Adopting facial recognition in access control systems is widespread among businesses and organisations looking to improve building security. There are several important factors to consider when selecting a facial recognition access control system, such as the size of a building and the number of people who will use it.
This article will provide an overview of how to choose the most suitable facial recognition access control system for a building security system. This will enable users to make informed decisions and ensure the success of the building security system.
How to select the ideal facial recognition access control system for a building?
The answer is straightforward: pick the best ones. But it's not easy to figure out which one will be the ideal solution for users building access. There are a lot of different access control devices and access systems on the market, so users need to think about a lot of things before buying one.
When users are looking for a facial recognition access control system, there are a few things that they need to check before making their final decision. Here are a few things to consider in different key implementation stages when selecting a facial recognition access control system:
System Planning & Design:
The best way to choose is to think about the type of building users want to put the system in
It's hard to say which design for a facial recognition access control system is best. The best way to choose is to think about the type of building users want to put the system in and what they need it for.
Here are some questions to help users evaluate their needs during the planning stage. Use them to make a list of the top priorities and then compare the systems on the market to that list.
1. What is the purpose of this system?
It is critical to consider the system's purpose. Are users looking for a simple access control solution to secure the building, allowing only authorized people in while preventing unauthorised individuals from entering? Or do they want time and attendance tracking as well as visitor management in addition to access control?
Some access control security systems are better suited to specific applications, while others can be used for multiple purposes. For example, Aratek TruFace's access control solution with a mobile app can provide biometric access control, time and attendance tracking, and visitor management all in one package. To figure out the purpose, talk with the team and a security expert about what the organisations want to get out of putting this system in place.
2. What security levels do users require?
The levels of physical security can be improved by using systems that offer multiple access methods
There are different levels of security for face recognition access control systems. Based on the authentication method, some systems use single-factor authentication, which only checks the person's face to see if they are who they say they are.
Some others use multi-factor authentication, which uses things like facial recognition, fingerprint authentication, card reading, barcode scanning, etc. to verify users. The levels of physical security can be greatly improved by using these kinds of systems that offer multiple access methods.
- Single-factor or multi-factor authentication
Users need to decide what level of security they want and whether they want to use single-factor or multi-factor authentication. The security level of user data storage is also critical because data can be illegally accessed if the system lacks a good security policy.
In general, there are three options for storing user data: on-premises, cloud, and hybrid cloud. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, and users must decide what level of data security they want to implement in their application before inventing the system.
3. What physical security infrastructures do users have?
When purchasing for an access control system, consider the existing management systems in place, as well as the physical security features (such as door locks, card readers, access control terminals, and video surveillance cameras) in a building.
Then, try to answer the question, "Can users easily upgrade or add a facial recognition system to the current infrastructure?" For smooth integration, users may want to go with a system that offers not only a rich set of software development kits (SDKs) and application programming interfaces (APIs) but also solid technical support.
4. What is the budget?
Users can prioritise the main features that a system should have and allocate money for each feature
When planning the system's budget, make sure to include all necessary hardware, software, and human resources. Additionally, ensure that the user’s budget includes adequate funds for system maintenance and support. Users can prioritise the main features that a system should have and allocate money for each feature to better manage the budget.
This will allow users to allocate their budget more efficiently while also ensuring the security of their system. If the budget is insufficient after allocating it, users can adjust their requirements and add more features in the future, but users have to choose a system that is scalable enough to support their company’s growth.
Users & Environments:
When choosing a facial recognition access control system, it's important to think about who will use it and where it will be used. The system will be more difficult to design and manage if more people use it and more environmental factors are involved.
This is also about how easy the system is to use for better entry experiences and how safe it is. So, think about the following questions when users had the basic plan for the system:
1. Who will be using the system?
First, users need to think about the people who will use the facial recognition system. Depending on the environment and applications, the users are different. Users could be employees, visitors, VIPs, or residents, and they all have their roles, functions, and requirements. Then users need to think about where they are.
Knowing who will be using the system is the key to obtaining a frictionless access control solution
For example, employees will be in their offices, visitors will be in the lobby or reception area, VIPs will be in high-end hotels, and most residents will be at home. The system should give different users different service levels. Knowing who will be using the system is the key to obtaining a frictionless access control solution that meets the real needs of both the users and their organisation.
2. How many users will use the system?
When choosing an access control solution, it's also important to think about how many people will use it.
If a lot of employees are going to use it, users may need to choose a system with a fast facial recognition speed and a data server that can handle the load.
3. Who are the visitors?
If users want to keep track of how many people enter a building and who they are, then they will also need an access control system that has integrated visitor check-in functionalities.
These features will allow users to easily control visitor access while also keeping track of information about each person who enters a building.
4. How many doors or gates do users need to control?
When choosing a facial recognition access control system, users should think about how many doors or gates will be controlled. Users can choose a standalone access control system if they only want to control one door or gate.
If users need to control a lot of doors or gates, they should choose a server-based system with a high-capacity data server and the ability to control and monitor multiple entries from one place.
5. Where will the facial recognition devices be installed?
If the user's system is going to be installed outside, the camera should be able to work well in direct sunlight
When selecting a facial recognition access control system, it is critical to consider whether the facial recognition access control terminals will be installed in direct sunlight or low-light conditions, indoors or outdoors, and so on. These factors will have an impact on the system's performance.
For example, if the user's system is going to be installed outside, the camera should be able to work well in direct sunlight, and the facial recognition terminals should have ingress protection of at least IP65 to ensure the face detection will work well in rain, snow, or sand storms.
6. What installation types are required?
Facial recognition access control terminals can be installed in a variety of ways, including wall mounting, gate types, floor stands, and desktops. It is dependent on the users' installation environment; for example, if the area is heavily trafficked, gate types are most likely the best option.
Wall-mounted and floor-stand types are excellent choices for an indoor environment. Users must consider what installation types are appropriate for their building access and choose a system that offers a variety of installation options.
Manage & Maintain:
When selecting a facial recognition access control system, consider how easy it will be to manage and maintain. It is critical to manage the system and keep it running smoothly. Some key questions to consider are as follows:
1. Who will manage the system?
It is essential to know who or which departments will be in charge of the facial recognition access control system. If users don't have enough people to manage the system, they should think about which software to use.
For example, users can select an access control software platform with a simple and intuitive management interface that is simple to use even for non-technical people; this will allow them to manage the system easily without hiring additional staff.
2. What type of security measures do users need?
If users require security for their sensitive information, they should select a system that includes security features
Users should think about what kind of security measures are required for their system.
If they require greater security for their sensitive user data and information, they should select a system that includes security features such as encryption, backup, real-time audits, and lockdown management, among others. These features will assist users in better managing and protecting their data.
3. What type of support do users need?
Users should consider what kind of system support they require. Users can choose a system with good support to ensure working efficiency and continuous productivity. The Service Level Agreement (SLA) is an important consideration when purchasing a system.
To determine the SLA, users might also inquire about the vendor's support policy. The SLA should meet users’ needs and be adaptable to accommodate any changes or expansions to the system.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, when selecting a facial recognition access control system for building security, it is critical to carefully evaluate users’ specific needs and take into account a variety of factors. These include the needs of the specific building, the level of security required, the budget, and so on.
Taking these factors into consideration, users can find a system that will provide the ideal level of security for their building while also having the ability to expand as their business grows. If users need help choosing the ideal facial recognition access control system for their needs, use Aratek's checklists to get started.
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