The Growth of Technology

Biometrics solutions have recently become more cost effective

How enterprise organizations provide access control, identity authentication – even keep employee time and attendance – is rapidly moving away from traditional systems and favoring contactless biometric solutions. This is mainly due to biometrics’ greater security and unparalleled accuracy and is further fueled by the current COVID-19 pandemic that favors the contactless devices biometrics can offer.

Also, biometric solutions have recently become cost-competitive, making them more applicable to various industries. Let’s take a look at how these technologies are being used around the world.

ACCESS CONTROL

In the access control market, electronic card-based systems replaced locks and keys about 50 years ago. That was a huge security improvement; however, there are still potential problems with many systems used daily. Employees can lose their cards or lend them to another unauthorized person. That’s virtually impossible to do with a biometric, which is a measurement of a person’s physical characteristics such as iris or facial patterns or fingerprints. Built-in liveness detection in biometric readers virtually eliminates false ID authentication by using photographs or prosthetics.

An aging Weigand card access control protocol, still widely deployed after four decades, is a hacker’s dream. Weigand-based systems lack encryption, making it easy to intercept data signals between cards and readers and produce a working credential. That is not a problem with biometrics. Now biometrics integrated with systems over OSDP takes event security to higher level.

It is not unusual for large enterprise organizations to acquire facilities using multiple card technologies. A card enabling an employee to enter a corporate building in New York may not work in an Omaha office. After a one-time enrollment in a biometric database, an employee is recognized in any building on the corporate network. And, biometric offers an access control system’s expected performance, such as limiting which door, days and times an employee may enter.

Biometric access control provides a front door to workstation solution that bridges physical and logical security. For example, biometric readers enable entry into the building, elevators and offices. Integrating the system with workstation software ensures only an authorized person can access the computer’s data.

Convenience is also a factor with biometrics. Biometric systems don’t require an employee to carry a card or remember a PIN – although card and biometric readers are often used together to provide two-factor authentication at mission-critical locations. Enrollment in a biometric system requires less than a minute and authentication takes only a second.

USES OF BIOMETRICS

Identity authentication is another area where biometric technologies shine. Healthcare facilities use biometrics to ensure patients receive proper treatments. Mistaken identity is a common problem within the industry. Surprisingly, one extensive regional healthcare system reported having more than 130,000 patients sharing the same name and birthdate.

Biometric systems provide quick and accurate identification of employees, vendors and visitors seeking entry into restricted areas such as pharmacies, nurseries and memory-care units. Enhanced patient privacy comes from limiting access to records only to authorized medical providers identified by a biometric.

Mistaken identity also plagues law enforcement. It is not uncommon for correctional facilities to inadvertently release the wrong person based on a shared name or similar appearance. Enrolling suspects into a biometric system during the booking process can eliminate the problem. Biometrics help officials accurately identify freed prisoners as part of their terms of bail or probation. Border patrol agents use mounted and handheld biometric readers to identify people entering the country.

Many major airports worldwide offer biometric stations for preferred passengers, saving them time clearing security. Larger stadiums and other entertainment venues offer similar systems. College and university campuses are replacing plastic card credentials at dormitories, recreational centers, food commons, health clinics and other locations with biometric identification readers. Imagine the time and cost savings at a large university that must procure and store supplies and equipment to print thousands of new credentials for incoming students each fall.

TIME AND ATTENDANCE

Biometric time and attendance systems provide major benefits compared to punch-card systems and readers linked to an access control system. An employee’s unique biometric data points can’t be shared, eliminating a costly payroll fraud known as buddy punching in which an employee clocks in or out for a friend not at work.

The quick and accurate systems integrate with hundreds of existing time and attendance applications or custom apps explicitly designed for an end-user. The biometric software may automatically calculate employment payments, speeding up the payroll process while removing the element of human error as staff enters the data.

Once enrolled, an employee may clock in and out at other company networked readers. The system will immediately recognize them when they return days or weeks later. And a contactless system using iris recognition is not impacted by grease or dirt covering workers’ fingerprints.

This article originally appeared in the March 2021 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.