What Are Biometric Access Control Systems?
What are biometric access control systems?
It refers to the systems that use fingerprints, eye scans, voice recognition, and so on to deny or grant access to a physical location.
One of the ways that these systems are used is in home security systems. They are used by families who want a convenient and quick way to ensure that all members of their household are allowed into the house at any given time. However, biometric access control systems can also be used in other areas such as corporate spaces, hospitals and manufacturing plants or even public buildings like airports and government offices.
What does it do?
To understand how biometric access control systems work, it is necessary to get a basic understanding of the biometrics that they use for identification purposes.
Biometrics refers to those human characteristics, things that are unique about you, your structure, image or even your voice that are used as a form of identification. With biometric access control systems, identifying information for authorized persons such as fingerprints or voice recognition is taken and stored in the computer system that controls the specific access point.
How does it work?
There are two basic ways in which biometric access control systems work. The first is through a direct interface with an individual user. For example, a fingerprint scanner can be placed on a door. This will then allow or deny admittance to the individual whose fingerprint matches the one stored in the computer system that controls the door. This is also done with retinal scanners, facial recognition systems, and even DNA testing. This all work to ensure that only authorized individuals are allowed into a specific area.
The second way that biometric access control systems are implemented is through a central controller system. In this type of system, a series of sensor devices are used to capture the individual’s biometrics. Your biometric reading is a profile exclusive to you. This information is then sent to the central computer system for identification and comparison with stored biometrics. This type of system does not require contact with the individual whose information it is processing.
What Are Three Key Benefits?
Optimized Human Resources
The main feature of these systems is that they use the individual’s characteristics at a distance. This means that there is no need to contact the person whose biometrics are being captured or to allow them access to the area where the sensor device is placed. Biometric Access Control systems provide access control without requiring physical access. Human and staff resources can then be redirected within the company. There is no need for persons to sit at or to physically man an entrance.
Technology In Use
Another main feature of these types of security systems is that they are built using standardized hardware and software. This means that they can be used in a wide variety of locations, including homes and businesses. The features can be modified to fit the specific needs of the individual business or home.
Reduced Human Error
Biometric access control systems allow for quick processing time and accurate identification of authorized individuals. Because they are not reliant on physical identification means such as keys or badges, they reduce security risks and make it more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access to any given area. This also means that human error or any act of poor judgment will not impact on your access point.
How Much Do These Systems Cost?
The cost of these systems depend on the equipment used, the quantity of the sensor devices needed to capture the information. Cost is also dependent on the extent of customization or capacity needed. Most biometric access control systems generally range in cost from $500 to $15,000. When comparing these types of security systems with other types, they tend to cost more than traditional methods such as electromagnetic locking doors and locks.
Are They Cost-effective, And How So?
Many law enforcement agencies have found these systems to be cost-effective. One study showed that biometric access control systems could reduce the total cost of responding to an entry alert by up to 80%. Another report showed that biometric access control systems could reduce the overall security losses by as much as 40% in a given year.
Biometric access control systems can also be used for increasing security and privacy without having to replace or modify the existing hardware system. For example, a biometric access control system can be used to increase security by simply adding sensors and access devices.
What benefits do you get from using a biometric access control system?
- Increases in security
- Decreases the risk of unauthorized access
- Reduces the time and resources required to manage a security program
- Increases accuracy in access and reporting
- Reduces the cost of managing physical access control systems in a home or business.