Pros and Cons of Biometric Access Control Readers
Biometric security systems have become both more advanced and more affordable in recent years. Read on to learn about the many benefits and considerations of this emerging technology for securing your business assets and critical information.
WHAT IS BIOMETRIC SECURITY?
Biometric security readers rely on technology that recognizes a user’s unique biological characteristics to grant or deny access to a restricted area.
Different systems use different types of biometric data to grant access, with most using unique facial, fingerprint, iris scan information, or a combination of these characteristics. Information collected from a reader at the access point must be matched to a record kept in a central file for access to be allowed.
Apart from granting access, most systems will also keep a date and time log of everyone who enters or exits the building. Entrants can also be tracked through additional secured access points to monitor activities or enable access to a tiered security clearance system.
OPENING DOORS: PROS AND CONS OF BIOMETRIC SECURITY
Until quite recently biometric security readers were a reserve of airports and government agencies. Today, you can see them in hospitals, commercial banks, retailers, and schools, among other places.
Biometric information offers a uniquely identifying feature that you can’t easily duplicate, lose, or share. That has made it a natural choice for anyone who has to protect valuable assets while still granting access to trusted employees, partners, and contractors. And, reliability and ease of use of biometric systems have improved even as prices have come down.
As a result, more and more businesses are considering biometrics for their security needs. We take a look at what biometric security is and how it works, and consider some of the major advantages and potential drawbacks it may present for your organization.
PROS OF BIOMETRIC SECURITY SYSTEMS
Modern biometric security systems offer key advantages when compared to other workplace security technologies. These include:
HIGH SECURITY
Biometric technology offers better security than almost any other system. This is because every person has a unique set of biometrics—and because you cannot leave your face, fingerprint, or unique iris pattern at home. For the highest level of security, you can combine biometric verification with another method of identification to confirm a person’s identity.
COST EFFECTIVE
Biometric security readers are more cost effective in the long term. While initial costs might be higher than other systems, ongoing operating and maintenance needs are minimal. For instance, if you are using access control cards, you may need to replace the fobs and issue new badges regularly.
AFFORDABLE
Entry costs to what was once a high-tech realm are now surprisingly low and falling as more and more companies choose this route to secure their premises. Many organizations also save on labor costs as it’s no longer necessary to have staff on-site to check identity cards or replace lost access fobs.
NOT TRANSFERABLE
Duplicating or sharing your biometric information, or having it stolen from you, is a lot harder than the movies would suggest. Unlike cards, an employee’s biometric security clearance stays with them, on their actual person. Therefore stealing or copying biometric information is relatively hard to do, making it simply not worth the trouble for most criminals to even attempt.
EASY TO USE
Just as important, biometric security readers are now quick and easy to use. If it’s a fingerprint system, then the user just needs to place a digit on the reader and the system will scan and provide access. Facial systems require a camera linked to a computer running a facial recognition system. Iris-based systems require specialized scanners and software. All of which are seamless to the user and happen within a fraction of a second.
You can also easily integrate biometrics into existing security systems in your facility, such as camera surveillance systems, making it possible to monitor movement and access within your property to ensure safety, accountability, and an added level of deterrence.
CONS OF BIOMETRIC SECURITY SYSTEMS
At the same time, it’s important to be aware of some of the potential disadvantages of biometric identification systems. These include:
HIGH INITIAL COST
Biometric systems require a higher up-front investment than many other access control systems. Small businesses may not be able to afford biometric security readers unless their work requires especially stringent security. While prices continue to come down, installing biometric security readers and associated equipment is still a serious investment.
SUNKEN COSTS
Similarly, once you’ve bought into biometric security systems it can be hard to change course without risking your return on investment. That makes it difficult to adopt a different strategy if you decide biometric authentication methods are not the best choice for your business.
IT’S PERSONAL
Opting to identify a person by their physical characteristics also needs to be handled sensitively to avoid offending people or reinforcing unfair biases. Collecting people’s unique biometric information is also a serious responsibility. Records need to be stored securely to keep them from being accessed by hackers or shared online by accident.
SECURE YOUR ASSETS, PROTECT YOUR BOTTOM LINE
At Richmond Security, we’ve been helping local businesses secure their assets and protect their staff since 1976. Our experienced, knowledgeable team designs the right-sized security solutions that meet your needs, match your budget, and scale with your business as it grows.
If you’re a larger corporation looking to up your security game or a business that needs to handle sensitive products or information, our fingerprint security systems offer robust, reliable biometric authentication for safe, convenient, and surprisingly affordable access control.
Talk to us about how Richmond Security’s biometric access control systems can open doors for your business while keeping your critical assets safe. Click below to learn more.