition with internet activity tracking, to produce daily reports confirming the productivity of staff working from home.

Software from the company can implement facial recognition for various staff management applications, including time and attendance tracking and job costing, according to the company announcement.

Paylocity has launched a new line of touchless time clocks with body temperature scanning and optional fingerprint or facial biometrics to support safe workplaces.

The new product completes multipoint thermal scans for body temperature measurement, and customers can add customizable employee wellness attestations. The facial recognition capability works for people wearing masks, the company says, and employees can use kiosk tablets, the Paylocity mobile app or a desktop self-service application to clock in.

“The employee time clock is the most-shared device at many organizations, and as the pandemic continues, maintaining social distancing and ensuring employees’ health and safety has become a major challenge for many business owners and HR leaders,” states Steve Beauchamp, CEO of Paylocity. “Our latest innovation answers the modern workforce’s call for contactless time collection.”

Article Topics

access control  |  biometrics  |  contactless biometrics  |  ERS Biometrics  |  facial recognition  |  time and attendance  |  TouchByte