Visitor access control is a balancing act: organisations need to maintain security but oftentimes also want to ensure guests can efficiently navigate a facility. Verkada has announced a solution that achieves both goals with on-demand access credentials through Verkada Guest. This update enables organisations to issue temporary visitor access credentials digitally and/or via physical keycard. Each credential is unique to the individual visitor with a custom set of door permissions tailored to the purpose of a visit.
Imagine an electrical contractor who needs to service rooms across a facility. Previously, this meant dedicating staff time to escort them between locations, creating bottlenecks and reducing productivity. Now, with on-demand guest access credentials, this contractor can check in and quickly receive door access privileges suited to their visit, allowing them to move independently through authorised areas. Organisations still maintain complete oversight with detailed audit logs while balancing guest autonomy and experience.
Enabling Temporary Access Credentials Access privileges are customisable in Verkada Guest settings under Guest Type. Customise access privileges in Verkada Guest by configuring Guest Types and their associated visit permissions. For each Guest Type, you can enable digital credentials, physical keycards, or both, ensuring visitors receive the right level of access for their visit.
For example, a school preparing for Grandparent’s Day can create a specific set of access permissions tailored to this event. Once configured, these permissions automatically apply when visitors check in – they simply select “Grandparent’s Day” as their visit reason, and Verkada Guest handles the rest. This pre-configuration eliminates the need for day-of administrative work and ensures consistent, appropriate access for all participants.
Digital Access Cards Digital keycards are automatically sent from Command via SMS or email when a visitor with digital keycard privileges checks in. The automated message includes a link to a webpage unique to each user that displays all of the doors available to the visitor. Once a visitor arrives in front of a door, all they need to do is find the door in their dashboard and unlock it by clicking on its tile. Since there is a cost to purchasing physical keycards, digital credentials can be a cost-effective means of sharing access to a facility.
Digital door unlock links are personalised to the visitor. From the main dashboard, guests can unlock permissioned doors by clicking on the tile that refers to that location. Organisations can add photos and names to the tiles to help visitors determine which door they are trying to enter.
Physical Keycards There are two options for commissioning physical keycards – manually via card number or with a linked door reader. With manual entry, administrators link a keycard to a visitor by entering the badge’s card number directly in the guest profile. While this method works well for lower volumes of visitors, we’ve also designed a more streamlined approach for busy facilities. For high-traffic locations, organisations can streamline badge commissioning by connecting a Verkada access reader to a check-in station. Front desk staff simply select the designated programming reader and tap the visitor’s keycard – the system instantly links the badge and applies all designated permissions.
Regardless of access method, organisations retain granular control over access permissions with automatic access revocation, customisable time windows, specific door access, and automatic expiration times. With on-demand access credentials, Verkada Guest transforms visitor management from a security challenge into a seamless experience. Organisations can now confidently manage visitor access at scale while reducing administrative overhead. Whether you’re hosting a school event, managing contractors, or welcoming clients, Verkada Guest adapts to your needs while keeping security at the forefront.
Availability This feature will be available in Command on February 20, 2025. To learn more, contact your Net-Ctrl sales representative for a personalised demo at [email protected].