Everything you need to know about biometric access control systems

Biometric access control systems are growing in popularity over other access control systems that use access codes, key fobs or access cards.

One of the reasons for this is that a biometric is individual to only one person and therefore many of the pitfalls associated with other systems which compromise security and safety are eliminated.

Systems that use codes, fobs and access cards are very prone to people forgetting the codes and their key fobs. They can also be easily shared with other people and/or lost.

All of these factors mean that unauthorised people may be allowed to access areas they shouldn’t and lost key cards could be used at any time with malicious intent. There is cost to replace them and a great deal of inconvenience and wasted time is caused if codes need to be reset. All of these factors combine to compromise the security of your building and assets, placing your business operations and employee safety at risk.

The benefits of biometrics access control systems

By contrast, biometric access control systems will use the unique characteristics of a person, usually their voice, finger print or eye pattern to identify the person trying to gain access. Each of these biometrics are unique to that one individual and without stating the obvious, someone is highly unlikely to forget or lose their finger or eyeball.

The advantage is therefore that the risk of an unauthorised person entering is reduced. If the compared information matches what is stored within the system, the biometric access control system will allow that person to access the building or areas they are allowed to enter.

Of course, people can still double entry at the same time, but training and education can also help to ensure employees know this is practice is discouraged. Some businesses where highly confidential operations or information is stored may deem this to be a disciplinary offence.

Are biometric systems the best?

This is not to say that traditional access control systems are not effective or the right choice for your business as indeed a combination of systems could be installed to different areas within the same building. However, there many factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing which access control system is right for your business. These factors may include:

• Sensitivity of business activities and the risk to operations
• The availability of resources to administer the system
• Number of employees
• Benefits v budget available

 As approved SSAIB security installers Tecserv offers a broad range of building access control solutions. We can also offer cost effective access control system servicing and maintenance agreements supported by a team of fully qualified service engineers who are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means you can rest assured your people, processes and property are protected.