Fingerprint scanner

Sargent and Greenleaf (S&G), a global manufacturer of high security locks and locking systems, announces the official launch of their innovative new I-Series Keypad, one of the industry’s first and only keypad offering secure, instant upgrades. With this future-proof design, the new I-Series Keypad replaces standard safe lock keypads with ease of installation and enhanced features for total control and flexibility. “For too long, security has followed a predictable path,” commented Mark LeMire, S&G CEO. “It’s time to strike out in a new direction with products designed to answer end-user needs now and well into the future.” Biometric and network solutions An updated, brushed black aluminum casing houses a biometric finger scan and user-friendly LCD touchscreen “The new I-Series Keypad reflects an industry-wide growing demand for biometric and network-enabled solutions and gives the end user instant access to the latest and greatest all-inclusive security solutions,” said Devon Ratliff, S&G director of engineering. “As needs evolve, this keypad evolves right with them, placing full control of their safe security directly into the hands of the end user.” Features/benefits of the S&G I-Series Keypad: Future-proof design - Designed to fit today’s intuitive user experience and support ongoing enhancements, the I-Series Keypad fits standard safe lock keypad footprints with a modern, streamlined aesthetic. An updated, brushed black aluminum casing houses a biometric finger scan and user-friendly LCD touchscreen, with proven impact-resistance and durability. The screen exceeds UL impact protocol, resulting in a keypad that is built to last. Instant upgrades - Through the S&G secure mobile app with advanced encryption, consumers, banks, and businesses possess the real-time, leading-edge security of instant upgrades. Features and functionality are customisable and immediate. No more waiting on equipment or costly physical upgrades. Audit and encryption features Empowering modern markets - The I-Series Keypad supports three methods of entry: touchscreen keypad, biometric finger scan, or touch-free mobile app. Flexibility renders the I-Series ideal for a wide range of applications: financial institutions searching for high-security options will appreciate the advanced audit and encryption features and instant access to the latest security upgrades; businesses benefit from the low-touch entry and high-durability construction, along with the significant time and resource savings delivered via instant field upgrades; and for consumers seeking to upgrade to a more modern look, the I-Series Keypad offers an understated aesthetic and sleek functionality to fit today’s smart homes. Security Reimagined - With a renewed commitment to quality and innovation, the S&G new forward-thinking solutions are designed to meet customer needs now and also keep products relevant for the future. Every solution is carefully designed and rigorously tested against international standards to deliver even greater value over time. Biometric fingerprint entry “That’s our promise,” LeMire added. “We keep an eye on what’s ahead, so our customers stay secure.” One of the first and only safe lock on the market that allows in the field-Instant upgrades with enhanced features for total control and flexibility. Available in matte black finish and will be sold separately or with 6 lock body options. Features Include: Network & Bluetooth connectivity allows for instant upgrades at any time Premium LCD screen - scratch & fingerprint resistant display exceeds UL impact testing standards Impact-resistant design and tough metal casing for enhanced durability Three (3) Secure, flexible entry access methods - Touchscreen Code Entry, Biometric Fingerprint Entry, and S&G Mobile App Entry User-friendly screen with clearly visible numbers that illuminate for day and night usage Easy push-button cover removal for battery change Quick & Easy Installation - Installs in minutes with only a standard screwdriver and fits standard keypad footprints. No drilling is needed.

Bosch Security Systems has released version 4.8 of its Building Integration System (BIS) which offers safe, touchless access control solutions to curb the spread of viruses like Covid-19. Secure access control solution BIS 4.8 supports biometric and mobile device authentication and provides building managers enhanced integration of fire panels and intrusion panels to ensure the security of buildings. The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused building operators to rethink their access control solutions In light of the global COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, building operators need to rethink their access control solutions. Instead of systems that require physical touch and thereby increase the risk of virus transmission, contactless solutions that still meet the highest security guidelines are preferable. BIS 4.8, Building Integration System In response to these requirements, BIS 4.8 expands on the trusted features and benefits of version 4.7 to now work with three different touchless solutions that safeguard personal health: Face recognition - BIS 4.8 has been redesigned to work with the face recognition solution from Idemia. The face recognition device obtains a biometric scan from a safe distance and matches facial features with credentials in an encrypted database. Doors and gates open via the BIS Access Engine and the Bosch Access Modular Controller (AMC2). Touchless fingerprint readers - Integrated with Idemia’s Morphowave reader, BIS 4.8 controls access via a touchless fingerprint scan. A simple wave of the hand in front of the touchless sensor triggers a 3D scan of four fingers. Access rights are confirmed within less than one second by the system's fingerprint database for a clean and highly secure solution. Access via mobile phones - In conjunction with the mobile access control solutions from STid and HID, BIS 4.8 allows users to use their mobile phone instead of a card for access at the secure reader. For STid’s Mobile ID, the method requires a STid reader, while a Bosch Lectus secure reader works with HID’s Mobile Access solution. Users only need to install an app to verify access rights and use the safe, wireless technology. Aside from facilitating contactless access, all three solutions are also intuitive, quick and convenient compared to keycards and similar methods as there is no need to carry an access card or remember a password in order to gain entry to a building or area. Seamless fire and intrusion panel integration Combining BIS 4.8 with Bosch B and G Series intrusion panels unlock a new level of convenience Combining BIS 4.8 with Bosch B and G Series intrusion panels or MAP 5000 panels unlocks a new level of convenience. Users require only one authorisation badge to control two systems. Disarming areas of the intrusion system and granting access can be realised with the same badge on the same reader, without entering a PIN code for easy, one-step authorisation. Improved flexibility and efficiency With the introduction of version 4.8, BIS continues to unify the management of multiple security and safety domains and maximise flexibility for key customer requirements. New features include: Integration of the latest Bosch Avenar 2000 and 8000 fire panels and peripherals, along with command and control via BIS, with devices and status shown on maps, and events managed more intuitively via an alarm list. User authorisation for Bosch B and G Series intrusion panels are managed directly within BIS for up to 2,000 users on as many as 25 intrusion panels, instead of handling authorisations separately on each of the 25 panels. Central overview of all existing access and B and G Series intrusion authorisations for the complete installation within one system. With these updates, BIS 4.8 helps operators meet the health and safety demands of the new reality without compromising on functionality and security. As a centralised platform for operational building management, the new version of BIS offers greater convenience, flexibility, and efficiency.

The greatest challenge that the energy sector faces in modern times is how to meet the continuously changing risk factors and addressing all of the necessary security aspects. Considering their unique infrastructure, expensive and sensitive materials onboard, and sometimes even classified national assets, energy facilities and critical infrastructures will always be subject to varied security threats. With hundreds of oil refineries, nuclear power plants, research reactors and fuel cycle facilities in operation worldwide, preventing certain materials from falling into the hands of adversaries or threat elements who seeks to steal or even harm the station operators is the top priority of the corporations’ security teams. Use of explosive devices in energy sector attacks The overwhelming majority of attacks (74%) on energy targets, between 2010 and 2014, were carried out by the use of explosive devices, while facility and infrastructure attacks, including arson and sabotage tactics, were the second most common (CEI Security Stakeholder Group Manifest). In April 2013, terrorists used high-powered rifles to destroy several transformers at a transmission substation in California in an incident that incurred more than US$ 15 million in damages and required nearly a month to restore. Robust layer-upon-layer security network Energy plants are among North America’s most protected private sector facilities Still, energy plants are among North America’s most protected private sector facilities. They are extremely robust structures that, by design and construction, are very challenging to penetrate. These structures, a well-trained security force and strict access controls for operators and visitors provide a robust layer-upon-layer comprehensive security network. The security level increases as one gets closer to the ‘owner-controlled area’, which is fenced and secured by advanced systems and well-armed security officers. This security ring typically shields the reactor, the control room, the used fuel pool and the central security alarm stations. The systems provide: High-quality scanned images, Smart compare capabilities for the inspection of recurring vehicles, Fraud prevention tools backed by a unique vehicle ID, Full integration to barriers, bollards and access control systems, Automatic detection of illicit materials or unauthorised access on the first pass, COVID-19 compatible: Driver and passenger fever detection capabilities. Helios UVIS by UVeye Access to the owner-controlled area should be limited and protected by an automated access control system that integrates with the alarmed security doors and response system connected to federal or local law enforcement agencies, which can assist in the event of an attack. Helios UVIS by UVeye helps ensure that all measures are taken to control vehicles’ access to sensitive energy facilities and protect them from such risks. Helios UVIS is designed to detect illicit materials being smuggled in, prevent theft, and thwart unauthorised access or other malicious acts in and around the secured facility. UV Inspect, advanced vehicle pass solution UV Inspect can be used for vehicles that have not been previously scanned by a system Offering single- or multi-lane units, as well as stationary or mobile units, UVeye’s advanced deep learning algorithms were developed through training with millions of vehicles and allow UVeye to offer its first pass solution, UV Inspect. Built on a truly intimate understanding of what a wide range of vehicles are supposed to look like in various environmental conditions, UV Inspect can be used for vehicles that have not been previously scanned by a system. UVeye is the only under-vehicle inspection system (UVIS or UVSS) vendor to offer a verified first-pass solution that significantly increases security teams’ effectiveness. UV Compare, license plate or fingerprint ID recognition Another key feature from Helios is called UV Compare, which enables it to recognise previously scanned vehicles by their license plate or unique undercarriage fingerprint ID, and compare it to previous scans. Individuals who are granted access to the facility or protected area, whether they are employees, contractors or visitors, become part of this database. This feature can also help detect tiny objects such as paper bags, phones, miniature hard disks and other contraband. Securing confidential materials Due to their complex environment and sensitive information, energy sites are a target for technology and data theft scenarios. The physical protection of energy plants and associated facilities must include vehicle access point inspection to ensure these security systems’ effectiveness against defined risk factors by UVeye’s tailored security level, answering a wide range of security requirements. Given the industry’s unique work conditions and the varied types of vehicles accessing these facilities, Helios can withstand up to 40,000 pounds (20 tons) per axle, meaning that it will survive being driven over by even massive vehicles like trucks or SUVs. Durable with built-in thermal sensor Helios is also designed to respond to weather variation, such as daily changes in temperature Helios is also designed to respond to weather variation, such as daily changes in temperature, storms and weather hazards. It is fully operational at temperatures between 68°F and 104°F (20° and 40° Celsius) and is IP 68/54 compliant, meaning it offers full protection against sand, dust and rain. UVeye’s built-in thermal sensor can detect the body temperatures of the passengers in vehicles entering the site’s access roads, assuring the safety and security of everyone in and around the facility. Multi-layer access control security UVeye fully supports third-party integration and provides multiple layers of security for any facility. Integrations available and made in the past include: ALPR System Face Detection/Recognition Arm Barriers/Bollards VMS (Video Management System)​ Centralised data management system Centralised management system allows the client to access multiple systems and manage historical data Integrating to the centralised server provides the capability of connecting multiple systems or lanes across different sites, while also enabling central management and control via one screen. The centralised management system allows the client to access multiple systems and manage the other users and historical data. The undercarriage is one of the most critical parts of the vehicle to inspect and one of the most challenging areas to examine. Helios is the perfect solution to prevent any weapons or other illegal and dangerous items from entering energy facilities. Enhanced data security Integrating it with additional security and access control systems can provide a multi-layered approach to tighten the entry and exit points to any sensitive site while keeping personnel and data safe.

UVeye, a globally renowned developer of vehicle threat-detection systems for the security industry, is introducing technology that can create a virtual ‘fingerprint’ for any vehicle that receives an UVeye underbody scan. The company will host a free SIA (Security Industry Association) webinar on ‘How to Fingerprint Vehicles Using Computer Vision’ at 12:00 p.m. EDT. The company’s CEO, Amir Hever and Chief Marketing Officer, Yaron Saghiv plan to discuss how Computer Learning and Artificial Intelligence technology can be used to identify vehicle fraud and security threats based on underbody scans. UVeye underbody scan Amir Hever, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at UVeye stated, “A vehicle with stolen license plates, for example, could easily be identified in the future with an UVeye underbody scan. We’ll also be discussing how digital fingerprints can be used at data centers, correctional facilities, airports, border crossings, hotel entrances and seaports to name just a few potential use cases.” The company earlier this year introduced UV Inspect, technology that for the first time can instantly identify bombs, weapons, drugs and other security threats concealed in the undercarriage of new or unfamiliar vehicles. Helios underbody scanning systems The company’s mobile and stationary Helios underbody scanning systems when equipped with UV Inspect software now can provide law enforcement agencies and security professionals with the ability to automatically pinpoint threats on vehicles that are not in security databases, offering an entirely new level of protection. The company’s proprietary algorithms, cloud architecture, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence and machine-learning technologies complete necessary vehicle checks within seconds. UVeye undercarriage threat-detection systems UVeye undercarriage threat-detection systems can scan vehicles traveling up to 25 mph (35 km/h) First introduced in 2016, UVeye undercarriage threat-detection systems can scan vehicles traveling up to 25 mph (35 km/h), helping to improve traffic flow at check points and border crossings even under extreme weather conditions. Stationary Helios systems utilise five high-resolution multi-directional cameras, which work under extreme weather conditions, support single- and multi-lane traffic configurations and can support vehicle weights of up to 20 tons per axle. UV Compare by UVeye In addition to Helios and UV Inspect, the company’s arsenal of detection technologies includes UV Compare, a deep-learning system that monitors traffic trends to identify changes that might signal safety concerns and license plate recognition (LPR) software to assist with vehicle fingerprinting. UVeye’s technology initially was developed for the security industry to detect weapons, explosives and other threats. The company later expanded its product offerings to help solve safety and quality-related challenges within the automotive industry. Atlas vehicle inspection system      In addition to Helios, its automotive products include Atlas, a 360-degree external-vehicle inspection system and Artemis, a system to check tire wear and quality. The company has offices in the regions of Cleveland, Ohio, and Stamford, Connecticut, USA.

HID Global, a worldwide provider of trusted identity solutions, announced the expansion of its biometrics identification management solutions to police departments and military installations around the globe. A large police force that covers a major capital city in Europe is using its HID NOMAD 30 Pocket Reader for rapid suspect identification in the field. Initially launched for Android platforms, the solution’s SDK is now available for iOS devices. This extends Bring-Your-Own-Device (BYOD) benefits to a wider scope of clients who seek a truly flexible and mobile single-fingerprint verification solution. Mobile biometric solutions “The expansion of our offering to include iOS platforms broadens the adaptability and application of our mobile biometric solutions and equips our customers - from law enforcement to military officials - with the confidence to achieve rapid identification anywhere,” said Jessica Westerouen van Meeteren, VP and Managing Director, Citizen Identity with HID Global. “Ensuring that our portfolio of proven solutions is optimised with the latest, best-in-class capabilities to create safer societies is key to our mission as a global leader in trusted identities.” Biometric reader hardware The HID NOMAD 30 Pocket Reader’s rapid identification capabilities offer improved operational efficiency The HID NOMAD 30 Pocket Reader’s PIV-certified sensor enables end-users, such as law enforcement officers, to quickly capture and verify single fingerprints against databases and eliminates the need to transport suspects to a central booking station. With Android and iOS availability driving wider adoption, officers can simply pair their own mobile devices with the biometric reader hardware and perform watchlist matching within minutes while in the field, leaving custody space open for confirmed offenders. The HID NOMAD 30 Pocket Reader’s rapid identification capabilities offer improved operational efficiency and reduce time and booking costs associated with processing a suspect in a police station. During the first year of deployment, one city saw a six-fold increase in the number of suspects identified and more than $600,000 in savings. Extending biometrics to military bases As a provider of mobile biometrics, HID Global also provides a broad range of biometric identity management solutions to customers beyond law enforcement. One of the company’s many offerings include the HID SEEK Avenger rugged handheld biometric reader that is used by military bases around the world to accurately identify individuals and provide access to their premises. The solution captures high-quality fingerprints and IAP-40 compliant iris images for verification against as many as 250,000 records and offers offline functionality in harsh environments where connectivity is compromised. HID recently extended the HID SEEK Avenger biometric reader with several features, such as support for Windows 10, an upgraded camera, double the memory and hard drive capacity for enhanced speed and performance, which expands upon its powerful watchlist matching capabilities.

Johnson Controls has announced the release of the Innometriks Cheetah SE Bio High Assurance Smart Card Reader with fingerprint biometric matching. Seamless integration with PACS The Innometriks Cheetah SE Bio High Assurance Smart Card Reader’s advanced system and seamless architecture allow for efficient integration with a range of physical access control systems (PACS) with its secure and open-based OSDP protocol. With this update, enrollments are captured and stored in a central database and matched via OSDP or stored directly on a smartcard, When an individual touches a biometric sensor at an access point, the biometric fingerprint image will be captured and compared against the reference template for secure and fast matching. This event is then communicated to the physical access control systems (PACS) to grant the individual instant and authorised access to the requested location. Innometriks Cheetah SE Bio High Assurance Smart Card Reader Innometriks Cheetah SE Bio supports Software House RM Reader functionality for new and existing installations The Innometriks Cheetah SE Bio High Assurance Smart Card Reader offers a low cost, highly secure biometric reader solution that meets implementation paths for Federal Government agencies and non-governmental organisations with guidelines for the incremental rollout of Personal Identification Verification (PIV) enabled access points. The Innometriks Cheetah SE Bio supports Software House RM Reader functionality for new and existing installations as well as the industry standard SIA OSDP protocol. Support for commercial industry smart cards Easy to deploy, as well as flexible in design, the biometrics smart card reader provides tiered authentication levels and the ability to read FIPS-201 based credentials (PIV, PIV-1, CIV, CAC, TWIC). Innometriks Cheetah SE Bio reader also supports commercial industry 13.56 MHz smart cards such as MIFARE, iCLASS, DESFire and DESFire EV1/EV2.

Recently contacted by your credit card company because of a data breach or were you a victim of identity theft?  Many of us have either been affected by identity theft or know someone who has been affected. Many consumers are seeking a secure environment that is also user-friendly. Businesses are seeking the same, with absolute certainty, that only valid users can access critical data. How can your company tackle these security and usability requirements while ensuring customer satisfaction? Today's three primary biometric modalities are fingerprint, facial and iris, and each has its own strengths and weaknesses but due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, touchless is highly preferred. Any company claiming their technology is best for all applications is likely being disingenuous. The key is to first prove a biometric is required, and once decided, the following five steps will help select the best biometric modality and supplier. Today's three primary biometric modalities are fingerprint, facial and iris, and each has its own strengths and weaknessesBiometrics can provide a mechanism to tackle these issues head-on by moving from what you know (password) and have (ID card) to who you are (your biometric), which dramatically increases the level of security while also being user-friendly. But how is the best biometric modality selected for an upcoming product? User interaction Start by defining the planned customer usage model, including the typical user, normal or desired interaction, and product in-field environment and placement, as well as any strategic plans. Think through the clothing the users will wear (e.g., face masks), the height of the users, hygiene requirements and opt-in requirements. Decide how quickly the biometric must respond and test this during the POC testing. The better the enrollment image (template), the better the matching performance and overall user experience. Biometric storage Start by defining the planned customer usage model, including the typical user, normal or desired interaction, and product in-field environment and placement, as Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, touchless is highly preferredwell as any strategic plans. Think through the clothing the users will wear (e.g., face masks), the height of the users, hygiene requirements and opt-in requirements. Decide how quickly the biometric must respond and test this during the POC testing. The better the enrollment image (template), the better the matching performance and overall user experience. Cost and security Start by selecting which product lines will use the biometric and establishing the desired price point(s). Decide how the biometric will fit into the product and get bulk pricing to understand unit costs at volume. Software is typically handled as a license fee and often negotiable. The production cost per unit decreases as volumes increase. Choose the biometric modality that best meets functional and security requirements while hitting the targeted price. The biometric security level required depends on the assets being protected and the matching usage model. A 1:1 model, such as a cellphone, may be fine with a low-security biometric application. However, in a 1:N model, such as airport security, requires a more secure biometric such as iris. To select the best biometric for the product, compare each company's false acceptance rate (FAR) and false rejection rate (FRR). FAR indicates the biometrics ability to keep intruders out, while FRR indicates the biometrics ability to allow enrolled users in. Ensure that all biometric companies being considered can provide this information at a minimum. It is better to get each company's detection error trade-off (DET) curve, which shows how FAR and FRR vary relative to each other. Criminal activity Hackers and criminals are always trying to break technology, including biometrics. Be certain each technology has robust presentation attack detection (PAD), which ideally is third-party certified. Understand what if any personally identifiable information (PII) needs to be captured, and decide how the PII will be handled, including who will manage the data (i.e., your company, the biometric supplier or another third party). Be certain that whoever controls the PII uses the latest encryption standards and employs techniques to secure this data in memory, crossing the network and in the biometric database. Understanding the European GDPR Compliance standards if applicable will also be important. Supplier consideration Each supplier being considered should be evaluated throughout the POC testing process. Ensure the supplier is trustworthy, provides good customer support and meets its commitments. Evaluate the supplier's engineering capability and support model to ensure it can support any desired design changes and support your Be certain each technology has robust presentation attack detection (PAD)engineers to deliver the best functioning product. Selecting the best biometric for your exact use case will take some time and effort, but it has the potential to grow your business and delight your customers. Do not shortchange the process and go with the cheapest solution without doing some research. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. 

Recent research shows most access control technology currently in use is not as secure or convenient as many security managers believe, according to day-to-day users of the system. In this HID Global white paper, you will discover what different companies look for in an access control system, why certain legacy access control systems may be vulnerable to attack, and why upgrading to a new access control system can result in huge benefit for enterprises and end users.  Find out more about: Access control new opportunities Main objections to access control systems Is your system as secure as you think? Ineffective access control policies Why upgrading can benefit enterprises Conclusion

Time and attendance has proven to be a successful use of biometric technology traditionally used for controlling access to highly sensitive areas Security technology is increasingly being used to help organisations tackle challenges going far beyond controlling access to office buildings and monitoring parking lot activity. Video, in particular, has become the darling of many markets. Retailers use live and recorded video to assess promotional sales efforts. Manufacturers confirm employees are following mandated safety regulations. Transit officials debunk false liability claims with a review of recorded mobile video. But here’s a relatively new one – biometrics. Long thought perfect for controlling access to highly sensitive public and private research and military facilities, they are showing up in offices, hotels — even in remote fruit fields and sugar processing plants — for employee time and attendance. It’s proven to be a successful use of the broad technology. Risks of mechanical and electronic clocks The process of keeping track of employees’ hours has long been open to fraud and other issues. Mechanical time clocks — in use since the 1800s — and even more modern electronic clocks using magnetic stripe or proximity cards are open to a process known as ‘buddy punching.’ That’s a scheme in which an employee clocks in and/or out for a friend who may be late or not even at work. Mechanical systems are also slow, potentially leading to long queues during shift changes resulting in wasted time and lost productivity. Mechanical cards also need to be keystroked into the payroll system, requiring significant back office time for data entry. Electronic cards can be shared. They may also be lost or stolen, costing additional time and money in back office expense. Even small errors in collecting and processing employee time and attendance can add substantially to the cost of payroll, already a major expense for any organisation. Studies by a leading international human resources consulting firm have shown even small payroll errors and fraud can boost operating costs by up to 10 percent. Biometric time and attendance solution But fraud, delays and lost credentials can be largely eliminated by a biometric solution. Common biometric systems involve hand or fingerprint readers, facial identification or iris recognition. Each technology records and then compares physical characteristics unique to every individual. However, changes in weight, hairstyle, finger or hand size, cuts or even the effects of manual labour can trigger the need for re-enrolment – in all except iris-based solutions. Fraud, delays and lost credentials can be largely eliminated by a biometric solution Iris recognition advantages The structural formation of the human iris (the visible coloured ring around the pupil), is fixed from the first year of life and remains constant. And few people can’t use the technology, as most individuals have at least one eye. Even blind people have successfully used iris recognition. At employee enrolment, iris systems utilise an industry-standard camera to capture an image of the iris. Software converts that to a small template stored in a terminal database. Authentication requires employees to stand roughly 18 inches from an iris reader and the process takes about two seconds. With multiple readers installed, long lines are eliminated. Also eliminated is fraud. Since every user’s iris is unique and required to be present at the reader, time fraud schemes are virtually impossible. The system can also prevent another type of back-office time fraud known as “ghost employees” – non-existent people added to the payroll. Security is also enhanced. The digital templates can’t be used to produce any sort of visual image, affording a high-level of defence against employee identity theft. An iris recognition system can also grant facility access as employee’s clock in for work. Iris recognition case study Here’s an example of how an iris recognition system has benefitted a major Turkish fruit and vegetable grower and one of Europe’s largest providers of juice. The nature of the local work force created a major time-and-attendance challenge. "Fingerprint and facial recognition systems were tried briefly. Facial recognition suffered from workers’ changes in hairstyle, facial hair, glasses and protective gear" New labourers arrive daily seeking work. Once hired, they might work a few days and then leave before returning a week later. Unreliable schedules made standard time cards virtually impossible to manage. The company’s security integrator suggested smart cards as an option. But that wasn’t much of an improvement as authorising, printing, distributing and tracking cards for thousands of on-and-off workers continued the human resources nightmare. Also, improper use of the cards threatened to cut into the company’s profits. Both fingerprint and facial recognition systems were tried briefly. The constant cuts and scars workers get from the manual labour impaired the accuracy of readers. Facial recognition suffered from workers’ changes in hairstyle, facial hair, glasses and protective gear. Daily payroll reports are transmitted to the company’s Istanbul headquarters using wide area networks in the fields and satellite communication. Software links the received data to a payroll module which automatically calculates employee hours and produces paychecks. The system currently has more than 10,000 enrolled workers. More are being added on an almost daily basis. Once a worker is in the system, it doesn’t matter how often he may leave. When he returns, the iris system immediately recognises him. Also, the contactless iris-based technology inhibits the transfer of virus or bacteria as there is no direct employee contact with the biometric readers. If these systems can work in remote areas of Turkey, they can certainly work in downtown Boston. And they do. There, a boutique hotel uses iris-based identity authentication to keep the hours of its employees. The same system also allows VIP guests to enter their suites without a key card. Reductions in cost Recent reductions in both product and deployment costs have made using biometrics, including iris recognition, a practical time and attendance investment for organisations of almost any size and in any location. Of course, biometrics still remains the go-to choice for protecting sensitive locations and international borders, as well as national identity and voter registration programmes.

As the deal/no deal prospects of Brexit are tossed in a whirlwind of UK and EU politics, the uncertainty of the back-and-forth has broadly impacted general economic trends, and by extension, the physical security market. The new deadline for a Brexit agreement is October 31, already postponed six months from the scheduled April 12 departure date. Numbers show that Britain’s GDP shrank in the second quarter, possibly reflecting fewer exports because of Brexit uncertainty. And beyond the current indecision lies the long-term impact of a possible change in trading status between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Other issues include capital flow and labor mobility. Brexit uncertainty leading to security concerns Loss of shared information with the EU will make the UK less safe “Companies … are unclear about their future,” comments Martin Warren of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. “Companies are making decisions now about jobs, supply chains, headquarters and asset locations, incurring significant, and possibly unnecessary, cost and upheaval.” Warren fears the destructive effects of a ‘no deal’ outcome and hopes politicians will break the deadlock and restore business confidence. Security implications of Brexit extend beyond economics. Loss of shared information with the EU will make the UK less safe. Extradition across EU borders will be more difficult, and exchange of data such as fingerprints and vehicle registrations is at risk. The Irish border after Brexit is of particular concern to security professionals. Countering threat of international terrorism Robert Hall of London First and Alison Wakefield of Security Institute say the security impact of departing the EU will be long lasting and profound. “In security terms, the UK will still have to contend with international terrorism, transnational crime and the global movement of people, all challenges that require wide scale cooperation.” They add that leaving the EU will require “a significant investment in people, resources and databases to cope with the anticipated volumes of traffic through ports, airports and tunnels.” Analyst company IHS Markit earlier commented about the impact on the security industry of Brexit’s drag on the UK economy, “Access control, intruder and fire alarm markets typically track construction rates closely and are forecast to be affected most. However, a large cut to infrastructure spending would be just as damaging to the video surveillance market.” UK security companies prefer ‘soft exit’ from EU If a ‘soft exit’ trade deal is not negotiated, the UK would have to revert to WTO trade rules If a ‘soft exit’ trade deal is not negotiated, the UK would have to revert to World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade rules, which means tariffs on trade between the UK and the EU, says IHS Markit. There are five British-based access-control and intruder-alarm vendors supplying the European market in significant quantity – each with revenue exceeding $10 million. IHS Markit estimates these companies combined account for less than 10 percent of total European, Middle-Eastern and African (EMEA) market revenues for both industries.  Uncertain future of UK security marketplace Asset protection specialist VPS Security Services has warned that the ongoing Brexit saga will likely lead to a rise in vacant commercial and residential properties as developers and investors are more reluctant to move forward with their UK real estate strategies. Seemingly endless machinations and shifting proposals are making the eventual outcome of Brexit very much a guessing game. Uncertainty translates into a volatile and changing outlook, and the eventual impact on the broader economy is an open question. As a reflection of that economy, the security marketplace will inevitably feel the economic impact, too, not to mention the new security challenges likely to ensue.

“These are children. There is no reason to scan a kid. Just because the government can do this is no reason the government should be doing this.” The impassioned argument, quoted by The Florida Current, comes from a Florida state legislator who introduced a bill aimed at stopping public school systems from collecting biometric data on children. The ominous-sounding practice actually has a practical side – use of a fingerprint or palm scan can enable a school system to get thousands of students through a lunch line in a short period of time. The schools have found a quick fingerprint scan is faster, and more secure, than use of an identity card or PIN number. The system has been used in 83 schools for several years in one district and reflects an investment of $300,000, according to the newspaper. The system could also be used to identify parents, employees and volunteers, which could help to prevent strangers from sneaking into a school function.  It may fall to those in the security market who understand the technology to provide the needed information to defuse concerns The proposed bill, which is “pending reference review,” would provide for parental notification of data collected on students by schools. (It also would require the school to phase out Social Security numbers, replaced by a unique ID number developed by the state Department of Education.) I'm not sure exactly what the problem is with “scanning a kid,” as long as there are no adverse health effects, a concern I am sure has been addressed (and in any case was not an argument presented in Florida against the technology). I don't have a problem with parental notification; it's the underlying attitude toward technology implied in the bill that I find troubling. As I understand it, the intent of biometric systems is to confirm an identity. A student enrols in the system with a fingerprint or palm print scan, and the system stores only data points from that scan, which are compared with data points when the individual uses the system again. The system doesn't actually store a complete fingerprint, and there is no massive centralized database of children's fingerprints that could be stolen or otherwise compromised. If I'm wrong, someone correct me – please. Too often, negative responses to technology are based on misunderstanding. Emotions can get in the way of information. It may fall to those in the security market who understand the technology to provide the needed information to defuse concerns. UPDATE: Florida’s Senate Bill 188, which imposes a blanket prohibition on the use of biometric identification technology within the Florida public school system, was signed into law by Gov. Rick Scott on May 12, 2014. This despite a letter from the Security Industry Association opposing the bill. SIA’s letter read in part: “While SIA understands the legislature’s concern for protecting the privacy of Florida students, we are troubled that widespread misperceptions about the nature and use of biometrics technology has enabled passage of the bill without a thorough debate examining the student safety and local economic implications — and despite any reported cases of identity theft or misuse of information collected by such systems.” 

Boon Edam Inc., a globally renowned company in security entrances and architectural revolving doors, has announced that Dexus Wholesale Property Fund has upgraded the Gateway Building in Sydney’s Circular Quay to feature entry security measures to protect employees, visitors and valuable data. The ideal solution was found by integrating Boon Edam Speedlane Swing optical turnstiles, IDEMIA’s MorphoWave touchless fingerprint scanners, Schindler’s elevator dispatch and Honeywell’s access control technology. Integration with MorphoWave touchless reader MorphoWave scans and verifies four fingerprints through a simple hand wave gesture Gateway’s access solution allows authorised and registered tenants to simply wave their hand in the MorphoWave touchless fingerprint scanner reader to enter the secure area through the turnstiles. Guests can sign in and register their finger pattern to become authorised to enter. MorphoWave scans and verifies four fingerprints through a simple hand wave gesture, during which the sensor takes several 3D photos of the fingerprints to extract biometric data and compare with the authorised fingerprints stored in the device. If they match, the user is granted access. This process all happens in less than one second. Featuring Schindler’s PORT Technology Each MorphoWave reader is connected to Schindler’s PORT Technology, which then receives the user’s credential data and conducts a cross-check with the building’s access control database. If the user is valid, a command is sent to the Boon Edam Lifeline Speedlane Swing to open its barriers. This interaction is surprisingly quick, with limited latency. “Tenants have a duty of care to protect their employees and visitors as well as valuable data and intellectual property, and they need the cooperation and support of a responsible and innovative building manager such as Dexus to manage secure entry into the building,” said Michael Fisher, Managing Director, Boon Edam Australia. Seamless access control integration A major part of the solution involves elevator destination control, whereby a user’s credentials are automatically assigned an elevator as they are verified and allowed access through the turnstile. This seamless integration was facilitated by an existing global partnership between Boon Edam and Schindler. The partnership arranged for Schindler’s PORT 4 mini technology to be embedded into the Speedlane Swing optical turnstiles at the manufacturing stage in the Boon Edam factory. Using an advanced algorithm and the integrated Schindler PORT 4 mini elevator destination control for visual and audio feedback, an elevator is automatically assigned, at the same time the turnstile is opening, allowing for optimum efficiency. The security is controlled by Honeywell’s access control system, integrated with Schindler’s PORT Technology. Honeywell access control system Honeywell has managed the security and building management systems for the Gateway building since 1990 Honeywell has been managing the security and building management systems for the Gateway building since it was first opened in 1990. Honeywell Asia-Pacific Solution Architect Leader Rhys Crabb said “Early engagement at all stages and a commitment to a collaborative approach enabled Dexus to select the best available technologies. Dexus placed customer outcomes first and foremost in the project brief, ensuring the delivery of a product that provided tenants and visitors with a premium, modern and secure user experience that is flexible and easy to use.” Boon Edam optical turnstiles Mr. Stephen Hodge, Senior Project Manager, Dexus, said “With so many stakeholders, and a strong need for reliability and quality, it was important that everyone knew the goals of the project and worked well together. I’m pleased to say that it was like a perfect jigsaw and everything came together smoothly." Stephen adds, “What was important to Dexus is that we were pushing the boundaries to create better experiences, but we’re only doing so with proven products. Boon Edam’s optical turnstiles have been installed globally and locally, and this gave us added confidence that they were the right product for this forward-looking project.” Enhanced building security “Another significant help with this project was that the companies involved built a prototype, located at Schindler’s Head Office based in Sydney, so that the Dexus management and technical teams could test the solution well in advance of implementing it at Gateway,” Hodge continued. He further stated, “It gave us peace of mind that we’d selected the right suppliers. We have tenants in Gateway who requested ground floor security, so we went out to tender to seek the best combination of sophisticated security and elegance, without being obtrusive to the building’s users.” Touchless fingerprint scanners for privacy Touchless fingerprint scanners were chosen to control access to secured floors and areas of the building Touchless fingerprint scanners were chosen to control access to secured floors and areas of the building, because they provide an extra level of privacy that was attractive to tenants. “A computer algorithm converts each person’s unique fingerprint signature into binary code, zeroes and ones, and uses that code to grant access,” explained Mr. Hodge, adding “Boon Edam turnstiles have the ability to integrate facial recognition, which could be highly valuable in other projects, but the fingerprint scanners were the right fit for this building. Boon Edam made it simple to integrate the scanners with their optical turnstiles, which helped us meet project deadlines.” Effective management of system installations For such a complex project, installation always has its challenges, including managing installation work as people continue to use the building. Mr. Bill Garrett, Facility Manager at Gateway Building, was impressed by Boon Edam’s service and installation team. He said, “The Boon Edam installation team always ensured safety was the number one priority and they did a quality job, even with some very difficult-to-access areas.” Garrett adds, “I’m delighted with the result of the project. One of the major benefits of the new entry system is that there’s a dedicated underground entrance for tradespeople, couriers and deliveries, which removes congestion and bulky carts from the main lobby. It’s all about enhancing the user experience, and Gateway will set a new benchmark for a seamless, secure and aesthetically pleasing entry.” Staged approach towards system implementation The testing, combined with the staged approach, allowed for a smooth transition to the new security technology" Mr. Garrett explained that to get tenants used to a totally new system, they adopted a staged approach. At first, the turnstiles were put into place but left in the open position and after an initial period, some of the turnstiles were closed so that tenants could try entering using the new technology, if they wished. Finally, the entire system was fully implemented. “In addition to this staged approach, we met with key tenants and allowed them to test the system in advance. The testing, combined with the staged approach, allowed for a smooth transition to the new security technology,” said Garrett. Scope of touchless access control technologies Now that the technology has been successfully rolled out at Gateway, Dexus is looking at other locations that could utilise the same harmony of security technologies. “We are continuing to assess opportunities to implement touchless technologies in new developments as well as in our existing buildings,” said Mr. Hodge. “The stylish and secure entrance at Gateway has been ideal through the COVID-19 pandemic. It manages flow, queries guests on recent visits to pandemic hotspots, if they are feeling any symptoms, and can record all entrants to the building, helping us meet government requirements. And the same features will be beneficial in a broader context, too, to help mitigate against unauthorised entry,” concludes Hodge. Dexus is actively exploring the possibility of rolling out similar security entrance systems in other buildings, thereby delivering the seamless balance of security and elegance.

IDEMIA, the globally renowned company in Augmented Identity, moved to its new headquarters in September 2018, in an 11-floor building located in La Défense business district, in Paris, France. The building brings together 1,300 employees out of total worldwide staff strength of close to 15,000 people. Biometric access control Due to the sensitive nature of its activities in this building, and given its position on the biometrics market, IDEMIA decided to deploy biometric access control throughout the entire building, a first in this business district and a fantastic opportunity to showcase IDEMIA’s flagship products in real life. Most employees get to the office via nearby metro and tram stations, and therefore, arrive within the same 30-minute window. This creates the need for a high throughput access control solution, for entrance and exit peak-times. Access to the six elevators serving the eleven floors is given after a first control at speed gates in the lobby area. MorphoWave Compact devices deployed IDEMIA opted for MorphoWave Compact associated to Digicon’s dFlow speedgates IDEMIA opted for MorphoWave Compact associated to Digicon’s dFlow speedgates. MorphoWave Compact devices were mounted on a special stylish stainless steel pedestal. Four dFlow lanes were installed, with readers for entry and exit. MorphoWave Compact is IDEMIA’s flagship biometric device for physical access control. It performs a 3D scan and verification of four fingerprints in less than one second, in a quick and easy touchless ‘wave’ gesture within the reader. dFlow speedgates These features make the product particularly well-suited for such high-traffic locations, with the capability to authenticate up to 50 people per minute, thanks to advanced algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence. With dFlow speedgates, Digicon introduces a new vision for access control gates, one with continuous flows and normally open doors. dFlow enables free flow, ushering new levels of comfort and security. Frictionless biometric solution The installation is highly acclaimed by employees who appreciate the frictionless use of MorphoWave Compact and its natural ‘wave’ hand gesture, as well as Digicon’s ‘always open’ dFlow concept, that enables them to get to the elevators in only a few seconds. Of course, IDEMIA was well-placed for this biometric employee access control deployment, being the provider of MorphoWave Compact. The employees were immediately convinced by the frictionless and hygienic experience it offered them. The team in charge of the security of the building found the MorphoWave Compact and dFlow combination more secure and less intrusive than other access control systems. Most importantly, what is true for a company like IDEMIA will also be true for any company in need of a high level of security delivered in a frictionless and convenient way, especially in high-traffic locations like in an HQ lobby.

The 100 Mount Street premium-grade office tower completed in May 2019, is the tallest (152m) building in North Sydney. With an innovative cross-braced exoskeleton structure and a soaring glass curtain wall, the tower celebrates Sydney‘s history of excellence in architecture and structural engineering. The 35-story office tower offers panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and is occupied by some of Sydney’s best-known companies. The site also benefits from its proximity to key transport infrastructures with a train station, bus stops, ferry wharf and taxi stand all within walking distance. This high traffic location required a convenient and secure way to ensure controlled access for the 2,000 people entering the building everyday, while maintaining the aesthetics of the 8 metres-high ceiling lobby. Efficient control access to the building In order to efficiently control access to the building, the security contractor supplied top quality COMINFO EasyGate SPT entrance control gates equipped with IDEMIA’s MorphoWave™ Compact high-end biometric contactless devices. COMINFO is an experienced manufacturer of turnstiles and speed gates. EasyGate SPT models were installed, equipped with the latest MDD motor technology (Magnetic Direct Drive: no gearbox, no oil, no brush) and advanced infrared optical sensors which ensure safe passage and detect tailgating and cross-over, to ensure that only authorised people can pass through the gates. MorphoWave Compact™ is the flagship biometric device for physical access control from IDEMIA, the front-runner in Augmented Identity. The terminal performs a 3D scan and verification of 4 fingerprints in less than 1-second, in a quick and easy touchless wave gesture. Aesthetic integration The features of the product are particularly well-suited for high traffic locations with the capability to authenticate up to 50 people per minute thanks to advanced algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence. COMINFO carried out an aesthetical integration of MorphoWave™ Compact into EasyGate SPT, resulting in a powerful solution that brings the latest physical access control system using only a simple wave of a hand. The project was deployed by Centaman, COMINFO’s partner for Australia/New Zealand. First to implement biometric technology Dexus and Dexus Wholesale Property Fund who owned the building were the first to implement this biometric technology in office buildings and have now more than 2,000 people registered with their biometrics, removing the need for physical access cards or touching anything when entering or leaving the secured premises. The installation is highly acclaimed by employees who appreciate the frictionless and hygienic use of MorphoWave™ Compact and EasyGate SPT.

Sharps Pixley is a British bullion house, formed in 1957 when two historic private bullion partnerships merged. In 2015 Sharps Pixley decided to put physical gold back on the streets of London via a flagship high street presence in St James’s Street, just off Piccadilly. In this very special shop, not only can customers buy products but they can also store them on-location in new, state-of-the-art safe deposit box facilities. Sharps Pixley needed to upgrade their ageing control system for their safe deposit box service. Old biometric system They were facing a number of challenges with their old biometric system which was substantially impacting customer experience and satisfaction: Capturing fingerprints during the enrolment phase, especially with older clients, would typically take several attempts. During the verification process, the shop operator faced similar issues thus requiring multiple system restarts to get the device working correctly. The software was unstable and would often crash. New additional functionalities were also required to be able to offer the correct secure services to the clients: Two person authentication to access a single safety deposit box. Manual authentication in addition to biometric identification. Replacing the key fob with a biometric solution. Access control technology Arana Security was contracted to help. Operating in the UK and Middle East, Arana Security specialises in biometric solutions, access control technology, surveillance and monitoring systems. They set about to design a new application for Sharps Pixley, to enhance the security, authentication and usability of the system - adding new next-level security clearance and a fresh and improved enrolment of clients’ biometrics. For the important biometric part, Arana Security and Sharp Pixley selected IDEMIA’s MorphoWave Compact contactless fingerprint device to enable fast, smooth and accurate verification of clients. MorphoWave Compact performs a 3D scan and verification of four fingerprints in less than one second, in a quick, easy and hygienic touchless hand wave gesture. Thanks to advanced algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence, the accuracy is very high, even with ageing fingers. Contactless biometric devices The system provided has improved the client’s service and provided a more robust, secure and reliable solution The implementation of MorphoWave Compact contactless biometric devices meant less time wasted at the desk waiting for confirmation of IDs and less stress on both the clients and employees. The system provided has significantly improved the client’s service and provided a more robust, secure and reliable solution. Sharps Pixley’s comments: “We approached the Arana team with a particularly unique set of problems to resolve including a security system that used hardware and software originally designed for a totally different purpose. I knew what I wanted but was not sure if it was possible. I was essentially an explorer deep in the jungle with a perfect map in my own head, but with no tools or machinery to hack my way out." Provides palpable reassurance "Arana did more than just clear a path for me to get to my destination - they paved the road for me afterwards. MorphoWave Compact device from IDEMIA is the icing on the cake that makes this all possible. Used properly it is refreshingly simple and intuitive. The team here and our clientele no longer struggle to manage or use our access system. The device itself provides palpable reassurance in the technology and that has true value”, says Bruno Garcia, Sharps Pixley.

St. James Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, which has more than 1,000 beds, is a teaching hospital that specialises in not only treatment but health promotion and preventative services at its central location. It is also a central location for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Tasked with keeping patients and staff safe from the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, St. James Hospital needed a way to add additional screening capabilities to its facility alongside its existing access control terminals. The technology needed to bring a multi-layered approach to screening individuals entering the hospital facility who could potentially introduce a significant amount of risk to those within the facility. Access control solution integrated St. James Hospital chose the Vanderbilt ACTpro access control solution integrated with the ZKTeco Proface-X-TD Facial Recognition Terminal to address its challenges. The ACTpro solution specifically used the ACT1500 Single Door IP Controller and ACT1030 MiFare Card Reader alongside the ZKTeco system. The Proface-X-TD solution uses intelligent engineering facial recognition algorithms and the latest computer vision technology. It supports both facial and palm verification for a fully touchless experience. Coupled with the Proface-X-TD solution, ACTpro can not only grant and restrict access based on biometric functionality, but can detect mask-wearing and high temperatures as a means to grant or restrict access to the facility. As a result, better hygiene is achieved with touchless biometric authentication, skin temperature detection, and masked individual identification. Anti-spoofing algorithm If a member of the staff presents to the door with high skin temperature, that individual is routed to another location, and the door will not open to identify potential infection. The Proface-X-TD solution is also equipped with an anti-spoofing algorithm for facial recognition against almost all types of fake photos and videos. The solution is ideally suited to hospitals like St. James because of their ability to be layered as part of a comprehensive approach to screening individuals considered at-risk for infection as a means to protect patients and other staff members. Elevated temperatures detections The touchless nature of the terminals brings safety and hygiene issues to the forefront, cutting down on possible exposure to infectious disease. The device detects people with elevated temperatures who can then be further scrutinised to add extra screening processes and identify potential disease exposure. This ability, along with the visitor check-in and tracking processes integrated with the ACTpro access control system, is a critical component in today’s modern healthcare facilities to provide real-time data for security officials.

Rural communities have struggled for a long time to maintain access to quality healthcare services. There is a lack or limited number of clinics in rural areas. Ziqitza Health Care Limited signed to implement "Madhya Pradesh Emergency Medical Ambulance and Healthcare Services" for the government. This mobile clinic would travel in rural areas, covering every small village. These are called Madhya Pradesh Mobile Units (MMU). As the ambulance is on move all the time, attendance capturing of doctors and nurses was a problem. Above that, vibrations from a moving vehicle led to difficulty in installation of an attendance marking device. Furthermore, provision of LAN connection not being possible in a moving vehicle, device connectivity posed as another problem. Moreover, keeping track of 144 ambulances all together with their doctors and nurses was a difficult task for the government of Madhya Pradesh. Real-time data transfer These devices also allow keeping track of each of these ambulances having more than 700 users After comprehensive discussion, Matrix offered flexible and reliable devices and software to the government of Madhya Pradesh for MMU (Madhya Pradesh Mobile Units) in rural areas. Around 144 devices were installed in the ambulance in a way that they could withstand the vibrations of a moving vehicle. Matrix Time-Attendance solution enabled them to capture accurate attendance of doctors and nurses. These devices also allow keeping track of each of these ambulances having more than 700 users. These products have auto push technology which transfers data to the server in real-time. For real-time data transfer, they used a USB data dongle with 3G/4G connectivity. The result was the improved efficiency through real-time attendance data. Products offered COSEC DOOR FOT (144 units) - Fingerprint and card based door controller for Time-Attendance application COSEC CENTRA ME (1 units) - Application Server Platform with 500 users and expandable up to 1,000 users COSEC ME TAM (1 unit) - Time-Attendance Software COSEC USER1OO (3 units) - 100 Users Licence