European University Uses Fingerprint Readers For Access Control

Lumidigm recently announced that Free Amsterdam University (VU), one of Europe’s most prestigious colleges, is using the company’s Venus Series multispectral imaging sensors in fingerprint readers used by approximately 8,000 students, faculty and staff to enter the school’s multiple recreation facilities spread throughout Amsterdam.  The switch to fingerprint scanning was done in tandem with the school’s migration to a TopTix SRO software platform.  Biometric integrator EasySecure International of Rotterdam proposed the Lumidigm solution as a good fit.

“Eliminating the opportunity for students to pass their cards to others was only part of the reason we upgraded to biometrics,” said Wouter Kropman, director of facilities at VU.  “The system gives us a very professional look plus, in the long run, it saves us money.  Within three to five years, the biometric solution becomes a break-even with plastic cards because of their associated costs, including cartridges, printers, support and management.  Fingerprints provide a sustainable solution.”

According to Kropman, governmental and semi-governmental organizations are obliged to follow strict procedures when purchasing new systems.  For that reason, VU interviewed four companies and determined that EasySecure’s solution using Lumidigm’s multispectral imaging fingerprint sensor provided what they needed.

“This solution was more expensive but the high quality of the system, both in hardware and software, was decisive,” Kropman said.

That’s because the Lumidigm solution, based on using multiple wavelengths of light and advanced polarization techniques can extract unique fingerprint characteristics from both the surface and subsurface of the skin.  This provides results that are more consistent, more inclusive and more tamper resistant than other biometrics.  Dirty, calloused, wet or dry, the fingerprint is still readable with multispectral imaging.

VU uses four desk systems with scanners to enroll authorized users and has seven doors/gates with scanners for people to use to enter its sports complexes.  On a typical day, the system averages more than1,800 scans across all the entry points.

Featured

  • Planning for Your Perimeter

    Planning for Your Perimeter

    The perimeter is an organization’s first line of defense and a critical element of any security and surveillance program. Even if a building’s interior or exterior security is strong, without a solid perimeter surveillance approach any company or business is vulnerable. Read Now

  • The Key Issue

    The Key Issue

    It is February 2014. A woman is getting ready in her room on a cruise ship when she hears a knock on the door; it is a crewmember delivering breakfast. She is not presentable so she tells him to leave it by the door. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • BIO-key MobileAuth

    BIO-key MobileAuth

    BIO-key International has introduced its new mobile app, BIO-key MobileAuth™ with PalmPositive™ the latest among over sixteen strong authentication factors available for BIO-key's PortalGuard® Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) platform. 3

  • LiftMaster Garage Door Opener

    LiftMaster Garage Door Opener

    LiftMaster Transforms the Garage Door Opener Into a Sleek Smart Home Device That Does More Than Open and Close the Garage Door 3

  • LenelS2 BlueDiamond™ mobile app

    enelS2 has introduced its Indoor Location subscription-based service for businesses and other organizations using LenelS2’s BlueDiamond™ mobile app version 2.1.8 for smartphones. 3