Organizations have been using digital tools to automate manual processes and improve workplace experiences for years. But perhaps nowhere in history was this more evident than during and post 2020 pandemic that accelerated the need for technology to keep us connected, security solutions to keep us safe, and a comfortable work environment that is simple and easy to navigate.

The problem is that many companies still have problems associating physical security solutions with the workplace experience. This is evidenced by the presence of many manual process and lack of user-centric solutions that not only frustrate identities (employees, visitors, contracted workers), but also keep them from engaging in the workplace.

Today, the latest automated security tools make it possible for organizations to simplify processes relating to physical access, badging, and identification – ultimately helping to improve the employee and visitor experience for enhanced productivity and efficiency.

The Challenges of the Modern Workplace

According to a 2023 report published by labor and employment firm Littler Mendelson P.C., over 70% of US employers surveyed have workforces operating on a hybrid work schedule. This rise in hybrid working is seen as a win for many employees who yearn for flexibility yet has created a number of challenges relating to security and the enforcement of authorized access.

First, how do you manage the security risks associated with the various identities (employees, contracted workers, and visitors) operating inside and outside of a hybrid workforce? Secondly, how can the access experience be improved on the administrative and user side to eliminate inefficiencies and improve the overall workplace experience?

It is first crucial to note that any company still manually managing badging processes, visitor management, and related tasks is lagging behind in the current automated landscape. For example, in a traditional in-person work environment, all badging tasks must be conducted manually on-site, leading to lines, delays, and overall operational inefficiencies. In a hybrid workforce, it is also highly inefficient, if not impossible to manually take ID photos, collect documents, distribute NDAs, confirm training, etc. for all identities in person. This not only leads to frustration among administrators but also disappoints users who have come to expect streamlined, digitally driven processes. So the thinking goes, if they can use their phones to make purchases, deposit checks, and even translate languages in real time, is it so crazy to expect a similar, optimized experience for badging?

Consider also the challenge of manually managing access for hybrid identities. Under a hybrid working model, issuing bulk access changes are frequently based on hybrid working arrangements determined by department, location, job title, etc. This is also true of temporary workers and contractors who may not appear in an HR database. Making access permission changes one at a time is not only inefficient, but also creates security vulnerabilities if not addressed in a timely and accurate manner.

The Power of Intelligent Badging

Vector Flow’s intelligent badging solutions introduce a new type of security automation that simplifies Personal Identity and Access Management (PIAM) processes to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure secure operations under a hybrid working model. They do this by providing a number of self-service access controls and remote management tools that save time and reduce strain on labor resources. For example:

• For rebadging scenarios, The Vector Flow Contingent Worker PIAM Portal invites contracted identities and cardholders to review and validate their existing information, with expired or missing requirements highlighted for ease of use.
• The Intelligent Photo Capture Application (iPic) from Vector Flow streamlines the photo capture portion of the onboarding process, allowing identities to upload their own photos for badging purposes. The AI-based checkpoint model automatically examines uploaded photos and ensures that they are clear and free from visual imperfections while adhering to the company’s specific policies.
• Using the Bulk Manager application within the Vector Flow platform, administrators can make bulk access changes to identities, associated access, badges, etc. based on groups identified by their job title, company name, or an imported database to be rolled out as needed or at a future date.
• Vector Flow has also improved the access assignment process with automated playbooks that help automatically grant access during onboarding based on employment profile, location, department, job title, etc.​

By using the Contingent Worker Portal, iPic, and the Vector Fow platform, hybrid organizations can transform cumbersome and inefficient badging processes into automated, efficient workforce experiences.

To see how these solutions work together and get answers to frequently asked questions relating to hybrid workforce access management, we invite you to watch our latest webinar here.