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

  • The Need for a Comprehensive Strategy Addressing Cybersecurity and Quantum Technology

    The Need for a Comprehensive Strategy Addressing Cybersecurity and Quantum Technology

    Over the past two years, the Biden Administration has taken a series of steps centered on quantum and cybersecurity. Read Now

  • IoT Saves the Day

    IoT Saves the Day

    Today, creating a safe environment across schools, hotels, office buildings, housing complexes and other facilities has become a necessity. There are so many dangers lurking in buildings of all sizes and shapes from fire hazards, vaping issues, chemical/air quality issues, intruders and so much more. Read Now

  • One Pane, Less Pain

    One Pane, Less Pain

    Just because a solution is built on an open-standards platform doesn’t ensure that all the vendors’ systems will work together as promised. Some features may not be supported, or not supported to their fullest potential. Read Now

  • Revamping Wrigley Field

    Revamping Wrigley Field

    When talking about baseball in the United States, it’s hard not to think of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field. With a history spanning more than 100 years, the Chicago Cubs are one of the most recognized teams in professional sports. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder

    VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder

    Johnson Controls announces a powerful recording solution to meet demanding requirements with its VideoEdge 2U High Capacity Network Video Recorder. This solution combines the powerful capabilities of victor with the intelligence of VideoEdge NVRs, fueled by Tyco Artificial Intelligence, for video management that provides actionable insights to save time, money and lives. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • Camden Door Controls Application Spec Guide

    Camden Door Controls Application Spec Guide

    Camden Door Controls, an industry-leading provider of innovative, high quality door activation and locking products, has published a new application spec guide for specification writers designing a wireless barrier-free restroom control system. 3