Biometric Access: Everything businesses need to know

What is biometric access?

Biometric access refers to any form of granting entry that relies on a biometric indicator to function. Access control systems are automated ways of managing any access point, whether that’s an entry point into the building, onto a floor or into rooms or whole areas of a building that may be restricted.

Biometric access control systems offer the benefit of eliminating the need for tangible keys, such as cards and fobs, and information-based keys, such as codes and passwords. Instead, they are replaced by biometric features of a person. A biometric feature is a biological characteristic, usually a physical feature, that can be used for automated recognition. After identifying a person as part of an authorised database, the system permits them access to the area, service, or product being protected.

Biometric-based keys may include:

• Face recognition
• Fingerprint
• Iris scan
• Voice recognition
• Palm vein
• Behavioural pattern recognition

What can biometric access control be used for?

Buildings, rooms, and safes can all be accessed with biometric access control systems. In addition, they can grant access to restricted products like heavy machinery, which may only be authorised for use by a few people in your company. The systems can be installed as the sole security system, or in conjunction with existing security to offer enhanced protection.

Biometrics are more secure and reliable than keys and fobs because biometric information cannot be stolen, lost, or misplaced, and is extremely difficult to counterfeit. Spoof detection technology has been developed to help mitigate fraudulent entry. We have developed our own algorithms that detect if a photograph, video or image on a mobile device is being used in an attempt to bypass the system. Our technology utilises single-image passive liveness detection approach, a non-intrusive fraud detection method that doesn’t rely on any active participation or specific responses from the user.

Access controls can also be easily tailored and updated, meaning the onboarding of an incoming employee takes a matter of seconds. Similarly, an employee’s restrictions can be altered in line with their progression and changes to the level of training they have had.

Does it have additional benefits?

There are a variety of additional benefits to an automated security system powered by biometric technology. As all processing for ICU Pro is performed locally, for example, the authorisation is given or denied instantly and there is no delay caused by checking a person’s ID.

Unlike traditional access control systems that require an operator, biometric access control systems are a presence at all hours, deterring opportunistic theft or break-ins. In addition to this, the systems eliminate any potential conflict that a security guard may face if entry is denied or if they encounter an attempted security breach.

As no staff is required to run a biometric access control system, the business can achieve increased efficiency by eliminating the need for staff to oversee. By implementing this approach, the business can streamline its operations, reduce labour costs, and optimise resource allocation.

By implementing biometric access control systems into your business, you can not only improve security, but enhance personnel and employee management. The systems can provide time stamps of when a person gained access and left a building, which is invaluable for sectors that rely on shift work. Manual timesheets are time-consuming and can be doctored, leading to misguided management decisions that have a significant impact on your business. But with automated records of entry, you know when your employees entered and can better monitor their shift pattern.

Similar to the benefits gained by sectors that implement shift work, office spaces that offer hybrid working can benefit from the automation provided by biometric access control systems. The records allow managers to better keep track of who is in the office and when – especially for businesses with multiple offices or sites. This information can help managers effectively plan servicing and maintenance to avoid unnecessary downtime.

Beyond the managerial benefit of tracking employees’ entry times, there is a huge health and safety merit to biometric access control. An up-to-date register of who is in the building at a given time is invaluable in an emergency such as a fire, where a timely and organised evacuation of the building is necessary.

Biometric access control systems also help businesses comply with wider health and safety requirements. Restrictions can be calibrated for individual rooms, building areas, safes and store cupboards, allowing only those with sufficient training to access restricted areas that contain potentially sensitive or hazardous materials or equipment. This is particularly useful in sectors that deal with dangerous machinery, tools or materials like chemicals. Restrictions can also be set for specific periods, which is useful if an employee is on a probationary period, or if an area of a building is under construction or out of order.

In addition to room and area access control, restrictions can also extend to access control for regulatory specifications such as in currency exchange machines. Currency exchange kiosks are particularly susceptible to criminals obtaining cash through fraudulent means, making it challenging to trace such criminal activities and comply with anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. To address this issue, Innovative Technology has developed biometric technology that is currently being implemented in ECEX machines across Europe. This technology aids in adhering to AML requirements by incorporating intelligent customer tracking, which displays a customer’s past exchanges and ensures they remain within their transactional limits through facial recognition. 

Is it accurate?

ICU Pro offers the highest level of accuracy, and it can be used alongside anti-spoof technology to prevent fraudulent entry, thereby enhancing business security. Biometric information is incredibly difficult to imitate but, with our anti-spoof live detection technology, it is near impossible. This non-intrusive spoof detection offers the highest level of security, constantly monitoring users without intervention and keeping hackers out.

What about data protection?

Innovative Technology believes in developing access control and security systems that preserve your privacy. As ICU Pro refers to your existing database system rather than having one of its own, it doesn’t store any data. All facial recognition is completed using an entirely anonymous FaceID, so this is untraceable and private information cannot be stolen.

How does it work?

Although biometric technology may seem overly complex, the sophisticated software is developed to provide an easy-to-use process for its users.

Firstly, an authorised image needs to be uploaded to the database. This image is then converted into a FaceID – this just means a string of numbers that represents a real face – as the FaceID cannot be reverted into a real face so remains completely anonymous.

When a person attempts to gain entry, they will see a camera connected to a biometric access control device like ICU Pro, which will map the person’s face. ICU Pro then converts the live image of the person’s face to a FaceID and checks the system for a match. If a match is found, the person will be granted entry. However, if there is no match, the person is unauthorised and the doors remain closed.

Is it expensive?

The cutting-edge security solution we offer is a one-time purchase that brings you long-term security. The initial cost of the biometric access control system soon pays for itself with the money saved on card replacements and security personnel. Plus, with no added costs per authorisation, you know exactly how much you’re spending upfront.

Do I need loads of set-up?

When developing our access control systems, we prioritised usability and accuracy. You can easily integrate our devices into existing systems with an internet connection only required for the initial set up and updates.

Simple to install, sophisticated software – biometric access control solutions are the way forward for any business’ security. And with added benefits such as enhanced management and easy compliance with health and safety regulations, there’s so much more to ICU Pro.

Interested? Learn more about how biometric access control can benefit your business or speak to one of our team today.