Looking for Better Access Security for your property in Bahrain? You might want to consider installing a biometric access control system. Using passwords, access cards and keys poses some level of vulnerability due to the ease of duplication and sharing of the said items. In a biometric access control system, your physical traits such as fingerprints, face, and palm are used for the process, ensuring that there will never be any form of duplicity.
With years of experience in providing innovative access security solutions to various clients throughout Bahrain, Smart Controls IT Services W.L.L in Manama is well versed on how to provide better security solutions. In this post, we explore the basics of biometric access control system.
What Is Biometric Access Control?
Biometric access control is a means of controlling access by authenticating the user’s identity based on biometric data, such as fingerprints, face, or palm characteristics rather than key, card, or PIN. As biometric data are uniquely associated with each person, it cannot be copied or stolen like the access card.
Rather than using a keycard or entering a code, the person presents their fingerprint to the scanner, faces the camera, or touches the reader with the palm. Then the biometric information is compared to the stored database, and access is granted within fractions of a second.
Why Are So Many People Looking for Better Access Security in Bahrain?
With rapid developments in the business environment in Bahrain comes increased foot traffic, more employees and higher value goods to protect. Warehouses, chain stores, corporate headquarters and residential compounds deal with more expensive inventory, data and visitors than ever before.
This is precisely why there are many people in Bahrain seeking enhanced access control solutions instead of sticking to the old-fashioned key-and-lock approach. Some common motivators we encounter from our customers include:
- Theft and duplication of access cards putting the security of the whole building at risk
- The use of shared PIN codes or badges among employees
- No traceability of the time of entry into restricted facilities or of the identity of the visitor
- Growing concerns about theft and burglary in commercial areas
- Necessity of accurate recording of staff attendance without pen and paper
Do any of these apply to you? Then there is a good chance that you should consider getting access control installed right away.
The Real Cost of Weak Access Security
Where a single breach in security will cost the company much more than what it takes to invest in a new access control system in terms of lost goods, loss of data, loss of reputation from client side and possibly liability if someone was harmed due to lack of security, compared to all that, biometric access control becomes a small expense for sure.
Types of Biometric Access Control Systems We Install in Bahrain
As part of our collaboration with the world-renowned companies eSSL, Tyco/CEM, and Bosch, Smart Controls ensures the provision of secure biometrics systems in both domestic and commercial properties throughout the Kingdom. Based on your particular case, here are some of the systems we recommend:
1. Fingerprint Access Control
One of the most common and effective biometric solutions, fingerprint access control is cost-effective, quick and efficient in operation. It is perfect for offices, educational establishments and multi-storey buildings where the access needs of dozens/hundreds of employees must be provided.
2. Facial Recognition Access Control
Face recognition access control systems provide contact-free access which has become particularly popular in the recent years. These systems are suitable for use at reception desks and entrances of busy places.
3. Palm Scanner Access Control
In order to increase security of premises where it is needed, you may opt for palm scanner access control.
4. Multi-Factor Biometric Systems
In order to gain full security, some sites use biometrics in conjunction with smart cards or PINs to generate a two-step process.
How to Choose the Right Biometric System for Your Property
Some considerations beyond technological developments will affect the selection of your biometrics solution. Here is how you should go about choosing:
- First, analyze the number of your visitors. A small office of 15 people has very different requirements compared to a large warehouse with 200 people every day.
- Next, determine what is your main need – security or convenience. Facial recognition is fast but fingerprint is more cost-effective and palm scan is most accurate.
- Think about any additional equipment. Do you have any existing systems like CCTV, intercom, or time and attendance? The right access control system will integrate with all of those.
- Think of future scalability. If your business is expanding, pick a networked door controller system, which will grow with you across all your doors.
- Finally, conduct a site evaluation by an expert. Each building has its unique entry points, wiring, etc. A professional evaluation will save you from mistakes and unnecessary expenses.
This is why using a local service provider with experience will make a big difference here. Everyone who wants access security will need a professional site evaluation first.
Where Is Biometric Access Control Used in Bahrain?
Access control solutions utilizing biometrics aren’t restricted only to big companies. Here are examples of biometric access control installations we have implemented and supported:
- Large corporate offices in Manama providing employee access and time & attendance management
- Retail stores securing stockrooms and areas used for handling money
- Warehouses or factories limiting access to authorized personnel only
- Residential properties such as compounds or villas providing easy keyless entry for residents
- Educational facilities monitoring staff and visitors’ movement
- Banks and financial institutions needing high-end authentication measures
Different types of installations come with their specific risks, which makes the universal approach ineffective.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Access Control
Even the most advanced access control technology will work badly if implemented incorrectly. Problems that we often face when implementing the solution to correct the wrong installation made by other providers include:
- Exposing biometric readers to sunlight and humid weather conditions
- Not integrating the system with existing CCTV or alarm systems
- Not performing proper maintenance causing slower reaction in time over time
- Selecting an access control system which is not scalable enough
It is always better to rely on the vendor which provides the ongoing support and maintenance of your solution.
Why Choose Smart Controls IT Services for Biometric Access Control in Bahrain?
Smart Controls IT Services W.L.L. has been operating in the sphere of providing business organizations and individuals from Bahrain with CCTV, access control and security system services since 2015. Our company collaborates with well-known manufacturers, such as eSSL, Tyco/CEM and Bosch, to offer you biometric access control according to your specific needs, starting from a stand-alone door access using fingerprints up to an entire network-based access control system.
In addition to installing biometric readers, our team provides a professional analysis of your location and offers you a combination of necessary devices. Thus, if you need to have a better access control system, our professionals will be able to help you.
Conclusion
Selecting the appropriate access control system is one of the most concrete steps that a building owner in Bahrain can take to improve security systems. Regardless of the size of the building or industry, access control solutions using biometrics provide an unparalleled level of precision and accountability compared to traditional key and card systems.
To find out whether the system is right for you, consider taking one step further from researching the topic and contact us for a free consultation, receive an estimate or learn more about our access control solutions. Anybody really looking to enhance the access security in Bahrain should be interested in a system they can trust, and a good place to start is a good partner.
📞 Contact Smart Controls IT Services at +973 3359 3718 or send an email to sales@smartcontrolsbh.com to get your free site assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the differences between biometric access control and card access control?
Access by card requires a tangible item which may be lost, duplicated or given to someone else. Biometric access control systems use unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints and facial recognition. Thus, such a system cannot be bypassed easily and provides much better logging regarding who entered the property and when.
2. Is biometric access control costly to implement in Bahrain?
The cost depends on many factors, such as the amount of doors, the kind of biometric system and the integration with other components. Fingerprint systems are generally cheaper than any other, but facial recognition and multi-factor systems cost higher. We provide a free consultation for you to receive a proper quote for your property.
3. Can biometric access control be combined with CCTV and alarm systems?
Yes, nowadays it is possible to integrate any biometric access control system with CCTV, intercoms and intruder alarm systems to have a united security network.
4. How long does installation take?
It will take time based on the extent of the property and how many access points are required. A small home or office having one entrance point will have the system installed within a day. However, other complex installations may take several days or up to a couple of weeks.
5. Is the information about biometrics secure?
Reputable biometric systems use encrypted information instead of storing actual pictures of fingerprints or facial scans. Therefore, there should be no worry about it being reverse engineered. It is crucial to select the appropriate provider to ensure your visitors and employees’ privacy.
6. Which manufacturers are used for biometric access control at Smart Controls in Bahrain?
Some of the most famous manufacturers are eSSL, Tyco/CEM, and Bosch. All of them are renowned in the industry for offering reliable and accurate equipment, which can be applied to various access control settings.