Shiraz Kapadia, CEO & President of Invixium explores why biometrics represent the gold standard for identification and authentication.

The growth of biometrics

With over 20 years of experience in the physical access control industry, specializing in biometric solutions, I’ve witnessed the industry’s fluctuations, listened to analysts’ predictions of explosive ‘hockey curve’ growth and endured numerous shifts in trends and technologies.

Along this journey, one resounding truth has become clear in my mind: in the realm of physical access control, biometrics often gets misconstrued as an industry in itself.

In my opinion, the noise clears up if you simply consider biometrics as a modality – a method of authentication like PINs and cards poised to modernize and enhance existing security systems.

Having said that, it is important to acknowledge that it is the only method of authentication that proves “you are, who you say you are.”

Biometrics, in its essence, involves the authentication of individuals based on the unique physical characteristics they possess, such as fingerprints, facial features, iris patterns or vascular structures.

It serves as a key to affirming one’s identity, enabling various applications ranging from border control and civil/criminal identification to simply unlocking smartphones and making payments.

Biometrics in physical access control

As the world modernizes, the imperative to protect assets and individuals has become vital. Physical access security plays a pivotal role, ensuring that only authorized individuals gain entry while effectively mitigating potential security risks.

The evolution of security measures has seen a progression from traditional keys to fobs, physical cards and now biometrics and the newly introduced mobile access.

Each technology has its relevance, with no one-size-fits-all solution.

Contrary to popular belief, the future of biometrics does not entail replacing traditional access credentials entirely.

Industry analysts may propagate the hype of biometrics replacing all forms of access, but the reality is much simpler.

Biometrics will coexist with other authentication methods, contributing to the modernization of security systems without rendering existing technologies and investments of businesses obsolete.

By combining varied approaches, organizations can create a comprehensive security framework that adapts to evolving threats and technological advancements, making biometrics a necessary technology for door access to effectively safeguard data, assets and people.

The future lies in leveraging multi-factor authentication, combining biometrics with other methods to cater to varying security needs and convenience levels.

Modern biometric solutions offer a combination of multiple biometrics (face recognition, finger vein, fingerprint), mobile credentials (digital card, dynamic QR code) and traditional credentials (card, PIN) to achieve a highly resilient authentication process.

This multi-tiered approach will reduce the likelihood of security breaches resulting from forgotten passwords or lost physical cards.

However, despite the potential benefits, there are barriers to the widespread adoption of biometrics.

Currently, the industry tends to focus more on features rather than addressing real-world challenges that are experienced by customers.

Manufacturers often prioritize showcasing the capabilities of their products by engaging in datasheet wars rather than providing comprehensive solutions that address a customer’s unique security needs.

To propel the industry forward, there needs to be a shift toward a problem-solving approach that drives adoption, raises the bar and sets a standard for addressing complex challenges in next-gen solutions.

Invixium has adopted this customer-centric mindset and is addressing the unique security needs of its customers through customizations and developing solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure such as building management, HVAC, HRMS, surveillance cameras and alarm systems.

Biometrics in the digitalization of workforce management

The application of biometrics extends beyond access control to encompass workforce management, particularly in industries with large blue-collar workforces.

Much of the global working population operates in industries characterized by harsh terrains, severe weather conditions and demanding environments like mining, seaports, construction, oil & gas and manufacturing.

Unfortunately, these industries heavily rely on traditional workforce management methods like manual time tracking through pen and paper and punch clocks.

These antiquated systems lack automation and efficiency, leading to productivity losses due to time theft.

Moreover, these methods are not only time-consuming and ineffective but also lack flexibility, offer poor data visibility, present compliance challenges, hinder resource planning and provide minimal reporting capabilities – leading to overall productivity loss.

However, advanced biometric solutions like face recognition and fingerprint offer a sustainable solution and play a crucial role in digitalizing workforce management by replacing outdated methods.

These modalities enable accurate authentication by eliminating time theft and enhancing productivity and compliance.

The benefits of biometrics have a direct impact on payroll management, reducing the risk of overpayments and saving organizations significant resources.

Contrary to a common misconception that implementing a biometric system requires heavy capital investment, but results show a quick and fast ROI.

Biometrics ensures precise tracking of employee hours eliminating proxy attendance, unauthorized overtime and intentional and unintentional time theft.

By paying for the actual work hours of the employee, businesses can reduce labor costs; making time and attendance tracking essential to cost management.

Moreover, biometrics presents a sustainable solution as it eliminates the inconvenience of having to replace lost or stolen cards.

Additionally, employees can also benefit from the high-throughput capability of biometric devices which expedites entry processes, sparing them from enduring long line-ups and delays.

Biometrics in visitor management

Biometrics is increasingly being utilized in streamlining visitor management, seamlessly complementing its established roles in access control and workforce management.

Organizations today are looking for a comprehensive, one-stop solution manufacturer that can help them with not only safeguarding access to their premises but also enhancing visitor/contractor experience.

Comprehensive visitor management solutions that don’t compromise on administrative convenience provide enterprises with the tools they need to secure their facilities and offer fast, secure and intuitive experiences for guests or contractors.

Visitor management solutions utilize the power of biometrics to generate temporary access credentials for visitors and implement rigorous visitor screening.

Moreover, the integration of biometrics into visitor management systems enables real-time tracking and monitoring, empowering organizations to effectively manage visitor flows and identify potential security risks promptly.

By capturing and analyzing biometric data, organizations can gain valuable insights into visitor behavior and preferences, allowing them to optimize their operations and enhance the overall guest experience.

About the author

Shiraz Kapadia is the CEO & President at Invixium.

As a biometric industry veteran and thought leader, Shiraz provides the overall vision and works tirelessly to grow the company and innovate high-end security solutions for a modern world.

This article was originally published in the April edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.