Biometric Access Control vs Smart Card Access Control

We often get asked which type of access control system is best; Biometric access control or smart card access control?

To answer this question, it really depends on the type of business you have and the value of your assets. This article explains where your business stands in the biometric security debate.

What is Biometric Access Control?

Biometric access control is a security system that allows authorised individuals to access a secured or restricted location using unique characteristics of a person such as their face or fingerprint.

Access will be granted if those biometric features match with those stored on the access control database, making it almost impossible to gain access through a controlled door or entrance.

Different types of Biometric Access Control Systems

The two main types of biometric access control systems are facial recognition access control and fingerprint access control systems. Let's take a look at how each one works.

Facial recognition access control systems

A facial recognition access control system has the ability to match a human face from a digital image or a video frame against a database of faces. It enables personnel identification, while granting or denying access into a particular area or room of a building. For businesses that have valuable assets on-site, such as expensive equipment and sensitive information, then biometric access control is the best solution for you.

Providing a fast and highly accurate biometric solution for identifying employees and/or visitors, a facial recognition access control system gives you complete control over who has access to your site - ensuring the maximum level of security possible.

Fingerprint access control systems

Fingerprint access control, much like facial recognition, scans an individual's fingerprint in order to grant or deny them access through a door. Again, for businesses who require a higher level of asset protection and security, fingerprint access control can provide this for you. It is impossible to use another person's biometric features to gain access to a restricted room or building, ensuring an extremely high level of business security.

Smart Card Access Control Systems

Smart card access control is exactly what it says it is. A security measure to restrict access to a specific location. Smart card access control systems can also be controlled using key fobs.

For businesses who feel they have less-valuable assets to protect, don't hold sensitive information or keep expensive equipment on-site, then smart card readers are perfectly suited for you.

One key aspect of a smart card access control system is that each smart card is not necessarily unique to the user. On top of this, the smart cards could be lost, stolen or shared - although they are easily replaceable.

Book a Demo for your Business today!

Book a Demo

If you would like more information regarding which access control system is better suited for your business, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our sales team today who will be happy to assist you with any queries you may have.