Farnek adopts new contactless face recognition system

UAE-based technology and sustainability-driven facilities management (FM) company Farnek has implemented a new contactless face recognition system to measure the temperature and monitor the attendance of its employees.

In line with Dubai Municipality regulations, the system allows Farnek to check the temperature of all employees when entering and leaving their offices, or when entering and leaving external workplaces, where the technology has been implemented, reducing the threat of COVID-19 spreading. If there is an alert, the employee is denied access, isolated and Farnek management is informed instantly.

Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek, said: “Contactless technology is more important now than ever before as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The leading cause of transmission is through contact or proximity to people carrying the virus, some of whom may not show any symptoms. This system alleviates those risks.”

The system works by scanning the employees face and palm using HD thermal camera technology to give a 100% accurate temperature reading. Connected to a central system, attendance can also be monitored, and payroll updated in real-time. The system also recognizes when someone is wearing a mask, therefore allowing them to be worn at all times.

“This state-of-the-art technology not only mitigates health and safety risk it also monitors staff arriving and leaving. That also has an added benefit for our customers because this data can then be aligned with customer work orders, supporting subsequent invoicing. It also reassures them that all staff entering has left the building as well.”

The technology has been implemented at all of Farnek’s offices in the UAE as well as client sites, including The Dubai Mall, BurjKhalifa, and Dubai Airport.

“This system underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of our employees and customers during these unprecedented times. The implementation of this innovative technology is just one of many measures we have implemented to support the UAE business community and the wider public, in containing the spread of the coronavirus,” added Oberlin.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Farnek has implemented several measures to minimize the threat of the virus spreading. Sanitization gateways, which disinfect all staff before leaving and returning, are being installed across all staff accommodation centers in the UAE.

The disinfectant system works via a Fog Gate, or disinfection tunnel, which sprays staff with a highly efficient, non-toxic, pH-neutral, and durable disinfectant. The mist is completely harmless and dries in seconds after employees pass through. The gateway is regularly sterilized and cleaned by a team of highly trained specialists from Farnek.

Farnek is also employing a Dubai Municipality-approved environmentally friendly and non-toxic disinfectant solution, which kills over 99.99% of all bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.“Through the adoption of innovative technology, our customers can rest assured that our staff is healthy, motivated and together we are ready to face the challenge of the ‘new normal’ once this crisis is over,” concluded Oberlin.