NightKey Explained

A Four Part Process

Part 1: Terminals

NightKey terminals are a portable, robust easy to use self contained unit used in the enrollment process.

Step one: Once an ID has been checked by an authorised member of staff, it is placed on the terminals ID scanner for processing. This is done using optical character recognition (OCR). The details read are then automatically placed into the venues database.

Step Two: The right index finger of the patron is placed on the biometric reader which collects a scan of the fingerprint and then converts it into a numerical number called a FingerPIN. The fingerprint is automatically deleted once this FingerPIN has been created. The FingerPIN is unique to the patron and linked to the ID that has just been scanned.

Step Three: A live shot of the patron is taken using a full colour camera which is also part of the terminal. This photo is also stored and linked to the ID completing the enrolment process. This photo is perfect when a search is required because it shows exactly how the person looked at entry. 

Step Four: All the details collected in the enrolment are automatically sent to a co-location server using a high speed secure link, ensuring that the copy of the patron ID scanned is not stored on the terminals.

Part 2: Manager Software

A password protected software program NightKey Manager that is made available to the owner/manager of the venue, is used to manage the access of patrons. With every log into the software an event code is created and stored off site along with all the patron details to ensure at all times there is a record of who is looking at the system. A powerful tool used to see all patrons that are on the system as it happens.

A venue manager can quickly identify patrons by name or live shot taken at time of entry. Manager is what is used when one wants to see if a patron is a regular, new patron or what time he/she enters. As a result an endless series of actions can be added to a particular patron, such as rewarding a good regular patron or banning a problem one from gaining further access to the venue.

It is simple for venue owners and managers to convey to door staff the exact instructions or action you want in reference to a particular person. The future access of a particular patron now is determined by the owner/manager of the venue and not staff. They simply have to follow instructions indicated to them via the terminal when a patron places his finger on the biometric reader. When someone receives the green screen at the terminal they are allowed to enter, if a red screen appears entry is to be denied, making people accountable for their previous actions at your venue.

Part 3: Data Storage and Management

The NightKey services includes not only the supply of the terminals required, but the secure storage of the data collected from the terminals and NightKey Manager Software Access to the data by the venue is by way of high speed secure internet connection. An important part of the service involves the weekly report to the venue. The report covers such topics as the demographic breakup of the patrons by age, gender and suburb. This report gives the owner/manager the ability to understand and analyse in great detail their business.

Part 4: The Effects

NightKey has proven to be a cost effective and powerful tool in discouraging and limiting anti-social behaviour. It does this by making patrons accountable for their actions. No longer are patrons able to escape the consequences of their conduct. Where NightKey is used as part of a good management structure, and with good CCTV surveillance, patrons learn quickly what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. NightKey highlights the fact that, the venue is serious about supplying a safe and secure venue for its patrons which then acts as an attraction for good and responsible patrons out for a good time and a deterrent to irresponsible problem patrons. Experience at venues already using NightKey is that it has a positive effect on business improving the success and long term viability of a venue. 

Please download a PDF Version of the NightKey Flyer for more information.