How Do QR Code Visitor Management Systems Work? + Best System

 

 

The more advanced technology gets, the more ways to manage entry into your building. Whether it’s using a door buzzer, a video intercom, RFID readers, or even QR code building access systems, there is no shortage of ways to encourage guests to visit your building’s tenants securely.

With that in mind, this post is about QR code access control systems for visitor management—what they are, how they work, and whether alternatives are better suited to your property’s needs.

In this post, discover:

• What is a QR code visitor management system?
• Pros and cons of QR code visitor management systems
• What is the best alternative to a QR code visitor management system?

 

 

What is a QR code visitor management system?

A QR code visitor management system is a type of access control that allows visitors to scan a QR code at the front door to request entry.

QR code systems, such as the one from Teleportivity, enable guests to snap a picture of the QR and access a website where they enter the unit number of the person they’re visiting. Once the tenant is alerted to a waiting visitor, they can use the two-way video call on their app to view and grant access to their guest.

 

Can you track visits from a QR code?

One downside to QR codes for visitors is that most systems don’t allow you to track and audit visits from a QR code.

However, the inability to audit visitors poses risks such as lack of accountability, faulty security, and diminished visibility. What’s more, tenants should have a way to keep track of QR code requests for future reference.

 

Pros and cons of QR code visitor management systems

Before investing in a visitor management system with a QR code, you should have a full picture of the advantages and disadvantages of having one.

 

Pros

• No hardware. A QR-based visitor management system does not usually require a clunky hardware system. This makes it the best option for managers or owners who know they need a visitor screening system but don’t have the budget for a large-scale installation.
• Easy to use. QR code access control is easy to use. For instance, property managers and owners only need to display the generated QR code in a viewable area and let the visitors do the rest. As for the tenant, they only need to inform their guest which unit they should connect to.
• Can deactivate. QR codes are easy to generate and deactivate. If the system no longer works for your property, discontinuing the service is quick and simple.

 

Cons

• Not universal. QR codes are generally still a relatively new concept. As such, some users may not have had a thorough introduction to Quick Response codes, how to find them, and how to navigate the system as a whole.
• Too available. Because QR codes for access are out in the open, some tenants may experience unwanted video calls from people below. Moreover, with an openly available QR code such as this, there are more chances of false access requests.
• Requires internet connection. Perhaps the biggest drawback is that QR-based access control requires reliable data or an internet connection to access the website. This dependence on connection can be frustrating for someone trying to request entry to your building.

 

 

What is the best alternative to a QR code visitor management system?

ButterflyMX’s access control system rivals QR code systems on the market and offers a full suite of access products. Our access control platform provides over 10,000 properties with an end-to-end security solution with visitor management capabilities.

Here are the ButterflyMX features that outperform QR code access control:

• Video intercom
• Virtual keys
• Front desk station

 

Video intercom

ButterflyMX’s video intercom is its flagship product and has proven itself to be an asset to thousands of property managers and owners. Its wireless design not only brings curb appeal to your building but also enhances the user experience.

The ButterflyMX video intercom allows visitors to contact a tenant using the directory, which can be programmed to show only unit numbers instead of names to protect tenants from unwanted visitors. Then, using the mobile app, tenants are empowered to answer the video call and grant or revoke permission to the visitor.

 

Discover how the ButterflyMX front desk station turns into a guest check-in system:

 

Virtual keys

While ButterflyMX’s virtual key feature uses QR code technology, its functionality is more useful and secure.

With virtual keys, tenants can generate a one-time code they can send to their visitors. Upon arrival, visitors can scan the QR-based virtual key at the intercom or input a unique PIN code to gain access to the building.

However, virtual keys are different from QR-only systems in that property staff and tenants can issue, change, extend, or even revoke them at any time. Moreover, all entry events are audited and logged on the cloud-based system for up to a year.

 

How do I create a QR code for a visitor?

To create a QR code for a visitor, you’ll need the ButterflyMX smartphone app on your iOS or Android device:

• Once you have the app open, you press the virtual key button.
• Then, choose the duration of your virtual key.
• Name the key.
• Create an activation period for your key, as well as an expiration.
• Click the ‘create key’ button.
• Lastly, input the visitor’s phone number and send the key to them.

 

Front desk station

If you’re looking for a visitor management system at the reception desk, the front desk station is a perfect alternative to a video intercom system.

The front desk station software is installed on any internet-connected desktop computer already at your desk or a desktop off-site for remote management. When paired with the ButterflyMX video intercom, staff have a live video feed of the front door, enabling them to greet visitors as they arrive.

When visitors arrive, they can speak with staff at the intercom or go inside the front desk to speak with a staff member. Then, staff can verify the guests’ identity by directly calling the resident the guest is visiting. Afterward, you can easily authenticate visitor authorization and grant them access to the required floor or unit.

Moreover, with the full suite of ButterflyMX products, the front desk station is a central point to control access from the front entrance to the elevators and amenity spaces.