HID, a provider of trusted identity solutions, has recently unveiled a new offering that allows companies to seamlessly integrate employee badges into digital wallets. This innovation enables effortless and efficient access to workplaces. By combining the HID Mobile Access® solution with digital wallets, the process of access control to buildings is simplified, greatly enhancing the user experience. Instead of presenting physical cards, employees can now utilize their smartphones or smartwatches to verify their identity to employers. This streamlined process involves activating the badge within the digital wallet, granting access not only to the workplace but also to authorized corporate applications. To implement this modern authentication method, businesses only need an NFC-enabled reader.
Beyond its use in access control, the digital employee ID card holds a range of applications, spanning laptops, workstations, secure printing, access to restricted areas, charging stations, and even parking facilities. This mobile employee ID card provides several concurrent advantages to companies, including:
1. Heightened Security: Biometric authentication, such as facial and fingerprint recognition, adds an extra layer of security for identity verification. Furthermore, encryption technologies embedded in digital wallets ensure the secure storage and transmission of digital credentials.
2. Seamless Experience: NFC technology enables swift and secure access to locations.
3. Simplified Security: The integration of badges into digital wallets streamlines key distribution and management across the organization. Physical key printing for employees or guests becomes unnecessary.
4. Convenience and Uninterrupted Access: Even if a user’s mobile device is low on battery, the badge remains functional for up to five hours with a power reserve/saver mode.
5. Protection for Lost or Stolen Devices: In case of device loss or theft, a locator app empowers users to lock or locate the missing device. Additionally, they can suspend or remotely erase their badge.
6. Reduced Costs: Adopting HID Mobile Access with digital wallets eliminates the need for producing and distributing physical badges, resulting in reduced expenses related to printing, maintenance, and replacements. This shift toward digital credentials also aligns with sustainability objectives by minimizing plastic waste.
7. Enhanced Efficiency and Scalability: The HID Origo™ cloud platform facilitates remote management and updates of credentials. Its secure infrastructure, backed by industry-leading certifications, is bolstered by HID’s service level agreements and support. Organizations employing HID Origo for cloud-connected access control devices, applications, and trusted mobile identities can enhance security, optimize workplace efficiency, and scale their access control infrastructure.
An additional compelling rationale for integrating employee ID cards into mobile devices is sustainability. Traditional production methods of corporate ID cards, along with their associated sleeves, result in significant plastic consumption. Moreover, companies often have to reissue these cards multiple times due to losses. Digital employee ID cards, in contrast, have a reduced environmental footprint and assist companies in meeting their climate-conscious objectives.
Gustavo Gassmann, HID Vice President of Emerging Markets, PACS, underscores the adaptability of companies to their employees’ preferences, stating, “Mobile devices have become essential components of most people’s daily lives, not just for their useful features but also for the invaluable, convenient benefits they provide. And because people always have their devices with them, accessing places and moving around different parts of the building through them makes sense.”
