What is a Biometric Access Control System? Types and Comparison.

Biometric access control systems are changing the way businesses handle their office security. With faultless data gathering, identification, and verification capabilities, biometric access control systems are vital to the security of countless industries and sectors around the world. Biometric Door access control systems are becoming the most preferred choice for securing access to any area or equipment. The main reasons being the improved level of security, extra convenience, and reduction in costs. It is a modern access control security solution.     

Table of Content

• What is Biometric Access Control System
• Pros and Cons of Biometric Access Control System
• How do biometric access control systems work?
• How much does it cost to install a Biometric Access Control System
• Benefits of Biometric Access Control Systems
• Types of Biometric Systems
• Biometric Door Access Control System Installation
• FAQs

Access control systems have three main types of identification:

• Object-based identification: It identifies the authorized user with what they have in possession – e.g., a key or card.
• Information-based identification: It identifies the authorized user with the information they know – e.g., a password or PIN.

Biometric-based identification: It identifies the authorized user with their biometric data – e.g., their fingerprint or iris.

What is a Biometric Access Control System?

A biometric system is a way of establishing a person’s identity through chemical, behavioral, or physical attributes and is used in large-scale identity management across a wide range of industries and applications. One of the most common uses for biometrics is providing access control to restricted facilities, areas, or equipment. Unlike other security systems, such as code, password, or access card systems, biometric systems provide access based on who people are rather than what they have in their possession.

A biometric system is basically a pattern recognition unit that gathers specific biometric data from a person, focuses on a specific feature from that data, compares it to a pre-set group of attributes in the database, and then performs an action based on the accuracy of the comparison. There are a lot of characteristics that are used for biometric comparisons, such as fingerprints, irises, hand geometries, voice patterns, and DNA information.

Biometric  access control systems are used across a wide range of industries and have various applications. For example, biometric door locks can be used at airports, schools, government offices, corporate offices. 

Biometric access control systems can also be applied to personal gadgets and property. For example, you can have biometric door access control systems, biometric locks on mobile phones, etc.

Pros and Cons of Biometric Access Control System

How do biometric access control systems work?

The biometric access control systems have four components that work together to control access to users.   

1. Sensor device
2. Data Quality Assessment
3. Comparison and Matching
4. Biometric Access Control System Database 

Process:

• A Sensor Device. A biometric reader, or scanning device, is used to obtain verification data from a person. The sensor unit then forms the key interface between the user and the biometric access control system. The quality and usefulness of the obtained data depend on the camera characteristics since most of the biometric data is composed of images, with the exception of audio-based systems.
• A Quality Assessment Unit. Biometric data that is gathered by the sensor device must be evaluated to determine whether it can be processed. Normally, an algorithm is designed and applied to the data to improve its quality. After processing, a set of features is selected from the data set to represent the qualifying identity trait. This is also known as the “Biometric template” and is stored within the system’s database.
• A Feature Comparison and Matching Unit. Once the chosen data set has been extracted from the data, it will then be compared to the stored templated and matched to any identical points. The number of matched points between the input and template provides a “Match score”. In a biometric access control system, the matching device usually includes a decision-making device that relies on the match score to confirm a person’s identity.
• Database. The biometric system database stores all the information that is needed to process biometric readings. In order to enhance security levels, the biometric system will establish access control parameters with a featured template that is inputted into the system.

How much does it cost to install a Biometric Access Control System?

The biometric access control system costs will vary on your preferences of the type and models you choose. One should remember that there will be acquiring cost and recurring costs while installing a biometric access control system. The total cost constituent:

• Biometric Access Control System Price when acquiring it:
  • Hardware cost
  • Installation services, 
  • Modifications in the building structure 
• Biometric Access Control System Price that is recurring:
  • Subscription charges
  •  Maintenance cost
  •  Repair costs

Ighty Support is an Access Control System Installer who can provide you complete solutions within your budget. So you won’t have to think about how much it costs to make a smart lock or how much a swipe card system costs.  

How are Biometric Access Control Systems helping Businesses? 

Biometric access control systems help businesses who have high-risk or low-risk environments. Traditionally, they have been used to increase security levels by creating a layer of verification. Biometric access control systems are now changing the way businesses handle their office security. So, with faultless data gathering, identification, and verification capabilities, biometric access control devices are vital to the security of countless industries and sectors around the world.

The biometric access control systems are mainly used for tight security, convenience, and minimizing costs.

Benefits of Biometric Access Control Systems

A biometric system delivers a higher level of identity security than typical proximity-based access control systems. This is because biometric systems use a user’s unique biological information in order to verify and authenticate their identity. This system is safer than using codes or access cards, as these are easier to obtain. Biometric access control systems use features such as fingerprint, retina, voice, and facial recognition, which are extremely difficult to replicate.

The main advantages of a biometric access control system include:

• Security:

• • Biometric access control is more secure since biometric markers are unique to each user. Biometric systems make it far more difficult for any unauthorized person to gain access using someone else’s ID. Because it is much harder to use someone else’s biometric information, the keys or access cards can be easily stolen, unlike the biometric information. 
  • The latest biometric systems work on live tests to confirm that an actual person has entered the biometric information input. This feature makes it difficult for any unauthorized person to use the spoofed biometric information.
  • The admins can directly control and change the access permissions from their dashboard to ensure only active users have access.

• Convenience:

• • • Biometric systems eliminate the possibility of lost or forgotten cases for authorized users. Their biometric codes will always be with them whenever needed.
    • Biometrics give so much ease in access as compared to the traditional door locks.  
    • Passwords or key locks take some time and cause the manual delay. But biometric locks are quick in processing the input information. It avoids time delays for users.  

• Minimize Costs:

• • You can finally reduce the number of appointed security staff across your property after installing an advanced biometric access control system. It will reduce your cost of employing security staff.
  • Once the installation of a biometric access control system is complete, the maintenance cost is much lower than other systems. With the biometric systems, you don’t have to incur the costs of any lost keys or access cards. 
  • It does not require additional devices. With biometric access control, there is no need to use traditional keys, switches, or switching devices since authorization only requires the user’s unique characteristics. 

You can get the best biometric access control system in Dallas, Tx. The most popular ones available in the market are the biometric fingerprint access control systems and biometric access card systems. 

Types of Biometric Systems:

• Fingerprint Scanning. This is one of the earliest forms of a biometric access control system, mainly used to aid criminal investigations. Today, fingerprint recognition technologies are a key feature in many biometric access control systems. This technology uses an enhanced image of the fingerprint of authorized users. The fingerprint is saved in a database in the form of a template. Whenever any user inputs their fingerprints, it is compared with the saved templates.
  • Pros: Fingerprint scanners are very cost-efficient. It is an easy-to-use technology for many people.
  • Cons: Fingerprints are easy to forge, leaving your secured assets vulnerable to threats. The change in fingerprints over time affects the ability to identify fingerprints. The physical touch with the scanner by multiple users makes it a less hygienic option.

• Vascular Biometrics/Vein Biometrics. Vascular biometrics use near-infrared light to scan the pattern of veins in the user’s fingers. The system captures the pattern of veins (either finger or hand) of the person to validate its authority. 
  • Pros: This system provides an added layer of high security. The large surface covered in the scan makes it more accurate. It cannot be spoofed as you need the authorized person to be physically present for the security scan. A little surface dirt does not affect the scanner’s reading. 
  • Cons: It is less user-friendly as the potion of the hand should be very precise. It is theoretically believed that reduced blood flow in veins during the cold temperatures can affect the identification. 

• Facial Recognition. This biometric technology works hand in hand with industrial security camera systems to provide a clear record of employee and guest activities at your business. Facial recognition systems reduce the risk of unwanted access to your business. It comes in 2D and 3D face recognition technologies. The face of a person is captured and converted into codes/maps. The system compares this template with the person before granting them access.
  • Pros: It is a very easy-to-use technology and works on fast recognition.  
  • Cons: It can capture from a distance, so facial recognition has the possibility of risks as it may scan without consent. The accuracy rate is low as any slight changes in the appearance can reject the biometric input.

• Iris Scanning. This biometric access control technology uses the unique pattern found in the user’s eye to provide accurate identification of employees.
  • Pros: The accuracy is high. The iris patterns also remain identical throughout the lifespan, so there is no change in the biometrics.
  • Cons: For accurate identification of the iris scan, proper lighting is needed.

• Voice Authentication. Voice-activated biometric access control systems can eliminate the need for passwords and employee badges while allowing tiered access to different areas of your business. This system must be installed and monitored by a qualified security company to achieve the most reliable results.
  • Pros: It is an easy-to-use technology. 
  • Cons: It can be spoofed easily, so the security level is low. When a person is sick or has any problem in their throat, their voice modulation may change, which the system may not identify and approve. 

• Hand geometry. This type of biometric access control system scans the 3D image of the hand and measures the shape, length of fingers, and knuckles. When anyone puts their hand for scanning, these aesthetics of hands are compared with the database.

• • Pros: It is very convenient to use as the identity of a large number of people can be scanned and verified quickly. 
  • Cons: The accuracy level is not the best in hand geometry biometrics.

• DNA. This is not very popular as it is still an evolving technology. The DNA samples of the authorized user are stored in the system. When anyone tries to gain access, their DNA sample is compared with the stored sample.
  • Pros: It is most suitable for high-security environments as it offers a very high level of security and accuracy. 
  • Cons: The process is not completely automatic and takes longer in identification than other systems. 

Biometric Door Access Control System Installation

Are you worried about how you set up an access control system? Is it wasting your time and frustrating you when you can’t figure out how to install a biometric access control system?

If you answered yes, then you should hire the best installers available at your service. The installation is a detailed process, so you need to hire professionals. The best access system installers have the professional skills and understanding of ‘what is an access control system and how it works.’ They do the complete biometric access system installation, so it is ready to use for you. 

The best installers will also provide complete support services and help you know how access cards work or how do the biometric locks work.

Transform your Business Access Control System Today.

Transform your business’s security today with Ighty Support. We’re proud to offer reliable and robust cutting edge biometric technology that can transform your business. We can provide you with expert guidance and professional services on the right biometric access control system for your business. For a free initial consultation, visit us at www.Ightysupport.Com or give us a call at 1-855-MY-DFWTECH. We look forward to helping in all of your Dallas Ft-Worth metroplex access control and security needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of access control?

The access control system serves the above four objectives. It helps provide quick access to the authorized users and restrict other people from accessing your place or object.

Why is it important to test the access control system?

Testing the access control systems before installation helps identify any flaws and decide if the chosen system is compatible with your requirements.

What is the best access control system?

Finding the best access control system from the many available options is challenging. But you can use these key questions to determine the best access control system for your requirements.  

• Which biometric access control method do you want to adopt?
• Do you want an 8 door access control system or a single door access control system?
• What type of system will be more suitable- a real time biometric access control system, cloud-based access system with mobile credentials, or key cards?   
• What is the amount you are willing to spend on the access control system installation?