SECURE DOOR ENTRY SYSTEM AND METHOD

A method for controlling access to a secure area via an electronic door entry system includes the steps of: displaying a bar code associated with the door entry system which can be read by a smartphone, the bar code encoding instructions for establishing a communications channel between the smartphone and a remote authentication system where a passcode for the door entry system can be obtained by an authorized person; receiving authentication data for a person over the communications channel from the smartphone; authenticating a person based on the authentication data; communicating a passcode to the smartphone; receiving a passcode input at the door entry system; verifying the passcode; and, generating a door lock release signal for the door entry system if the passcode is verified.