What is Biometric Access Control?
Biometric access control is the use of physical characteristics like fingerprints and irises for security in place of codes or keys. Facial and vein recognition biometric access controls are also available on the market, but are generally a lot more expensive. Physical attributes cannot be stolen, duplicated or lost like traditional access codes.
Biometric access controls can be used for residential and commercial properties as vehicles, safes, and sensitive information can all be protected with this technology. With these controls, you can track which person accessed the area at a certain time, something that was not possible with keys.
These systems can be integrated with some existing security systems, eliminating the need to replace the entire system and service. It is also much easier to change who has access because you can edit individual users instead of having to rekey locks and also, replacing swipe cards can get expensive.
Standalone biometric access control units are available that eliminate the need for wiring and other wall-mount device issues. When purchasing your unit, make sure it is capable of handling the number of people you need to have access. Different models are programmable for different numbers of users.
Most models will allow you to print a report showing the areas accessed and the individuals who accessed them, dates, the number of times an individual had access and many other variables. Reports can be stored on site, transmitted to another location and, in some cases, can be kept with your security service provider.
The controls are designed for either indoor or outdoor use and are available for almost any climate. Standalone units that are not wired to a computer are also available. Wall-mounted units usually require more labour intensive installations.
With a biometric access control system, you can preselect what days and times of day certain people have access to an area. Some systems can be accessed securely over the Internet. Ease of installation and use should be considered when purchasing.
With identity theft and computer hacking on the rise, biometric access controls give extra security against the wrong hands accessing valuable information. In the information age, what information someone can steal is as critical as what valuable items they can steal. Items may have set values, but the value of information can be infinite. Personal computers can also be protected with biometric access controls.
Advances in technology have now made biometric access controls, previously used only by the military and huge corporations, affordable and accessible even to normal sized households. With the ease of use and advantages of keys or codes not being lost, even younger and older users can manage them with ease.
The cost of biometric access controls is dependent on which physical characteristics you choose for access. Some systems require users to present multiple characteristics for entry access. Then there is the matter of a service provider. When choosing a sales and service provider for biometric access controls, make sure they can provide system users with training on all the features of the system. Choose a company with longevity in the industry so your support will go with you for the long term.
Should you require more information about biometric access control systems, feel free to contact us today.