Access prohibited! Minimize infection risk – with smart access control according to hygiene standards

The HYGIENICSTATION enables digital, contactless, and data protection-compliant documentation of entries. (Image source: Systec & Solutions GmbH)

The HYGIENICSTATION consists of an industrial PC housed in stainless steel with a touch display and a panel with an integrated thermal imaging camera, as well as data collection software. (Image source: Systec & Solutions GmbH)

Since the entry into force of the current Infection Protection Act (IfSG), access to companies and medical facilities must be documented1. With a digital access control solution, such as the new Hygiene Station from Systec & Solutions GmbH, this is made particularly simple and secure. It simultaneously enables contactless, data protection-compliant documentation required by the IfSG, temperature measurement of the face, and verification of a correctly worn medical face mask. Additionally, the hardware is completely disinfectable, further minimizing the risk of transmission of pathogens.

Personal access control is not only expensive and prone to errors – it also poses an increased risk of infection for all involved. Digital solutions reduce this risk by automating processes and minimizing contact between staff and customers or patients. But beware: the user interface can itself become a source of infection if it is not designed for regular disinfection.

The Hygiene Station consists of hardware including an industrial PC housed in stainless steel with a touch display and a separate panel with an integrated thermal imaging camera. This detects, on one hand, the face temperature and, on the other hand, checks whether the visitor is wearing a medical mask. All components were originally developed for the high hygienic requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. They comply with the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute2, are certified according to IP65 standard, and are therefore fully disinfectable. Unlike other hardware solutions for access control, this significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination during cleaning and use.

And how does the access control process work? The integrated infrared sensor accurately measures the person's face temperature and simultaneously verifies via facial recognition software whether a medical mask is being worn. If predefined parameters are not met, a warning is automatically issued or, if desired, access is denied. Persons wishing to enter a secured area and permitted to do so register at the device via a questionnaire tailored to the company and individually customizable. The HYGIENICSTATION is equipped with the data collection software mQuest® from cluetec GmbH. Entered data are encrypted and transmitted to a web portal where they are stored in compliance with GDPR. After successful data entry, the registered user receives an email with the relevant information for documentation.

Andreas König, CEO of Systec & Solutions, adds: “Our combination of robust hardware and smart software is not only suitable for medical facilities: any operation that values infection prevention should consider how to implement the required access controls safely, in compliance with data protection, and resource-efficiently.”

References

1. Act on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases in Humans (Infection Protection Act): § 28a Special protective measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
2. Robert Koch Institute (RKI): Hygiene when using computers and devices with touchscreens in patient care, 2019.