The simple answer is yes, your data is well guarded. For a more in-depth explanation, keep reading.

What is the Log4j Vulnerability?

Log4j is a widely used logging feature that keeps a record of activity within an application. Basically, it’s one way companies can collect data. 

But recently, hackers have discovered a major flaw that allows them to access and manipulate systems through the Log4j remotely. Hackers can retrieve all data from a server without needing login information. They can send a code to the server to collect this data, which may contain sensitive user information. 

And ever since the flaw has been discovered, more hackers are actively scouring the web hoping to find vulnerable systems they can exploit. Even worse, hackers are creating tools that will automatically search for vulnerabilities, making this a much more widespread problem than many people realize.

It’s gotten a lot of businesses worried that their technology might be at risk. But if you’re a RapidScreen user, rest assured that your temperature kiosk isn’t vulnerable to this threat.

Is My RapidScreen Data at Risk?

SpinTouch builds its own software and it’s constantly being updated with improvements to enhance the software and user experience. We’ve also taken care of the risk promoted by the Log4j vulnerability in our latest software update, so there are no threats to businesses. 

And as a general practice, we take all necessary precautions for data breaches and safety. 

That’s just another reason why it pays to choose RapidScreen over a cheaper alternative. Many “similar” temperature kiosks use software developed in India or China and do not receive ongoing security updates to address mission-critical issues. So while spending less money upfront can seem like a good idea, the costs of a serious data breach can quickly wipe out those savings and rack up extreme costs.

Learn more about what makes RapidScreen the safest choice in temperature kiosks. Get in touch today.

The post Log4j Hack Vulnerability: How Does It Affect RapidScreen Data? first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

To help promote a safer and healthier workplace, companies can implement measures now that will deliver ongoing effects. Here are the top three tools companies should be investing in:

RapidScreen Temperature Kiosk

Our RapidScreen automatic temperature kiosk provides a strong early defense for indoor public spaces and workplaces. Rather than manually scanning and recording temperatures, the RapidScreen does this quickly and creates logs of every scan. Plus, it maintains user privacy by alerting employers when a test has been failed but without sounding the alarm to nearby persons.

Wellness Cloud

If ever there was a time where we needed support and encouragement from others, it’s now. As the pandemic stretches on, employees need a way to connect with others, maintain their physical and mental health, and live as healthy a life as possible. The Wellness Cloud helps to accomplish all of the above by offering remote support on demand.

Rapid Testing Kits

Rapid testing kits are quickly disappearing from store shelves once again. For employees that start feeling ill at work or for companies in areas that require weekly testing of employees, you need a healthy stock of test kits on hand to address needs immediately. 

Taking small steps now can lead to big effects later, especially if it means keeping your employees and customers safe and healthy.

The post COVID Isn’t Over: 3 Tools to Keep Employees and Customers Safe first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

Both tools offer cutting-edge technology that pulls viewers into the moment. Best of all, users have full control over how their content appears on the screen and how they guide users along the journey.

However, users will notice some key differences between the two, and choosing one or the other requires more than just price considerations. Here are some of the most significant differences between spinTouch myShowcase and Intuiface so you can make an informed decision.

Customization

Both Intuiface and myShowcase offer extensive customization options when it comes to content creation. The real question is just how much you want to control. 

Intuiface puts the designer in the driver’s seat for the majority of the journey, allowing you to design just about every piece of the experience. This includes how the app is designed, its features and functions, and how people will interact with those features. This can go several layers deep, and a successful app hinges on good design. If you have the right people on your team to create the experiences you want, this can be a good option.

myShowcase leverages many done-for-you systems to take the guesswork out of app design. It’s like emptying an empty building that’s ready for you to fill and decorate. You have a solid structure and can put your unique spin on it. For first-timers or smaller teams that don’t have the roles or resources to create scratch-made experiences, this is usually a better path.

UX

Because Intuiface gives you more control over design, UX becomes a huge part of your overall content strategy. This is what makes or breaks an app: if it’s poorly designed, no one will want to use it. Taking charge of UX means building out all of the elements: buttons and controls, placement, size, colors, fonts, shapes, images, menus, and more. And this is all before you start designing your actual content and implementing it within the app. 

myShowcase helps to relieve most of the UX burden for companies by doing the coding and design for you. You still get to customize the experience using ready-made features and go as many layers deep as you like. This frees up more time and resources for you to focus on content design and implementation. We developed myShowcase based on hundreds of events and use cases from companies that utilize this same application design. 

Time to Deployment

With heavy customization and design comes more time added to your project timeline. It involves more roles, which leads to more meetings, more resources, and more testing of the design before it can be approved and launched. Depending on your specific application goals, a longer timeline might not be feasible. 

With a strong structure, companies can complete their content design and launch faster because they’re not starting from zero. It’s the difference between building a house from the ground up vs. moving into one that’s already built. You’re putting your personality into a ready-built product, saving you time and money at every angle.

Pricing

Pricing is always a consideration when choosing business solutions, even if it’s not the most important priority. There are two ways to approach price comparisons: the dollar figure of a business solution and the total cost (e.g., time, people resources) of the solution. 

Intuiface’s basic platform starts at $960 per year and goes up from there, depending on features, the number of user licenses, and add-ons like premium support and data storage. However, companies should also consider the costs of needing expert UX designers and the extra time it will take to deploy the app given the level of customization it requires.

myShowcase offers custom pricing based on a company’s needs. You can request a quote to speak with a rep about pricing, ensuring you’re only paying for the features you need.  

In Summary: spinTouch myShowcase vs. Intuiface

Both Intuiface and myShowcase are powerful interactive content platforms that deserve a second look. But if you’re limited on UX talent and time or need a simple solution, Intuiface can be overkill. myShowcase wins the award for simplicity and ease of use, hands down. 

Learn more about spinTouch myShowcase and how it’s creating positive experiences for audiences around the world.

The post spinTouch myShowcase vs Intuiface: The Differences Beyond Price first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

Omicron Cases

Research shows that Omicron accounted for roughly 81% of cases in November 2021, and 95% of cases by December 2021. The 7-day average as of January 2022 is nearly 751,000 — more than triple the 7-day average at Christmas. For a current update on daily cases, check the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker.

Omicron Hospitalization Rate

Some good news for a change: individuals who contract the Omicron variant are much less likely to require hospitalization. But this time, we’re seeing a surge in the number of children who are being hospitalized. 

One report notes that the hospitalization rate of children has reached the highest levels since the start of the pandemic. Experts believe that one reason is because many children are still too young to receive the vaccine, coupled with the fact that Omicron is very easily spread. 

Omicron Deaths

The Omicron variant has been likened to more of a flash flood than a wave, with some countries like South Africa claiming it’s already “over.” Since Omicron has been shown to be less likely to cause hospitalization and severe symptoms, experts are also saying that it’s less likely to cause death.

According to the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, the 7-day death rate is currently 3.4 per 100,000 people. This is a huge drop compared to January 2020, where the 7-day death rate was 252 per 100,000 people. 

Still, COVID remains at large and continues to be a threat that everyone must take seriously. 

Next Steps in Battling the Omicron Variant

Even with a vaccine and a lot more knowledge than we had when the pandemic first started, the COVID virus is still an enemy that employers, organizations, and public spaces need to fight. To help promote a safer environment for all, companies can (and should) implement additional precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus.

One area to support the fight against COVID is to implement temperature screening kiosks as part of your entry procedures. RapidScreen continues to be a valuable asset for businesses and their customers and employees to move forward and avoid outbreaks. By screening for temperatures prior to accessing shared spaces, companies can build confidence while reducing potential exposure.

Everyone is at risk of contracting COVID, regardless of vaccination status. Many COVID cases start with an elevated temperature, which is why the RapidScreen is such a useful resource. Plus, when you introduce strong measures like automated temperature screening, organizations can also reduce their liability and potential for lawsuits from employees and customers. 

Take the next step toward safety with our COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test — click here for more information.

The post Omicron Stats and Trends You Need to Know first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

We’re honored to represent California and the digital marketing and technology industry by demonstrating something we’ve known all along: Technology isn’t just shaping the future, but also the present.

spinTouch’s Rapid Rise to Fame

spinTouch opened its doors many years ago to help fill the gaps in digital signage technology. Just as we do today, we started with a vision of bringing our clients’ ideas to life and worked tirelessly to develop the tools and solutions that would enable creativity and connectivity to thrive. spinTouch is still upholding its original mission and vision, but the pandemic presented new opportunities to push the envelope even further. 

Much of our growth in the last two years that has earned us recognition from the Inc 5000 organization is due to our dedication to the user experience. We’ve made it our mantra to deliver UX in every sense of the word, which is why we developed the spinTouch RapidScreen. The critical effects of the pandemic showed us a need to bring UX into new safety protocols and procedures as businesses raced against the clock to reopen safely. UX was a necessary component of reopening, but it wasn’t one that businesses had the time to develop nor the resources to create. So we did it for them. Our temperature screening kiosk combined our past years of UX design with modern technology to give businesses ready-made solutions for public safety. 

It wasn’t the only piece of our rapid growth period, but it did play a large role in helping to solidify our reputation as a leader in digital technology and UX engineers. And we’re building on those successes, lessons, and experiences every day. 

What’s Next for spinTouch?

So far, 2021 has been a busy one for spinTouch. In addition to the Inc 5000, we’ve also earned the stamp of approval as a DesignRush Accredited Agency 2021. This accreditation places us amongst some of the most prestigious agencies in marketing and technology and reflects the high standards of excellence by which we operate. 

We’re proud of our journey and the solutions we’ve contributed to businesses across the country, and we’re continuing to innovate. See the full Inc 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2021 and stay up to date on all our latest developments. 

The post spinTouch Earns Spot on Inc. 5000 Awards for Fastest Growing Companies first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

That’s a great step in keeping everyone safe, but not all temperature scanners are produced or used in an effective way. In fact, you might have heard of the FDA’s recent crackdown on COVID temperature scanning technology.

This doesn’t mean that high-tech or contact-free scanners are all inaccurate. So what’s the problem and how is the FDA aiming to fix it?

Why the FDA Is Concerned

A popular way to scan for a fever is to use a standalone kiosk that scans each person as they enter your facility. While these are widely accurate, the problem is that some of these manufacturers are claiming that their products have special algorithms that let them scan multiple people at a time.

The reality is that no scanner can accurately read each person’s temperature. In practice, those “algorithms” resulted in many people’s temperatures being off by several degrees. That can make the difference between a safe, healthy temperature and a fever leading to a massive outbreak.

As a result, the FDA has begun sending warning letters to these manufacturers about their inaccurate marketing and instructions.

Should You Be Worried About Your Temperature Screenings?

If you’re a business using a temperature scanner to screen for fevers among your employees and patrons, should you be concerned about getting a letter from the FDA?

The FDA’s jurisdiction focuses more on the way health-related products are manufactured and marketed. For this reason, only the manufacturers of these products appear to be facing repercussions so far.

However, if you’re using a temperature screener to check multiple people at one time, you do have a reason to be concerned. You could be in violation of your state or local government if they have regulations requiring temperature screenings. Even without any regulations, you’re putting your facility at risk for a costly outbreak.

How to Make Sure Your Temperature Screenings are Accurate

As a business that wants to keep everyone safe, what can you do to avoid the problems the FDA has discovered? There are several ways to make sure your temperature screenings are reliable.

Choose Honest, Accurate Screening Technology

Start by using a technology that hasn’t been issued a warning about the current scandal and one that doesn’t claim to be able to screen multiple people at once. No technology can do this accurately, so if a manufacturer is making that claim, it calls their honesty into question.

Instead, opt for a product like the spinTouch RapidScreen that scans people properly, one at a time, and has a track record of reliability.

Scan Each Person Individually

No matter what your scanning technology claims or how much you’d like to speed up the line of people in front of you, always scan each person individually. The risks of allowing someone to potentially spread COVID-19 or other serious illnesses throughout your business are too great to attempt a shortcut.

Choosing spinTouch RapidScreen for Accurate Temperature Readings

Using a temperature scanning kiosk properly is one of the simplest ways to protect your business and your patrols from COVID-19. To learn how we can help, learn more about the reliable spinTouch RapidScreen temperature scanner.

The post What the FDA’s Recent Crackdown on COVID Scanning Technology Really Means first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

As convenient as this technology is, it has also led some users to wonder about their security. They’ve heard the terms “biometrics” and “facial recognition,” but what do those terms mean exactly? And do they put their security at risk?

What Are Biometrics?

Biometrics is a broad category. It describes any method of using data points from your body to either verify your identity or verify your credentials. For example, biometrics includes fingerprint reading, voice recognition, and even the high-tech retina scanners you’ve seen in spy movies.

While they seem like innovative practices, biometrics have been part of our daily lives for far longer than most people realize. For example, logging into your phone or tablet with your fingerprint has been around so long that it’s practically outdated, and some voice assistants use voice recognition to obey your own commands rather than getting confused by everyone who asks a question on a TV show you’re watching.

What Is Facial Recognition?

Facial recognition is actually one type of biometric as well. In the same way that fingerprint readers check whether you have the same data points in your fingerprint as the person who’s logging in, facial recognition looks for facial data similarities for the same purpose. Like other biometrics, facial recognition is a common part of our daily lives today, like logging into your phone or authorizing an Apple Pay purchase with FaceID.

How does Facial Recognition Work?

Many people are worried about facial recognition technology simply because they don’t recognize how it works. The technology doesn’t store a photo of you and check to see if your face matches every time you try to gain access.

In reality, when you set up the facial recognition, it analyzes the landmarks and measurements of your face. For example, it could measure the distance between your eyes, the depth of your eye sockets, the size of your cheekbones, the length of your jawline, the width of your nose, and more. Depending on the precision of the technology, it could map as many as 80 different data points using your photo or scanned image.

After measuring those data points, the software turns this data into a numerical code, that that code is what it stores – not your actual image. No one would be able to look at this code and say, “Okay, now I know what this person looks like.”

Facial recognition is nothing to be worried about, and it surrounds us on a daily basis. Any time you walk into a big box store like Walmart or a mall, you can expect that their cameras are running with facial recognition somewhere. This way, if someone robs the store or assaults you in the store, for example, they can potentially identify the criminal.

Keep in mind that there are very different degrees of facial recognition software as well. The technology that the intelligence community and law enforcement organizations have is far more in-depth than the average software because countless lives could depend on its ability to identify subjects. Commercial technology like the facial recognition the spinTouch RapidScreen covid screening kiosk uses, for example, is far less extensive.

Does the spinTouch RapidScreen Collect and Store My Personal Data?

The spinTouch RapidScreen temperature kiosk uses facial recognition (not biometrics) to determine whether a person is granted access to your secure facility. It does not track or store your personal data, nor is there a risk of anyone else accessing your data. Personal security was a top priority for the innovators who were developing this technology, so you can rest assured that your personal data and health information is private and secure.

Common Myths About Facial Recognition

Much of the fear about facial recognition stems from simply a lack of understanding about the technology, as well as deliberate misinformation that has been spread about it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths about facial recognition.

Myth: Facial Recognition Software Can Access Phone and Tablet Records

This myth is entirely false. Some people assume that there is a digital database that stores facial recognition data, so they think that if they walk into a store with facial recognition cameras, for example, someone can use that data to log in with their FaceID. There is no link between these devices and this is not a risk that facial recognition can pose.

Myth: Facial Recognition Links Your Face to Your Digital Data

This myth is false as well. Your facial recognition data isn’t stored in any way that links it to your digital activity, so no one can use your picture to see your search history for example.

Embracing Security in the COVID-19 Era

Your security is of the utmost importance, both as it relates to your privacy and your health throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Rest assured that COVID screening with the spinTouch RapidScreen fever scanning kiosk will help your facility stay healthy without compromising your privacy.

The post Biometrics vs Facial Recognition: What’s the Difference? first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

While we all look forward to getting the pandemic under control, the reality is that now that the COVID-19 virus exists, it will always exist. We’re likely to be managing scattered outbreaks of it for decades to come, even when a vaccine is available.

That alone makes it important for businesses to keep up with a temp monitoring system, but we can all but guarantee that these systems will help with future pandemics too. Let’s take a look at the pattern of pandemics in the past.

The US’s History of Pandemics

While there have been plenty of pandemics in other areas of the world, the U.S. alone has an extensive history of pandemics. In fact, there have been five serious pandemics in the past century.

First came the H1N1 virus pandemic of 1918, killing 675,000 Americans and 50 million people worldwide. The H2N2 virus pandemic of 1957 and 1958 came next with 116,000 US deaths. Soon after, we had the H2N3 virus pandemic of 1968 which killed 100,000 in the US. In 2009, we had a pandemic from a mutated version of H1N1 which killed 12,000 Americans, and that finally brings us to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2.

These are merely the most serious pandemics, though you may remember other outbreaks that were also serious like the SARS outbreak of 2003. Five major pandemics within about 100 years is a scary number. Within that time, the longest we’ve gone without a major pandemic is 41 years. This means that we can safely expect to see at least one more major pandemic in our lifetimes. 

How Pandemics Affect the Economy

On top of their high infection rates, pandemics affect all of us by impacting the economy. In fact, there are several ways pandemics damage our collective wallets.

Healthcare Costs

We already know the U.S. has a problem with out-of-control healthcare costs. In the average year, around 137 million Americans struggle with medical debt.

When people have medical debt, they have less ability to stimulate the economy in other industries because all their money is going toward medical bills. On top of this, companies and providers throughout the healthcare industry end up with losses because some patients will never be able to pay their bills.

Lost Work for Illness

When large numbers of people get sick at the same time, it takes far too many out of the workforce than companies can accommodate. Not only do people miss work when they’re sick but people are sometimes forced to stay home to quarantine because they’ve been exposed to the virus.

On top of this, loved ones of those who fall ill often need to take time off to care for their loved ones, handle childcare, take their loved ones to doctors’ offices, and so on. This all adds up, reducing companies’ abilities to develop their products and make money.

Business Shutdowns

We’ve already seen this in the COVID-19 pandemic, but during any pandemic, it’s common for businesses to close temporarily if they can’t stay open safely. This was especially true before the days of employee temperature check kiosks.

When businesses shut down, no one involved is making money and it puts added strain on the economy. This is especially true among luxury industries like tourism and live entertainment. 

Trade Disruptions

The U.S. doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and many U.S. businesses require supplies from other countries to keep functioning. However, travel restrictions are a common strategy to slow a pandemic’s spread. This slows or restricts our ability to trade with other nations, making our businesses less productive and reducing their revenue.

Market Instability

In general, the stock market drops during times of uncertainty. Few situations create more instability than a global pandemic. For all the reasons above, investors expect pandemics to hurt the economy so the markets take a downturn.

The good news is that these drops in the market tend to be short-lived, but the damage is done nonetheless.

How Temperature Kiosks Can Help

A touchless temperature scanner isn’t just a game-changer during COVID-19, but it’s likely to benefit you in the pandemics you can expect in the future too.

Keeping Criteria Broad

All the pandemics of the past have had their own list of common symptoms. A fever, however, is a sign of a wide range of illnesses, not just COVID-19.

This means a touchless temperature device can identify if your employees have any type of illness or infection, and many of these illnesses are contagious. By requiring employees with fevers to stay home, you prevent them from spreading the illness to their coworkers so you have one employee out sick, not 20. 

Creating a Routine

One problem with the COVID-19 pandemic is that the virus had already spread so thoroughly before the US truly had an understanding of what it was, how far it had reached, and how contagious it was. If we had been using a body temp check system back then, we would have been able to minimize the spread from the start.

This means, with your touch free thermometer, you’ll be able to get a leg up on the next pandemic when it comes along. You’re also likely to have fewer employees getting sick during the flu season.

Taking Control Over Our Futures

Pandemics are a fact of life. Viruses and bacteria will mutate and shift, and every so often, one will become severe and start spreading around the world. A contactless thermometer allows you to prepare in advance and safeguard your workforce for everything from a normal flu season to COVID-19.

To get started, learn more about our touch-less body temperature scanner today.

The post How Temperature Kiosks are Helping Stop the Spread of Future Viruses first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

To safely stay open or reopen, businesses need to implement a variety of protocols from temperature scans to limited capacity. Much of this involves buying new equipment like temperature station kiosks. However, as we’ve recently seen with “Six Flags Fever,” those attempts can backfire if you don’t make the right purchasing choices or use them the right way.

What is “Six Flags Fever?”

It’s no secret that financially, the tourism industry has been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Multiple Six Flags locations tried to reopen by implementing safety protocols, including a temperature measurement camera system. The idea was to scan each guest’s temperature before they entered the park and block anyone with a fever.

Unfortunately, the thermal temperature scanner they used turned out to be wildly inaccurate. It’s partially because they bought the wrong equipment and partially because of the way they used it. Regardless, their own marketing videos showed some guests scanning as high as 108.7 degrees – a fever high enough to cause brain damage and one that would leave no one feeling well enough to stroll Six Flags.

Good Intentions, Bad Execution

Upon seeing those crazy temperatures in Six Flags’ marketing videos, journalists began investigating the parks and their use of touchless thermometer cameras. What they found was a comedy of errors when it came to following the guidelines.

The system Six Flags used was meant for indoor, temperature-stable environments. Six Flags, however, was measuring guests’ temperatures in a tent. Guidelines also dictate that the cameras should have been used in a room with minimal airflow, but there was plenty of wind as well as a heavy-duty air conditioning system in the tent.

On top of all this, guests are supposed to spend around 15 minutes in a temperature-controlled area before their scan so the weather from outside doesn’t affect their temperature reading. Instead, guests were standing in line outside in the heat before coming into the tent for an immediate temperature screening.

The Consequences of Six Flags’ Blunder

In some cases, Six Flags violated CDC guidelines while in other cases, they disregarded the use guidelines for the temperature reader. Regardless, these mistakes can have critical consequences.

For starters, the more businesses use inaccurate screening practices, the longer the pandemic will continue because we aren’t truly identifying those who need to quarantine. Six Flags already saw a 96% revenue drop in Q2 2020, and thi strain will continue as long as the pandemic does.

Depending on your local COVID-19 restrictions, if you use an inaccurate thermometer device, you could face high penalty fines. That’s on top of the cost of your employees getting and spreading COVID-19 as well as the cost of community-wide shutdowns due to new surges.

How to Avoid “Six Flags Fever”

Keeping your business and employees safe isn’t as difficult as you may think or as hard as Six Flags has made it out to be. It comes down to following a few steps and making the right choices.

Do Your Research

Take your decision seriously when choosing a no-touch thermometer. Research the manufacturer and how long they’ve been in business. Check for any online reviews as well as ratings from consumer protection agencies like the Better Business Bureau.

Understand the Guidelines and Use Cases

Each touchless thermometer is built for certain circumstances and settings. Six Flags, for example, used an indoor scanner in an outdoor setting, which was a key part of the inaccuracy problem. As you look for your temperature scanner, choose one that is marketed for the use you need, like an office setting.

In addition, read up on the manufacturer’s guidelines about how to install and use the system correctly. Make sure you can follow all those guidelines with the office or area you have. For example, if one scanner needs to be 10 feet away from the person but you only have 8 feet of space in your reception area, it’s not the right fit.

Avoid “Miracle Fixes”

This rule holds true in any situation: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most reliable temperature scanners will take a second or two to get an accurate reading. They can typically only scan one person at a time, too. If you see a system that claims to read temperatures of multiple people at once and without a brief pause, it probably won’t live up to your expectations.

Understand Your Local Health Guidelines

Various cities and states have implemented their own legal requirements for COVID-19 safety. While they do change from time to time, it’s important to be well-versed in the restrictions for your business.

Make sure the temperature scanner you buy and the protocol you use follow the guidelines in your area. It’s best to set up a protocol that follows the strictest opening requirements that your state or city has imposed at any time, other than a full closure. This way, if restrictions tighten in the future, you’ll be prepared.

Post the Proper Guidelines

For temperature scanners to be accurate, they don’t just need to be installed correctly. The people being scanned need to follow certain practices too, like standing at a certain area and in some cases removing face coverings.

Post the protocol clearly in your scanning area so guests and employees can follow it. This is especially important if you don’t have reception staff in your scanning area to help people.

Keeping Your Business Safe

At this point, it’s becoming clear that COVID-19 could be a presence in our lives for the long haul. Safety procedures like temperature scanning are critical in keeping it at bay, but they only work if you use them correctly and steer clear of “Six Flags Fever.”

To see how RapidScreen could be a reliable addition to your safety protocol, learn more about our touchless temperature kiosk.

The post How to Avoid “Six Flags Fever” in Your Business first appeared on An Interactive Digital Agency.

Now, businesses and governments are getting to work trying to repair those flaws and create a safer world for all of us with precautions that are here to stay. One change we expect to stay around for the long haul is temperature screening in buildings. There are several reasons why it’s likely to be a long-term solution.

1.   The Prolonged Pandemic

When COVID-19 first appeared, no one knew what to expect, how contagious it was, or how easily it would spread. Most of us didn’t expect to still be restricting our activities for the better part of a year, but here we are.

While there are still many unknowns, we do know that once a new virus exists, it doesn’t go away. There is hope that we’ll get it under control so the cases are fewer and farther between in the future, but the risk will always exist.

Of course, businesses can’t stay closed forever, so they’re implementing long-term precautions to keep everyone safe. One of those precautions is having a temperature scanner or temperature kiosk to check everyone’s temperature before giving them building access.

2.   Contact Tracing

Temperature testing stations don’t have to read temperatures alone. Many companies are integrating them with their security protocol. For instance, some scanners like spinTouch RapidScreen can use facial recognition software or integrate with access cards so it only grants access to employees while tracking their attendance.

Not only does this enhance your security but it assists in contact tracing. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, you have a clear record of which of their co-workers were in the office with them and when.

3.   Keeping Businesses Open

One of the struggles with COVID-19 is there has been a series of peaks and valleys, so businesses keep opening back up when cases drop only to shut down again when the next peak hits.

When your business has a temperature reader controlling access, you help to nip outbreaks in the bud before they start spreading among your employees. This means fewer office closures to sanitize your building and fewer widespread shutdowns because you’re helping to reduce the spread of the virus in your community.

In this way, a temperature sensor serves as an investment tool for businesses. It’s likely to save business money in the long run because it can reduce shutdowns and sanitation costs.

4.   One More Security Integration

Another reason we expect temperature check stations to become the new norm is that they’re merely a small addition to the security measures many businesses already have.

Most buildings require some type of fob, access card, key code, fingerprint scanner, or facial recognition scanner to grant access. These precautions have been in place for years to protect the company’s sensitive data and to protect employees from theft and violence.

In our changing world, viruses including and beyond COVID-19 have become a rising daily threat. Adding a contactless thermometer is no different from those protocols to block other common threats.

In fact, the new precaution is easy to add because some temperature kiosks will integrate with existing security features. Instead of a contactless thermometer alongside an access card scanner, for example, buildings can have one kiosk that handles all their access controls. 

5.   Sustainability and Practicality

Business shutdowns haven’t been the only way COVID-19 is costing companies money. Some of the safety precautions are pricey too, and that includes having a staff member take each person’s temperature with a touchless thermometer.

Depending on the building’s traffic patterns, some businesses have had to hire a new full-time employee exclusively to take temperatures. Others have given the task to their receptionists, who have to continuously step away from their other duties to take temperatures. They have less time for projects including projects that would have made money for the company.

Now that it’s become clear that these safety precautions won’t be a short-term necessity but a long-term need, businesses need a more financially sustainable option. Temperature scanning kiosks are self-supported. In fact, some like RapidScreen can even enforce mask policies so they handle all the safety requirements, leaving the staff’s time available for generating revenue.

6.   Controlling Other Illnesses

Employee illnesses are a major expense for businesses, especially contagious illnesses. In fact, according to the CDC, employee sick days cost employers around $225 billion per year. That’s more than $1,600 per employee. Note that those numbers are also from 2015, long before COVID-19, so the costs are likely to be far higher in 2020 and beyond.

The Harvard Business Review estimates that up to 60% of those costs come from employees coming to work while sick. Those employees lose productivity because they’re not feeling well and they also spread the illness to multiple coworkers. 

Fevers aren’t unique to COVID-19. When businesses block access to anyone with a fever, they’ll also reduce the spread of the flu, colds, and countless other illnesses that could spread through their staff. As more businesses recognize the high cost of sick employees, they’ll be more likely to make the investment in a long-term temperature scanner.

Considering Safety for Years to Come

As the months of the COVID-19 pandemic have worn on, it’s become clear to more and more people that as a society, we need to work together to reduce the spread of illnesses in general. Practices like wearing a mask when you’re sick and reducing close contact are likely to stick around in the US as they have in many countries who have faced more pandemics in the past.

A temperature scanner is quickly becoming a cost-effective and powerful way for employers to protect their employees as well as their financial stability. To find out how it can help your business cut costs and stay open, learn more about the spinTouch RapidScreen.

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