Providing higher levels of security and access control capabilities, biometric access control systems utilise an individual’s personal features to create user profiles that are more convenient to use and have higher security.
Now commonly used within phones, and other devices, biometric access control is becoming more widely used in various facilities to increase security, minimise unauthorised access, and improve area access monitoring. The possibilities of biometrics are endless and with the rise of sophisticated security threats, they may become necessary to ensure premises are kept safe and secure.
What Is Biometric Access Control?
Biometric access control, or biometric authentication, is the practice of collecting and storing individual biometric data, such as facial templates, fingerprints, and retinal scans, to create unique user profiles which can be used by access control systems to determine an individual’s identity and either deny or allow access to certain data, premises, or devices.
Rather than using traditional forms of access control such as pin codes, key cards, and fobs at access points, biometric access control utilises an individual’s physical characteristics to enhance security measures.
Why Use Biometric Access Control?
Save On Key Cards and Fobs
Instead of relying on physical items that can be lost or stolen, biometrics leverage the unique physical traits of an individual, such as facial recognition, fingerprints, iris scans, or voice patterns. This approach not only enhances security but reduces costs over time as no new physical access control items need to be bought, reconfigured, or copied should a user need to be added or deleted from the security system. This not only saves revenue but also time, as users can have their access control levels changed instantly, without the need to collect, reconfigure, and redistribute their physical entry device.
Minimise Security Risks
Due to utilising biometric data instead of data held on physical access control items, biometric access control systems offer higher levels of security than traditional access control systems. Biometric data is incredibly difficult to replicate, making it a more robust solution against unauthorised access as users cannot hand out, lose, or break their biometric data like key cards, fobs, or cards.
In the event of an individual attempting to gain unauthorised access, a biometric access control reader cannot only deny the individual entry but also record their attempt, taking photographic evidence at that moment to be followed up later with relevant parties. Additionally, the presence of biometric entry systems is a deterrent to potential thieves, as these systems are designed to recognise and authenticate individuals based on unique physical characteristics making them an unattractive target for thieves and criminals.
Improve Convenience and Safety
In addition to improved security, biometric systems offer enhanced convenience, efficiency and safety. Users no longer need to carry multiple access cards or worry about forgetting their keys. With a simple scan or recognition, access is granted instantly, streamlining the entry process whilst recording their activity.
Once the security system has logged an individual as entering the premises, it can create a comprehensive list of those inside a premises, making emergency and attendance management easier as each user is recorded at the point of entry to an access control point.
What Are the Types of Biometric Access Control Solutions?
Biometric access control systems come in various types that offer similar security levels, but their benefits can differ based on your premises’ needs. For example, fingerprint recognition suits high-traffic areas, while facial recognition provides a better user experience, without the need for touching a scanner or pad. It’s crucial to assess your facility’s size, layout, and security requirements to choose the biometric system that best meets your needs, enhancing both safety and convenience.
For professional advice determining the best solution for your access control needs, get in touch with a member of our team today.
Facial Recognition
Facial recognition utilises a person’s unique facial features and characteristics to grant or deny individuals access to data or areas of premises.
By scanning and mapping out a user’s unique facial features, a facial recognition system creates a biometric template made up of numerous measurements and dimensions which create a ‘blueprint’ of the user’s face. Once attached to a profile, this blueprint is then used to match against a face which is presented to the biometric scanner, allowing or denying access should the presented individual’s face match the data in a user blueprint.
Facial recognition requires high-resolution cameras which are capable of meeting a minimum set of requirements to provide effective recognition. A high level of pixels and the ability to determine depth are recommended for facial recognition cameras to ensure a rendered blueprint is as accurate as possible to ensure optimum security and quick biometric identification.
Fingerprint Access Control
Similar to facial recognition, fingerprint access control requires users to have a digital scan of their fingerprint so the control system can create a blueprint of their biometric data. Much like a facial profile, this blueprint is also created out of various detailed measurements, making it incredibly difficult to replicate. Once logged, a user simply presents their scanned finger to the fingerprint scanner and the access control system either denies or grants entry based on whether their print matches an authorised profile.
Fingerprint access control is often used for high-traffic areas where visitor management is crucial, such as gyms, to prevent multiple users from entering using a single profile. This is beneficial to businesses as it prevents lost revenue from multiple users on a single account and also can help to monitor the usage of a space and keep track of how many people are on the premises.
Biometric Security Devices
Access control systems which utilise biometric authentication need to have the appropriate biometric devices which can accurately read, analyse, and store the needed biometric data. Biometric devices such as fingerprint scanners and facial recognition camera are all necessary pieces of equipment to ensure proper use and implementation of biometric security.
Without proper devices, digital entry systems can become compromised, making them more susceptible to infiltration or malfunction. Ensuring your premises have the appropriate devices is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of your security infrastructure. Investing in high-quality biometric devices and ensuring they are regularly maintained can significantly reduce the likelihood of technical issues that could disrupt access control, thereby enhancing both security and user convenience.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Biometric access control solutions offer seamless integration with existing access control systems, providing a multi-layered security approach. This integration allows organisations to implement biometric controls alongside traditional security measures, such as turnstiles, gates and barriers, to create a comprehensive security strategy. As biometric technology continues to evolve, these systems are becoming more efficient, reliable, and accessible, making them an essential element of modern security.
Biometric access control systems represent a significant advancement in security and convenience, effectively leveraging unique biological traits to enhance access management. With various options such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, organisations can tailor their security solutions to meet their specific needs. As these technologies continue to evolve and improve, they promise to not only safeguard premises against unauthorised access but also streamline user experiences, making security efficient, accessible, and cost-effective. Ultimately, the adoption of biometric systems could become essential in a world where the demand for sophisticated security measures continues to rise.
Want to learn more about how biometrics can improve your business’ access control? Visit our Biometric Access Control Systems service page, or contact a member of our team today.
