Access control systems secure buildings and rooms around the clock. The credential carried by each employee or authorized visitor grants or denies respective access. However, handheld credentials present a variety of challenges.
Lost credentials are a security risk until the credential is removed from the database.
Misplaced and forgotten credentials are also a security risk. Even without a breach, the missing credential is an operational disruption for the employee, adds work for security and human resources, and delays the day.
New and replacement cards and key fobs are a recurring expense.
In a perfect world, the employee’s credential would be permanently affixed. This prevents lost credentials, lowers security vulnerabilities, prevents delays, and decreases workloads. Biometrics meet this demand.
A look back in time…
Biometric technology for access control solutions was initially introduced as a fingerprint reader.
The idea of personal identifiable information, rather than hand-carried credentials, was exciting for the security industry. However, there were many challenges that rendered the technology too unreliable for mainstream adoption. And due to limitations in the initial technology rollout, few organizations were able to use biometric identification to reduce vulnerability, simplify building entry, and reduce operational costs.
In addition to the technological implications, employees perceived fingerprinting as a violation of their personal information and identity. Fingerprint reader speeds were also far too slow for most applications. System delays frustrated employees and fingerprint readers would often be shut off during busier times. Buildings and secure spaces were yet again vulnerable.
Pilot testing, early adoption, and rapid removal of the biometric hardware was a consistent problem throughout the security industry. Employees were hesitant or defiant and security teams couldn’t prevent operational disruptions. Biometric technology adoption had hit a dead-end.
Fast forward to today’s advanced biometric solutions…
Thanks to ongoing research and development, biometric reader hardware now meets the demands of most applications, even those with high user volumes. For example, handprint readers are commonly used on turnstile systems in busy lobbies. There is no realized delay to the person passing through the turnstile now that the read and compare time is only several milliseconds with highly reliable accuracy.
Despite the improvements in technology, employee mindset was still a challenge. Personal security and privacy were a major concern, but most employees have realized that to provide a safe and secure workspace, enhanced measures are necessary. Fingerprints are used daily at the airport, on smart mobile devices, and now on doors at the office. Biometrics are common.
Now biometrics are moving beyond the simple fingerprint. With technology improvements and biometric acceptance for mainstream solutions, iris and facial biometrics are popular augmentations to fingerprint solution. For example, doors can open automatically when an employee simply glances at a camera above the door. High-security areas can implement dual authentication rules that require two forms of identification, both of which are biometrics.
Biometric access control solutions are now a highly reliable solution, ready for deployment in nearly every application. Time is saved, security is improved, and operational costs are reduced.
The Vision team can evaluate your current access control solution and determine how biometric technology can be integrated into your existing system. We will evaluate not only the hardware costs and, most importantly, the long-term savings and operational impact on your organization.
Professional Security Partner
The Vision team can survey your building, coordinate an IT-inclusive design, and professionally install and integrate hardware and software. Vision can also create a custom managed and hosted services plan, freeing up your staff to perform their core responsibilities, provide a safe working environment, and maintain the system. IT will appreciate the maintenance services as well. Limiting their involvement in regularly scheduled software and firmware updates may be the benefit they need to stay focused and effective.
The Vision Investment Protection plan, like your system, can scale and change with your organization. Together, you’ll uncover potential problems before they arise. Additionally, Vision Investment Protection provides onsite and remote response, safeguarding your staff and securing your facility.
Vision has a full-time AutoCAD engineer on staff. Our engineering team can provide planned drawings, riser diagrams, and as-built diagrams in both electronic and hard copy formats for every project. We provide complete network installations, maintenance, database conversions, software installations, and upgrades. Our engineering team has both Cisco and Microsoft certifications.