When you're running a business or trying to have a safe home, you know that security is a huge concern. The safety of your employees, your goods, your belongings, and even your family can be on the line. As technology advances in all areas of our lives, simultaneously, the world of security is seeing huge advances in the techniques we can use to keep your residence or commercial space safe from outsiders.

The days of keys and locks are becoming a bygone era. We have progressed to a time where we can use even more secure systems to prevent an unwanted guest from entering your secured space.

Nowadays, a security method we only saw in the movies - using iris/eye scans or fingerprints - is being used more and more frequently in everyday settings. They offer better security, increased control over access, and more data to understand who is entering your space and when.

These are Biometric Access Control Systems.

But what are they actually? Why would you even need one? And are there any potential hazards with installing one?

These are all valid questions. Luckily, we from Champion Lock are here to help you get your answers. Let's take a look.

What Is Biometric Locking?

Biometric access control systems are a type of keyless locking mechanism that uses biological identification factors of a person to grant them access to a wide range of places. They are always installed at a point of entry or access point: in other words, at any door, turnstile, elevator, or garage door you can use to control entry to a room or space.

Many digital access control systems already exist and use identifications such as a key card, driver's license, or passport to allow entry. These can be less secure, as just like keys, they can be misplaced, stolen, or replicated. When you're trying to design a totally secure locking system, you need to find something that is less easily used by someone who shouldn't have access.

Biometric access control systems offer exactly that.

The "key" you use to open your locks now becomes a feature of your body. The data for these metrics is stored in a digital database, and when the system detects a match to an authorized person, the locking mechanism releases automatically. The biometric data types that can be used include several possibilities:

• A palm: The unique vein system of a person's hand is scanned with infrared light.
• Fingerprint: Everyone already knows fingerprints are unique, so it's natural they would be used in biometric systems.
• Iris Scan: Every retina is unique, the same as a fingerprint. These can also be scanned.
• Vocal verification: Voices are also unique to each individual and can be used as a means of identification.
• Facial scans: Our technology can now identify a person's face, which allows that to be used as a means of identification.

We've learned a little about what biometric locking systems are. But the reason you should use them may be less obvious. Let's see why they're so effective.

Why Use Biometric Access Control?

There are many reasons that biometric control is becoming a more common option for access control systems.

• Control: One of the biggest benefits of biometric access control is the increased control it gives you over your doorway. Especially if you're running a business, it's important to know who accesses which spaces when. This can help you keep track of employee hours and who has accessed which buildings on your facility when. You never have such certainty about these things as when you use a biometric lock mechanism.
• Convenience: Gone are the days of forgetting your key at home, losing a key card between your car seats, or forgetting an access code. With biometric access systems, you don't need to have any other item to get into a place other than your own body. This makes it so easy to let anyone who should have access to a door unlock it. When you're installing a system in your home, this can be especially helpful with your kids, who could easily lose their house keys and get locked out.
• Reliability: Although these systems rely on electronic and digital technology, they are very reliable. Once you scan your part of identification, the locking mechanism automatically releases, granting immediate access. It also will stay locked during a power outage, so it won't allow anyone to enter when the lights go out.
• Building Security: These systems are incredibly secure. You never have to worry about someone stealing a key or key card or memorizing an access code. The only people who can unlock a lock are those who are supposed to. The systems are also unbelievably durable, impossible to lockpick, and cannot be hacked. The biometric access control manufacturers have really thought of everything.

What Are Potential Problems with Biometric Access Control?

The potential concerns with biometric access control systems are surprisingly small! The door itself is more secure than any other type of locking mechanism.

Potential risks appear in the storing of personal biometric data. All data needs to be protected against hacking by strong encrypting. Once a biometric indicator has been compromised, it's been compromised forever. Where passwords and access codes can be changed, fingerprints and irises never do. This means it's especially important to protect the data that unlocks your doors.

Despite these potential issues, the security benefits and convenience of a biometric system far outweigh the risks.

Champion Lock: The Best in Biometric Locks

Biometric access control systems are the latest leading standard in the security world. If you want to make sure you're keeping your work facility or home as safe as it can be, biometric locking systems may be for you. If you're curious about the logistics of installing one of these systems, let us know!

You can reach out to Champion Lock anytime. And if you've already had a successful story with biometric access control, leave your story in the comments! We'd love to hear how they've worked for you.