Biometric Access Control
Issue 36 - Nov 07

In 2004, RFP Magazine examined biometric access control
systems and concluded that the extent to which they will
replace other systems is limited. But as the cost involved
continues to fall, it seems that today, more and more facility
managers are incorporating this technology into their security
systems.

In years past, says Tony Yuen, Chief Operating Officer, Solution Expert, most corporate clients would primarily ask for cardkey based access control systems. Today, however, biometric based systems have become de rigeur requirements for tech-savvy office and commercial facility managers. As people become more
comfortable with concept of their employers storing this type of data, and organisations realise the added benefits these systems can bring, biometrics are now seeing general commercial applications, not necessarily just in ‘high security’ environments.

For the moment at least, four different types of biometric access seem to have gained prominence: fingerprint, hand geometry, face recognition and iris
recognition. Each of these systems has its own unique advantages and pitfalls, not to mention differing costs of installation and upkeep.


fingerprint
The most commonly recognised biometric system, fingerprinting systems are now readily available at a relatively low cost. A shortfall of fingerprints as a biometric measure is that approximately two percent of people do not have useable fingerprints. Also, as we age our skin stretches, affecting the reliability of these types of system for older users. Fingerprint readers are also sensitive to dusty or dirty environments and require regular cleaning, rendering them unusable in certain facilities (building sites for example).

hand geometry
Hand geometry was one of the first biometric systems to be computerised. These systems are more robust than fingerprinting, as they use a mechanical rather than optical sensors. They also can be used on everybody. However, in terms of security, they are perceived as the least secure of the biometric systems available.

facial recognition
Two common facial recognition systems are in use. Systems such as A4Vision’s 3D face reader use near-infrared and direct ground-based measurements to create a three-dimensional model of the subjects head. This system even claims to be able to distinguish between identical twins. NEC has recently launched their newest facial recognition system, NeoFace, based on their two dimensional face reading algorithms that map and measure the human face. This modular system has already proved popular with institutional clients, including the Taiwanese Bureau of Investigation. The main benefit of facial systems is that they are both non-invasive and do not involve physical contact, reducing the maintenance required and avoiding any hygiene issues. While cost is still higher than fingerprint or hand geometry systems, there is a significant downward trend in the price for this type of technology.

iris recognition
Iris recognition is acknowledged as the most reliable and accurate of the biometric systems. It generally involves the scanning of the user’s eye. Two factors holding back iris recognition is the high cost of the system and the
resistance of users who are uncomfortable having their eye ‘scanned’. Actually, as iris recognition is a noninvasive detection method, this fear in unfounded.

Does biometric really add value?
From a strictly security-minded perspective, says Patrick Lam, Senior Manager, G4S Security Systems, biometric access control is often nothing more than a gimmick. Technology should not be allowed to cloud the key issue: “Why do companies need security? First of all the question is: how do you perceive the risk? If there is no risk, you don’t need security.”

He points a few reasons for the surge in interest in technology-heavy security solutions. “The awareness of risk management is getting higher and higher. People are getting more and more aware that there are security concerns, even for smaller companies.” This, coupled with the number of security companies pushing biometric access control is making these systems ‘must haves’ as opposed to ‘optional extras’.

At the end of the day, it is important to balance the level of security you need carefully against the technology you implement. From a purely risk-based standpoint, your facility might not require sophisticated access control, but the use of data for time and attendance, payroll or even energy management purposes can justify the installation costs for some organisations.

a mix-it-up approach
The use of a combination of different biometric access controls is gaining popularity among his clients, says Yuen. One major casino in Macau opted for face recognition at the main entrance and a fingerprinting at different access points within the facility. This was mainly due to the fact that, with their huge headcount, accounting for the 2 percent who had unusable fingerprints became unviable. Yuen believes that this strategy is the future for biometric systems, and that integrating the various types of control will serve to overcome shortfalls of the individual biometric systems. RFP

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