The technology wasn’t developed for COVID-19. It had been in the pipeline for quite some time. But The Gateway building on Macquarie Street in Sydney is now Australia’s first office tower to implement hand-scanning technology, allowing workers to enter without touching a thing.
A biometric scanner will get you through security, into the lifts and up to your floor without the need to scan passes or touch buttons.
You can also scan your hand to reach the carpark – although access to the food court is still being worked on.
Kevin George, executive general manager for Dexus’ office portfolio, told AFR that, although the technology – which requires workers to submit to an initial hand scan, which is stored in the system and attached to a unique algorithm – is optional, many have already taken it up.
“It’s futuristic,” he says. “It’s easier than the previous regime. People have been very accepting and keen to get on board.”
Dexus plans to roll the system out across their other buildings, and expects others to follow suit.
“You can expect to see more innovation in this space as the real estate sector looks to leverage the wave of innovation and technology that has been accelerated by COVID-19,” Mr George says.
