Biometric access enhances building security, efficiency and convenience

Indeed, survey data for ASSA ABLOY’s most recent edition of the biennial Wireless Access Control Report shows that a vast majority of professionals (91%) now view biometrics as a useful access and authentication technology. More than half of respondents (58%) already deploy the technology to some extent, according to the Report. This enthusiasm is reflected in market trends data. The use of biometric access technology is forecasted at 8.4% CAGR through 2029.

Benefits for users and security managers

Biometrics’ adoption is easy to understand. Its main benefits are always relevant to facilities and building managers: security, cost, and convenience.

The access security advantages of biometrics are well established. An individual’s biometric traits are unique. No one can share or ‘lose’ their biometric data, unlike a smartcard or smartphone. Biometric credentials do not ‘wear out’ and need replacement, like a keycard does. It is near-impossible for biometric credentials to fall into the hands of an unauthorized user. This inevitably enhances the protection of premises.

The security of biometrics explains why it is increasingly trusted for smartphone banking. According to Apple, for example, the “probability that a random person in the population could… unlock [a device] using Face ID is less than 1 in 1,000,000”.

Replacing cards and fobs with biometrics also saves organizations’ money. There is no longer any need to issue users with a smartcard or fob – and no administrative burden when people inevitable lose or misplace a credential.

Because the smartphone has now penetrated almost every corner of daily life, biometrics are familiar to most. People already rely on them to unlock smartphones, or to validate mobile banking and other sensitive applications.

Equipping entrances and other key openings with biometric access devices, then, gives building users a frictionless experience. Staff entry is streamlined – without keys, cards, or badges – and delays are minimized. Handling one-off visitors and fixed-term contractors is simplified. Biometric identification can also be hygienic and contactless.

Award-winning biometric access solutions

Three devices from Control iD, part of a suite of connected Digital Access Solutions from ASSA ABLOY, helps organizations to deliver biometrics effectively and cost-efficiently.

Named Biometric Product of the Year at the Kings Excellence Awards, the iDFace reader refutes any perception of biometrics as a niche or high-end technology. Cost-effective and easy to install, it can authenticate up to 30,000 different faces with inbuilt liveness protection. By combining face, RFID, passcode, and/or QR-based entry in one device, the reader simplifies implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) to increase security at a main entrance or separate sensitive areas within a building.

The flagship iDFace Max reader can detect up to 100,000 different faces in demanding high-traffic and low-light environments, including outdoors (IP65). The capacitive display, high-quality speaker, and metallic body together streamline usage and ensure long-term durability. iDFace Max also supports the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) and offers optional Power-over-Ethernet (PoE).

Control iD’s fingerprint reader, the iDAccess Pro reader, brings reliable, convenient control and 2FA, via RFID and/or passcode. Its high-performance optics can identify up to 100,000 different fingerprints, with fast access powered by a 1.2 GHz quad-core processor.

All three devices can operate as standalone solutions for a single door. They also integrate seamlessly with a new or existing access management solution, including ASSA ABLOY Primo.