Shiraz Kapadia, CEO & President, Invixium explores the power of biometric access control and workforce management in casinos and hotels.

Protecting casinos

The iconic clinking of coins dropping might be the public face of integrated resorts or hotels with expansive casinos, but behind the glamorous façade lies a meticulously managed enterprise.

This is the reality of running a top-tier casino.

It’s a business built on large cash reserves, but its true strength lies in the deployment of advanced physical security solutions that protect the space, its patrons and employees from any possible threat.

Safeguarding the premises and protecting the game floors is only part of the equation.

Equally crucial is managing the large workforce including slot managers, table game managers, gaming assistants, food and beverage staff, helpers, security personnel and external vendors who keep the business operational.

In this bustling world, with high stakes and dynamic environment, biometric access control and workforce management solutions are critical for ensuring smooth operations and protection of assets.

Implementing robust systems is a strategic imperative and makes all the difference in maintaining security, optimizing efficiency and ultimately, maximizing profitability.

From gaming floors teeming with patrons to high-end restaurants and entertainment venues, these establishments operate 24/7.

Such complexity demands a sophisticated approach to security and productivity to navigate the unique challenges they present.

Fortifying frontline defense

Creating a multi-layered defense should be the priority at any casino or resort.

Access control solutions serve as the frontline defense, ensuring only authorized personnel can access sensitive areas such as cash cages, surveillance rooms and vaults.

With this in mind, biometrics offer functionality that fobs, keys and other access control systems cannot compete with.

They introduce a high level of security to restricted areas, including multi-factor authentication.

Multi-biometrics such as biometric + card + PIN or face + fingerprint are all options to secure areas with dual, triple or even quadruple-factor identification.

Employee crime particularly pertaining to card sharing and unauthorized access using keys is a major concern.

Implementing biometric access control significantly mitigates these risks by managing entry to exclusive areas without the need for physical barriers.

These systems can monitor and track access control activity, providing detailed logs of who entered specific areas and when, which allows for swift responses to any security breaches.

Touchless access control systems, such as face recognition, enhance security while reducing the risk of contact with shared surfaces.

Given the high traffic and activity in casinos, touchless access control systems help maintain a healthier environment by minimizing physical contact.

A labor-intensive industry

In the labor-intensive environment of casinos, mitigating operational vulnerabilities with data-driven analytics is paramount.

Casino staffing fluctuates based on factors like time of day, day of the week and special events.

With round-the-clock employees entering and exiting, tracking their start and end times in a 24-hour day without a reliable biometric workforce management system is a Herculean task.

The bulk of the workforce are part-time employees which makes scheduling, time and attendance, and labor analysis within a casino environment of utmost importance.

Advanced workforce management solutions leverage data accurately, allowing managers to adjust staffing levels in real-time, minimize labor costs and maximize productivity.

These systems provide the foundation for data-driven management decisions and empowers managers to optimize their operations.

Biometric systems that integrate with payroll software and human resources management systems (HRMS) are particularly beneficial in this industry, ensuring precise timekeeping and payroll accuracy while streamlining HR processes.

Investing in future-proof solutions

The efficient functioning of such institutions necessitates state-of-the-art, robust systems capable of addressing any challenge they encounter.

While the well-known “eyes in the sky” (aka CCTV) play a crucial role in venue security, a modern, agile and comprehensive security infrastructure is essential.

Whether it’s integration with existing systems like alarm systems, video management software, surveillance cameras, incorporation of advanced security protocols or extension to new locations, biometric solutions ensure continued protection and security but also eliminate disruptions of system overhauls and enhance overall productivity.

Minimizing compliance risk, maintaining an audit trail and measuring staff productivity has a direct impact on revenue generation.

Moreover, some casinos may require customized solutions that can solve their unique security needs.

Hence, it’s crucial to seek out forward-thinking manufacturers who specialize in offering tailor-made solutions rather than off-the-shelf products.

By investing in such solutions, casinos can ensure optimal security, operational efficiency and future readiness.

Return on investments

While the initial investment in comprehensive security solutions may seem substantial, the long-term returns are measurable.

Dedicating a significant portion of investments to security operations and productivity streamlining is crucial for reducing daily potential liabilities.

Effective scheduling and shift management processes enhance staff productivity by aligning employee presence with peak hours, managing manhours and mapping staff rotations to visitor traffic patterns.

Workforce management solutions prevent buddy punching and both intentional and unintentional time theft, delivering tangible cost benefits.

With robust audit and compliance measures, security managers benefit from instant access to critical data.

Advanced access control measures prevent theft by protecting cash-handling rooms and cashier’s cages from unruly crowds.

Maintaining delineations in staff access not only enhances security but also results in significant cost savings by mitigating risks and protecting valuable resources.

Navigating regulatory compliance

In the casino industry, strict regulatory frameworks are the norm.

These frameworks are designed to uphold fairness, transparency and responsible gaming practices.

Casino security compliance encompasses the policies, procedures and technologies that casinos must implement to protect their operations from internal and external threats.

Understanding the regulatory environment is essential as it guides decision-making regarding physical security measures, enhancing safety and security within the casino environment.

Design-centric physical security solutions

Nobody expects security products to look good!

The design is often overlooked and that should be unacceptable.

Many biometric products in the market are bulky, industrial-looking devices that are cumbersome to use and install.

However, outward-facing biometric devices should seamlessly align with the image a business wants to portray.

Hotels and casinos focused on delivering exceptional experiences should prioritize security products that provide robust protection and complement the décor of the venue.

Anything less is a failure in user experience.

Opting for stylish biometric solutions not only enhances the overall aesthetic but also reinforces the upscale image that hotels and casinos strive to maintain.

By deploying biometric access control and workforce management solutions, these establishments can create a culture of vigilance and preparedness and safeguard their financial interests, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all who walk through their doors.

This article was originally published in the October edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.