New Biometric Locks from Trusted Brand Name Manufactures

August 26, 2007

A Biometric lock is simply a lock that uses an electronic device to measure something unique about our biology, like a finger pring, and if that measurement is the same as it was when recorded the lock will allow entry.  This new function of the lock adds a thinking element that has only been seen in hardwired access control systems until now.

 

Many manufactures have designed and released biometric locks.  Usually in the form of a finger print reader attached to a locking door knob or deadbolt.  Until now these manufactures have been previously unknown companies who produce the lock and are never heard of again.  Two big players in the international lock market have thrown their designs into the ring and the results are encouraging.

 

Weiser Lock, well known for the Powerbolt deadbolt, has announced the launch of the SmartScan Deadbolt Lock.  This is a Weiser Residential Grade deadbolt that incorporates a finger print reader into a very stylish design.  Weiser has dominated the residential market in Toronto for decades and continues to offer high quality products and innovations for the home owner.

 

Another company known for braving the electronic lock arena is Mul-T-Lock.  Mul-T-Lock is currently the forerunner in the Security Lock market and being the first company to take advantage of Assa-Abloy’s Cliq technology, (which adds advanced access control to the full line of locking products -including padlocks- without the need for running wires,) and already providing hotels with a line of safes using electronic locks put Mul-T-Lock in front of the pack when it comes to Biometric locks.  Now Mul-T-Lock is offering several types of electronic locks including a fingerprint lock.

 

A word of caution:  This technology is new and untested in the field.  The Discovery Channel show Mythbusters managed to open a finger print lock with just a photocopy of the correct

 finger print.  See the video at http://www.myvideo.de/watch/671580/Mythbusters_Fingerprint_Lock.  SSI recommends using professional biometric equipment to ensure security for your building.  Of course a deadbolt is the best way to lock a door.


Biometrics

V-Pass can be used as a stand alone access control system, a desktop fingerprint reader to protect your information on your computer or attached to a professional access control system. V-Smart reader uses a fingerprint and a smart card to identify users. V-Station: The ultimate in protection.
Finger Only  Card + Finger Card + PIN + Finger

This new type of key is becoming very popular.  There are really two types:  Convience (less secure than a key) and Security (more secure than a key).

Consider your needs before purchasing a biometric device.

If you are looking for a keyless lock then you have several options including Biometrics.  Push button locks, proximity card access control, and biometric access control can all meet your needs.

If you are looking to increase your current level of security then consider using professional biometric devices which can work as a stand alone device or as a part of a professional access control system.

Bioscrypt is a manufactur of biometric readers that work with professional access control systems such as Paradox.

This standalone finger print reader can work on it's own or in combination with a proximity card.  This gives you the added security of two forms of identification before allowing access: a finger print scan and a credential.  An additional level of security requres a PIN.

A finger print is only one option for biometric access control.  This reader uses a three dimentional image of the human face to grant access to your facility.

Video showing the use of VisionAccess at a bank.

Video 1 Quick Time
Video 2 Windows Media 

 

Security Levels

SSI uses the latest technology in access control.  This includes professional biometric readers integraded into a professional access control system as a form of identification to allow entrance to your facility.

Shown on this page are examples of face readers and finger print readers.

You can choose the level of security you require, either finger print only, finger print and proximity card, or finger print, proximity card and PIN number.

Most of our customers ask for an easy, convenient means of unlocking a door.  When the loss of a key leaves a facility insecure until the locks are rekeyed proximity card access is recomended.

When a proximity card is lost it can be deleted from the system, saving the cost of rekeying the locks.

Biometrics such as a finger print cannot be lost or given to someone else easily, and are simple to use.

By using a combination of credential (key or card), PIN (Personal Identification Number) and biometric on a fortified door will give you the best security possible.

An additional advantage of acess control technology is alarm outputs.  If someone tried to beat the system and enter without authorization an alarm is triggered.  There is also the possibility of having a duress code which signals the authorities with a silent alarm.