Touchless Entry: The Essential Upgrade for Modern Commercial Buildings

Touchless entry has become the new standard in many commercial buildings. It improves convenience, significantly reduces physical contact with shared surfaces (enhancing hygiene), and fully supports accessibility for all visitors and employees. Most importantly, it can be added to existing entrances without major renovation or construction.

Here’s a practical overview of touchless entry options, how they work, and where they make the most impact.

1. Wave Sensors (Request-to-Exit/Open)

Wave sensors allow a user to open a door with a simple hand gesture (often referred to as ‘touchless REX’).

• Functionality: They replace the need to press a push plate or handle.

• Key Requirement: They must be paired with an automatic door operator and a compatible locking mechanism (like a fail-safe electric strike or mag lock) to automate the entire open/close cycle.

• Ideal For: Restrooms, internal office doors, and healthcare facilities where hygiene is paramount.

• Benefits: Quick and cost-effective upgrade that instantly reduces surface contact.

2. Motion Sensors for High-Traffic Areas

Motion sensors open doors automatically as people approach, eliminating the need for any action from the user.

• Best Suited For:

  • Retail stores and grocery entrances.

  • Clinics and medical buildings.

  • Larger commercial spaces with consistent, heavy flow.

• Impact: These help efficiently manage traffic flow, reduce congestion at entrances, and improve overall customer experience.

3. Mobile-Based Access Control

Modern access control systems allow authorized users to unlock doors with their smartphone via Bluetooth or NFC signals, creating a truly hands-free experience.

• Authentication: It’s important to clarify that ‘touchless’ does not mean ‘unsecured.’ Mobile access still requires the phone itself to be authenticated (e.g., via biometrics like Face ID or a PIN) before it transmits the credential, ensuring only authorized users gain hands-free access.

• Advantages:

  • Eliminates dependency on physical keys or fobs.

  • Cleaner, hands-free entry once authenticated.

  • Easy remote updating and management of user permissions.

  • Works consistently across multiple buildings in a portfolio.

4. Advanced Biometrics (Facial/Palm Recognition)

For internal or high-security areas requiring the fastest, most hygienic authentication, biometrics offer a premium touchless solution.

• Features: Systems using facial or palm recognition are 100% touchless and offer rapid user throughput.

• Ideal For: Employee-only access points, data centers, labs, or executive suites where speed and high security are necessary.

5. Streamlining Deliveries and Vendor Access

Touchless entry is a powerful tool for managing deliveries, service providers, and vendors without requiring staff to manually intervene or exchange keys.

• Remote Verification: Staff can use the integrated intercom system (see below) to visually verify a delivery person and trigger the touchless door operator remotely from their desk or mobile device.

• Temporary Credentials: Cloud-managed systems allow managers to issue time-restricted mobile credentials to trusted vendors (e.g., cleaning crews or service technicians), which expire automatically upon job completion, enhancing security.

6. Touchless Intercom Integration

Many buildings combine touchless entry with video intercom systems to create a fully seamless visitor experience.

Example Workflow:

1. Visitor arrives and calls through the intercom interface (which can be screen-based or buttonless).

2. Tenant verifies the visitor on their phone (or in-suite monitor).

3. Tenant grants access, and the integrated door operator opens automatically.

This is ideal for controlled facilities such as daycares, clinics, or secure office lobbies, removing the need for visitors or tenants to press physical buttons.

7. Accessibility Benefits

Touchless entry supports barrier-free design and is essential for meeting modern accessibility expectations (ADA, AODA, etc.).

• Advantages:

  • Easier, zero-effort entry for individuals using mobility devices.

  • Provides better independence for all visitors and employees.

  • Eliminates the physical effort needed to manually open heavy commercial doors.

8. Energy and HVAC Benefits

Touchless systems, especially those integrated with automatic door operators, can be calibrated to shorten a door’s open time compared to manual use, immediately reducing lost heating or cooling.

This is especially helpful in:

• Vestibules and airlocks.

• Retail stores and storefronts.

• High-traffic, climate-controlled corridors.

9. Maintenance Considerations

While touchless systems are reliable, they do require proper attention to remain reliable year-round.

• Calibration: Sensors and operators need periodic range adjustments to prevent nuisance opens or delayed activation.

• Servicing: Regular door operator servicing is essential for reliable function.

• Seasonal Recalibration: Temperature changes (especially in extreme climates) can affect door seals and sensor performance, requiring seasonal checks.

Touchless Entry: The Essential Upgrade FAQ

1. What is a touchless entry system?

A system that allows users to open a door without physical contact, typically using wave sensors (hand gestures), motion sensors, or authenticated mobile credentials (using a smartphone). The technology integrates with automatic door operators to fully automate the opening process.

2. Do touchless systems require a new door or major renovation?

No. Most touchless solutions are designed as retrofits and can be added to existing commercial doors and frames with minor adjustments. The core component required is often adding or upgrading a door operator and integrating new sensors.

3. Are touchless solutions compatible with access control, and are they secure?

Yes, they are fully compatible and secure. Touchless systems work after a user has successfully authenticated. For instance, a mobile credential requires a user to unlock their phone (via PIN or biometrics) before the touchless reader grants access, ensuring only authorized personnel can enter hands-free.

4. Are touchless systems reliable in high-traffic areas?

Yes. High-performance motion sensors and automated door operators are specifically designed for continuous, steady traffic flow. They are calibrated to open quickly and reduce bottlenecks, improving overall traffic management in busy lobbies and entrances.

5. Do touchless solutions help with hygiene and health compliance?

Absolutely. By eliminating the need to physically touch shared surfaces like handles or push plates, touchless systems significantly reduce the spread of germs and improve the overall hygienic safety of the building. This is a primary driver for their adoption in healthcare and corporate offices.

6. Do touchless solutions help with accessibility compliance?

Yes. Touchless entry supports barrier-free design by eliminating the physical effort required to open heavy commercial doors. Pairing a door operator with a wave sensor creates a seamless solution that meets or exceeds accessibility expectations.

Final Recommendation

Touchless entry is far more than a trend; it’s a fundamental upgrade that improves convenience, accessibility, and hygiene, and can be added to most commercial buildings without major renovations. It secures your building while making it easier and safer to navigate.

If you’re considering touchless entry upgrades, we can review your building’s layout and recommend a solution that fits your traffic levels, security needs, and existing hardware. Would you like to schedule a brief consultation to start that review?