Ingersoll Rand biometric access control systems provides helping hand to Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union

Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union uses standalone Schlage biometric HandKey reader from Ingersoll Rand

Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies announced today that the Augusta Metro Federal Credit Union (Augusta, Ga.) is using a standalone Schlage biometric HandKey reader to provide its customers with self-service access to the safe deposit vault.

"When we completed our brand new state-of-the-art building in July of 2008, we incorporated the latest in technological advances for our customers," asserts Butch Holley, credit union vice president. "In addition to our teller ‘pod' concept and individual cash dispensing machines, we decided to use the hand reader to let customers access their safe deposit boxes on their own, without assistance from a credit union employee."

According to Holley, a customer simply punches in a code on the hand reader, presents her hand to the unit and, once verified, the bullet-proof glass door opens. At the same time, the individual's safe deposit box opens and nobody can enter the vault until that customer puts away her deposit box.

The biometric hand geometry reader simultaneously analyses more than 31,000 points and instantaneously records more than 90 separate measurements of an individual's hand, including length, width, thickness and surface area, to verify the person's identification. The verification process takes only a second.

"The reader is very easy to use and people were excited about it when we introduced it," Holley says. "In addition to customer convenience, we realise cost efficiencies by not having to pull a teller or another employee away from their work to help someone into the safe deposit vault.

"We didn't consider any alternatives to the Schlage HandKey reader," Holley adds. "We are very familiar with the Schlage brand and how other financial institutions are using it in similar applications. I would and have recommended it to other organisations."