There is a growing need across multiple industries for solutions to address physical security and access management without the need for additional staff. These solutions are needed to address multiple problems including retail shrinkage, store security and employee safety, and increasingly restrictive age verification laws.
ID-activated door locks provide an ideal solution to create a “security speed bump” at key access points, by requiring entrants to scan their IDs. The mere act of being asked to present an ID puts downward pressure on crime, as most criminals do not want to present identification or create a log of their activity. Additionally, ID scanners integrated with door locks can be configured to allow/deny access based on age (18+, 21+), or based on pre-set allow/deny lists.
When paired with an IDWare Falcon touchscreen tablet, VeriScan is capable of integrating with any electronic door strike to turn your access point into an ID-activated entry. We call this configuration VeriLocks, as it is specifically designed for self-service access management, with guests using their own ID as the “key” to activate the door lock.
Using ID activated door locks for age-restricted areas
Common age-restricted areas include cannabis dispensaries, bars, beer coolers/wine caves, gaming rooms, casinos, and adult merchandise shops. These areas require age verification not just for the purchase of certain age restricted products, but in order to legally allow individuals on-premises. The need to verify age twice creates the need for additional staff/bouncers, more processes, and a cumbersome experience for guests. In some environments, such as truck stop gaming rooms, 24/7 security staff is not possible or practical.
While businesses can post signage, these signs do not automatically remove business owners from liability if an underage patron does gain access to the site.
An ID-activated door lock can be programmed to refuse entry to anyone presenting an ID that is under 21 (or 18). The guest simply positions their ID under the laser scanner, which reads the barcode and determines their age. It also can perform barcode security checks to catch fake IDs.
- If the guest presents an ID that is under 21, the door will not unlock
- If the guest presents a fake ID, the door will not unlock
- If the guest presents an expired ID, the door will not unlock
- If the guest presents a valid ID with an age over 21, the ID scanner activates the door lock, allowing the guest entry.
The ID scanning software creates a timestamped log of each scan, keeping an accurate record of each guest who tried to enter. These can be exported or reviewed at a later date.
Additionally, the door lock can be wired to a light or a bell which can alert staff when guests use the ID activated door lock. This is ideal as it keeps staff in the loop without needing an attendant present at each door.
Using ID Activated Door Locks to for Physical Security
A second key reason to add ID scanning activated door locks to your business is for security. Instead of using RFID cards, which must be issued in advance and tracked, management can use Allow Lists which are uploaded via the cloud at each VeriLocks installation. These allow lists work off an individual’s name, date of birth, and ID number, and turn their ID (which they already have in their pocket) into their access card. They simply scan the ID, the software confirms they are allowed entry, and the door unlocks, allowing access.
Alternatively, businesses can manage access by a Block List – this would mean that all guests who scan their ID are allowed to enter, except for those who have been previously added to a Block or Banned list. This scenario is ideal for keeping certain patrons out of restricted areas.
Using ID Activated Door Locks to Prevent Theft
ID scanner activated door locks can significantly reduce theft and shrinkage in high-risk areas such as beer caves, wine coolers, and throughout convenience stores by providing secure, ID scanner-activated access control. Many convenience and grocery stores do not have the security to confront shoplifters. This makes them prime targets for reselling scams or return fraud on stolen items. By requiring customers to scan a valid ID before gaining entry to these sections, VeriLocks reduces the opportunity for thieves to steal or illegally purchase these items. Not only does the presence of an ID scanner at the entrance to stores and stores-within-stores deter criminals, but it creates a log of all IDs scanned, making it easy to track down who entered the room in the event that product is stolen. VeriLocks also analyzes each ID to catch fakes, to stop fraudsters using a fake ID to gain entry.
VeriLocks also help reduce internal shrinkage by limiting access to storage areas like stockrooms and back offices where high-value items are kept. Employees and delivery personnel must scan their IDs to enter these secure zones (either by using an Allow List, or by ensuring that only authorized personnel can access inventory. This reduces the risk of employee theft, a significant contributor to shrinkage in retail environments.
ID activated door locks can be integrated with CCTV systems or mounted webcams which capture a picture of the individual at the point of entry. This creates an even more comprehensive paper trail which helps when working with law enforcement or security teams after the fact.
Using ID Activated Door Locks for After Hours Access
For 24-hour entrances such as those at gyms, self-service stores, gated facilities, and more, VeriLocks is an ideal way to manage access during the hours in which the facility is unguarded. Guests simply scan their ID, and the system queries banned/block lists, and then allows entry to all legitimate guests. It can replace the use of keycards and coded entry by letting guests use the ID that is already in their wallet as their access card.
ID activated door locks are a great way to ensure you know who is entering the premises at all times of day, and have an exportable history that shows who was on-site even when your security team is not present.
Conclusion
ID activated door locks using VeriLocks is an ideal solution to many of the modern problems faced by age restricted and retail businesses.
For a no-commitment demo of VeriLocks, contact us today.
