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A person wearing a green sweatshirt uses a touch screen display to sign in as a visitor.

Why you need a visitor management system in your workplace

When running a business, receiving visitors is simply a part of the job. From school inspections to scheduled factory maintenance, managing visitor flow efficiently and securely is paramount. This not only keeps things running smoothly but also ensures the safety of your staff or students.

Gone are the days of asking a visitor to simply sign their name and car registration in a ledger. Rather, modern hardware and software are used to bolster security and enhance visibility so that facility managers know exactly who is on-site at all times.

Whether you operate a corporate office, a bustling manufacturing plant, or a healthcare facility, a robust visitor management system is an absolute necessity.

At North East Time Recorders, we understand the critical role visitor management systems play in the modern workplace. Let’s delve into why your business should invest in a cutting-edge visitor management system.

What is a visitor management system?

A visitor management system (VMS) is a software and/or hardware solution designed to streamline the process of registering, tracking, and managing visitors entering a facility.

These systems typically replace traditional paper-based sign-in methods with digital solutions, offering more effective security, efficiency, and data management capabilities. They can range from simple time and attendance solutions like digital sign-in kiosks to sophisticated platforms integrating with access control and security systems.

Which workplaces use visitor management systems?

The applications for these systems are vast, reaching across diverse sectors and industries. Here, we will explore four examples of workplaces that can benefit significantly from the integration of a cutting-edge visitor management system:

Corporate offices

In corporate offices, visitor management systems go beyond simple sign-in procedures. Modern offices leverage them for pre-registration, allowing for seamless scheduling of meetings and efficient resource allocation.

Integration with building management systems allows for automated access control, directing visitors to specific floors or meeting rooms. These systems also streamline the management of temporary staff, contractors, and delivery personnel for a smooth workflow.

Manufacturing and warehousing

In manufacturing and warehousing environments, visitor management is vital for enforcing safety protocols, such as mandatory safety inductions and the distribution of personal protective equipment. Systems can also track contractor certifications and qualifications, maintaining compliance with industry standards.

Delivery management features streamline the handling of incoming goods, providing real-time tracking and notifications. In highly secure manufacturing settings, systems can be integrated with access control to restrict access to sensitive production areas. Tracking vehicles entering and leaving the site is also a key function.

A modern reception area with a sleek marble desk featuring illuminated 'RECEPTION' signage. A digital check-in screen is mounted on the desk, displaying visitor options for a business centre.

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are among the most sensitive when it comes to visitation. They have a responsibility to maintain patient privacy and excellent security. A robust and reliable visitor management system is a key tool in achieving this, as they can be used to track visitor interactions with patients for accountability and transparency.

Furthermore, in emergency situations, visitor tracking is crucial for ensuring accurate evacuation and accounting for all individuals on-site. Tracking of vendors and medical supply personnel is also very important to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the centre or facility.

Education

Schools and universities must always prioritise the safety and wellbeing of students, making visitor management systems essential for controlling access to campus buildings. These systems can track parent visits, volunteer activities and contractor work, providing a complete record of all external personnel.

Integration with student information systems allows for instant verification of parent or guardian relationships. Emergency alert systems can also be integrated, enabling rapid communication in the event of an incident. You can read our previous blog post for more information regarding school visitor management.

What are the benefits of a visitor management system?

Investing in a system such as the InVentry Visitor Management System comes with a whole host of benefits for businesses. From greater security to a more professional image, here we will explain some of the key benefits:

Heightened security

Digital visitor management systems offer real-time tracking of individuals on-site, allowing businesses to maintain a clear understanding of who is present at any given time. This capability significantly bolsters security, particularly in sensitive environments.

Integration with access control systems further enhances security by restricting access to designated areas, ensuring that only authorised personnel can enter. Furthermore, these systems can capture and store visitor photographs and identification details, providing an additional layer of verification and accountability.

Regulatory compliance

Many industries, including healthcare and public sector organisations, are subject to stringent regulations regarding visitor tracking and data retention. A robust visitor management system helps businesses comply with these regulations by providing accurate, auditable records of all visitor activity.

These systems can automatically generate reports and maintain data logs, simplifying the process of demonstrating compliance to regulatory bodies. Additionally, they ensure that data is stored securely and in accordance with privacy laws, minimising the risk of data breaches and penalties.

A smoother visitor experience

Digital sign-in processes are significantly faster and more efficient than traditional paper-based methods, creating a positive first impression for visitors. Pre-registration features allow visitors to provide their information in advance, streamlining the check-in process upon arrival.

Modern systems can also offer multilingual support, enhancing accessibility for international visitors. By reducing wait times and providing a seamless experience, visitor management systems contribute to a more professional and welcoming environment.

Being prepared for emergencies

In emergency situations, a visitor management system provides real-time access to visitor lists, enabling rapid evacuation and accountability. The system’s ability to instantly generate reports of who is on-site is crucial for emergency responders. This feature ensures that all individuals are accounted for, enhancing overall safety.

Data-driven facility management

Visitor management systems provide valuable data analysis capabilities through detailed reporting features. Businesses can generate reports on visitor activity, including arrival and departure times, meeting durations, and visitor frequency.

This data can be used to optimise facility management, identify peak visitor times and allocate resources effectively. The system’s custom fields allow for the collection of specific data points, empowering businesses to gather insights tailored to their needs.

How can North East Time Recorders help?

Our visitor management systems are designed to meet the needs of a vast range of businesses and organisations. With an emphasis on user-friendliness, scalability, and customisability, these systems can be seamlessly integrated into your business’s existing infrastructure.

Contact our knowledgeable team today to discuss your visitor management needs. We’re always happy to provide support and guidance on which system will benefit your business most.

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