Setting up and Running Automated Access Control for Music Festivals.

The days of paper tickets for music festival entry are long gone and have largely been replaced by some form of electronic checks. As access control systems become more sophisticated organisers need to get a good understanding of how to set up a robust system that provides security, rapid traffic throughput and real time data simultaneously. 

Most access control systems used at music festivals are similar but still require an element of manual control from gate staff and security personnel. Advances in technology are allowing these systems to operate automatically which can help to streamline entry whilst maintaining high levels of security. How can organisers plan for an automated access control system that can handle large crowds, prevent unauthorised access and still provide seamless event operations. 

Access Control Technology. 
The current technology used for festival access control is RFID wristbands which are issued to festival-goers prior to the event. The wristband needs to be scanned at access points to allow access and is linked to the holder's personal information held on a back-end system. Normal practice is for these wristbands to be scanned manually by gate staff. Alternatives also include QR codes and bar codes stored on a mobile device or on printed paper, these are less popular and can be less secure. Newer technology is being introduced for some events that uses facial recognition or other types of biometric systems. These provide higher levels of security and are easier to automate at gates with faster touchless entry without the need for staff to manually scan everybody. 

Installation. 
An access control software system needs to be used to set up access control parameters which includes the details of festival-goers, staff, volunteers and artists indicating what they do and do not have access to. There are numerous access control systems available that are suitable to run on remote sites, but they do require some monitoring to ensure continual availability during the event. The back-end system needs to be connected to physical scanning and reader equipment located at gates, ideally using a wireless connection that allows real time syncing of data. Any installation should be thoroughly tested before any event live dates to ensure they operate as intended. All appropriate staff need to be trained on how the access control system operates along with processes and procedures in the event of any failure. The access control system should also include some type of manual back-up process in case there be any system or equipment failure. 

Integration. 
A good access control system should have seamless integration with the ticketing platform being used to allow entry verification. The ticketing date can contain lots of personal information and in some cases even payment data. Integrating payment systems allows RFID wristbands to be loaded with funds and allow for cashless payments on a festival site for food and beverages or merchandise for example. The access control system collects large amounts of data which can be used to analyse site traffic to prevent overcrowding and alert security about any attempted unauthorised entry attempts. 

Advantages and Challenges.
The key advantages of any automated access control system is the faster throughput of traffic at entry gates which will enhance the festival-goer satisfaction. A robust access control system should provide higher levels of security and prevents the wrong individuals form accessing zones they shouldn't. The vast amounts of data can provide great insights into how the festival logistics are operating and identify areas for future improvement. The biggest fear of any organiser is failure of an access control system during peak busy periods which can be caused by technical glitches or adverse weather and this reinforces the need for thorough testing and the provision of a manual back up process. 

For festival organisers planning their next events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering.

Image by Tumisu via Pixabay

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