For decades, barcode scanners and key cards have been the go-to tools for managing member access in gyms, coworking spaces, spas, schools, and offices. Swipe, scan, beep — it’s been the standard process for everything from checking in to logging attendance. But in 2025, this approach is starting to show its age.
Enter facial recognition — a modern, touchless, and lightning-fast alternative that’s quickly becoming the new gold standard for member check-in.
In this post, we’ll explore why barcodes are on their way out, how facial recognition is changing the game, and how you can adopt it without ripping out your current system or writing a single line of code.
The Problem with Barcode-Based Check-In
On paper, barcode scanners sound great: they’re cheap, simple, and easy to implement. But in real-world environments, they’re often more trouble than they’re worth.
Here’s why barcodes are breaking down:
- Cards and key fobs get lost or forgotten — leading to long wait times at the front desk.
- Scanners fail due to hardware issues or unreadable barcodes.
- Manual intervention is common, slowing down check-ins and frustrating staff.
- They’re not secure — anyone can use someone else’s barcode.
Barcode systems create bottlenecks, require physical handling, and can’t keep up with the expectations of modern members who want a seamless, digital-first experience.
Facial Recognition: A Smarter Way to Check In
Facial recognition flips this outdated system on its head. Instead of scanning a card, a member simply looks at a camera — and they’re checked in. No keys, no cards, no physical contact. Just their face.
Why it works better:
- It’s instant – the system recognizes the face and checks them in within a second or two.
- It’s contactless – no touching kiosks or passing cards.
- It’s secure – it only works for the actual person, not someone using their credentials.
- It fits with modern systems – it works great with existing CRMs, booking tools, and POS software.
It’s like unlocking your phone — but for your business.
The FacelyApp Approach
FacelyApp makes facial recognition check-in easy for businesses of all sizes. It doesn’t require replacing your existing software or hiring a developer. Instead, it runs on your desktop or laptop and types recognized member IDs directly into your current system — just like a barcode scanner would, but smarter.
Here’s how it works:
- A webcam detects a face at your front desk or check-in point.
- The app matches the face against your stored member profiles.
- When a match is found, FacelyApp types the corresponding member ID (or name, or email) into the currently active window.
That’s it. No API integration, no engineering team, and no disruption to your current process.
Works with the Software You Already Use
One of the biggest pain points in switching systems is compatibility. But FacelyApp was built to work around your existing tools, not replace them.
Whether you’re using:
- Gym management platforms like Mindbody, Jonas Club, or Zen Planner
- Coworking tools like Nexudus or OfficeRnD
- Check-in systems for schools, labs, or events
FacelyApp acts like a keyboard — so if your software accepts typed input, it works. It can even press “Enter” or navigate between fields as needed.
No SDKs. No code. No wait.
Real-Time Recognition That Saves You Time
With facial recognition, the check-in process shrinks from a multi-step interaction to a seamless moment. No more:
- Searching for someone in a database
- Asking them to spell their last name
- Resetting barcodes or key cards
For a busy location with hundreds of daily entries, this can save hours per week in staff time and eliminate front desk lines altogether.
It’s also great for:
- Hands-free kiosks
- Unmanned access points
- Late-night check-ins
- Premium member experiences
Elevate Your Member Experience
Facial recognition doesn’t just save time — it creates a modern, professional, and premium experience that members notice.
Instead of fumbling for their phones or cards, they’re greeted by name, checked in automatically, and on their way in seconds.
This kind of thoughtful tech upgrade boosts:
- Member satisfaction
- Brand perception
- Staff efficiency
- Retention and loyalty
Privacy and Security You Can Trust
Understandably, facial recognition raises questions about data privacy. That’s why FacelyApp is designed to respect user control and comply with privacy standards.
- Recognition is performed locally or via encrypted cloud APIs
- No facial data is shared or stored without your consent
- You control how long data is retained
- Full logging and audit trail options are available
For businesses in regulated environments, FacelyApp can also run entirely offline, keeping all data on-premises.
Get Started in 10 Minutes
Setting up facial recognition might sound complex — but with FacelyApp, it’s surprisingly simple:
- Download the app for Mac or Windows.
- Upload your member database with photos and IDs.
- Point your webcam where members enter.
- Let it run — FacelyApp recognizes faces and types into your check-in software.
No integration. No configuration. Just plug it in and go.
Ready to Ditch the Barcode?
Facial recognition is no longer just for airports and smartphones. It’s ready to make check-ins easier, faster, and smarter for businesses like yours.
With FacelyApp, you can bring next-gen access to your front desk — in minutes, not months.
📧 Email: contact@facelyapp.com
🌐 Visit: www.facelyapp.com
Takes the guesswork out of check-ins, so your day starts with a smile.
