What is “Access Control System”? (Access Controls) An integrated system of electronic door locks and computerized control hardware that unlock doors based on a preset time schedule, presence of a valid access card, or entry of a valid PIN number or other personal verification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- How can Access Control Systems prevent crime in your Florida home or business?
Access controls allow individuals and Property Managers track users of the system with real-time reports. Time schedules can be developed and maintained for a totally controlled environment. If the access system is designed by a professional it should stop or at least slow down unauthorized entry and thus minimize the potential for crime.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- How can installing an Access Control System save time and money?
Repeatedly changing locks when keys are lost or disgruntled employees leave can be costly. Check with your insurance agent about possible discounts on you policy. Access Control Systems eliminates many of the inconveniences associated with traditional lock & key systems so the long-term benefits are substantial.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is the difference between Barcodes and Proximity Cards?
A barcode is basically a series of black and white bars (zebra stripes) in a pattern that can be read by an optical reader. You will find barcodes on almost any retail product, on gym keytags and in many other places. Barcodes are inexpensive to produce (you can use any printer with special software), and they are easily reproducible. Gym Assistant barcode keytags are laminated to increase durability. To read a barcode the use usually slides the barcode through a slot reader mounted to the wall.
A proximity card is a plastic card (or key fob) that contains a proprietary integrated circuit. To read a proximity card the user simply places the card within 3-6 inches of the reader (a small plate) mounted to the wall. Proximity cards are also sometimes called "contactless" cards.
Pros-and-Cons of Barcodes vs. Proximity cards
- Security: Barcodes can be duplicated, proximity cards cannot be duplicated.
- Setup Difficulty: Proximity setup is slightly more complex
- Cost: Hardware cost is very similar.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- What type of lock should I purchase?
The most common types of lock are electric door strikes and magnetic locks.
An electric door strike is installed in the frame of the door -- when power is applied the strike releases and the door can be pulled open. To exit the door you simply turn the knob as you would normally. An electric strike works well on a single door with a self-locking latch, that is the door will lock itself when it is closed. A deadbolt lock will not work with an electric strike.
A magnetic lock (or "maglock") consists of a very strong electromagnet attached to the door frame and a steel plate mounted to the door -- when current is applied to the magnet the door is locked, and when the current is stopped the door can be pulled open. If your door has only a deadbolt lock (like many aluminum frame glass storefront doors) or if you have a set of double doors then a maglock may be the best solution.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- What type of readers can I use?
VST currently supports readers from these manufacturers.
HID iCLASS HID Proximity Mifare EM Smart Card ISO 15693 / ISO 14443A
Biometric (fingerprint)
------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is “biometrics”?
Biometrics is the practice of automatically identifying people by one or more physical characteristics, the word "bio" represents a unique physical (or behavioral) property and the word "metrics" stands for its measurement. The use of biometrics in time and attendance systems makes it much more difficult for one employee to clock in or out on behalf of another (i.e. “buddy punching”).
------------------------------------------------------------------------- On what basis do I select a Biometric System?
While the emphasis will differ in different applications, the following criteria are used to determine which biometric should be used in a specific application:
• accuracy
• speed
• intrusiveness
------------------------------------------------------------------------- How does the system work?
In a typical installation, an individual is enrolled on a Incept fingerprint reader, and his/her access control privileges (where he/she can enter and when) are set up in the application softwareby an administrator. When the individual later returns to enter a door, or pass through a turnstile, he/she places a finger on the Incept System Reader and is subsequently granted or denied entry based upon his/her unique fingerprint. Incept Access Control systems can be combined with card solutions and our fingerprint readers are easily integrated with existing alarm systems and door strikes.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- What are the different kinds of biometrics?
Hand geometry, fingerprint, voice, signature, face geometry and iris or retinal scans are all in use today. Each different type has its advantages and disadvantages, making each suitable for different types of applications. Fingerprint and hand geometry are the most commonly used types for time and attendance applications.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is the difference between “biometric identification” and “biometric verification”? Biometric identification compares a biometric “signature” to all the records stored in a database to determine if there is a match.
Because it requires comparing each existing record in the database against the new biometric characteristic, it can be slow if the database is large and is less-commonly used for real-time applications such as access control or time and attendance.
You'll find biometric identification used most frequently in such applications as law enforcement — for instance, the comparison of a fingerprint from a crime scene to a database of prints collected from convicted criminals.
Biometric verification compares a newly-scanned biometric characteristic to a measurement previously collected from that same person to verify that individual's identity.
For instance, when an employee is hired, that employee's fingerprint will be enrolled into the company's biometric time and attendance system. When that employee attempts to clock in the next day, her newly-scanned fingerprint will be compared to the fingerprint scan collected when she Because of this one-to-one comparison, biometric verification systems are generally much faster than biometric identification systems. Most commercial applications of biometrics for time and attendance or access control use biometric verification.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- How well do biometrics work?
Used in the right environment, biometrics can make a major contribution to improving security. It has to be understood that no single biometric that can be used in real-time is 100% accurate. However when used in conjunction with a personal identifier such as an ID card or PIN, it can be a very effective means for verifying one’s individuality. Its importance generally comes as an aid to recognition rather than guaranteeing someone's identity.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why use a biometric solution for access control?
Unlike cards or keys, an individual’s fingerprint cannot be lost or stolen. The biometric access control system is much more secure than others because it works based upon your identity, rather than something that you have (such as keys) or something that you know (such as a PIN number). Fingerprint-based access control solutions are also fast, convenient, and surprisingly affordable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- How does fingerprint biometrics work?
When an employee is first enrolled in a fingerprint-based biometric time and attendance system, the software records a template of the employee's fingerprint and associates that template with the employee's ID number. This template measures the relationship between various points in the fingerprint.
Each time the employee attempts to clock in or out, the time and attendance software verifies that the newly scanned fingerprint matches the template originally stored for that ID number. If there is a match, the punch is recorded.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- How will I benefit by using fingerprint biometrics?
Fingerprint biometric readers are generally lower cost and are often used for entry- and mid-level systems. They represent an easy and affordable way for businesses to get started using biometric-enabled time and attendance systems. Depending on the system, fingerprint-based biometric systems can have a false-acceptance rate that is lower than other technologies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- In case of a power cuts, will the fingerprint reader lose all of my time records?
Not at all. Each Incept fingerprint reader stores up to 500-3000 fingerprint templates. In case of a power outage, when the power is restored these units will sync with the software again automatically. In case the server running software goes down, transactions can also be retrieved from the readers manually via an USB connection.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can the fingerprint readers be integrated with my existing alarm system?
Certainly. The V70i and future fingerprint readers can easily be connected with existing alarm systems via Wiegand interfaces or relays. Incept is also working with prominent enterprise access control companies around the globe in order to offer plug and play biometric solutions for companies with existing card-based systems. Please contact us for more details on how Incept access control systems integrate with your existing building security systems.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can the fingerprint readers be mounted outdoors?
The current V70i fingerprint reader is water resistant but should not be mounted anyplace where direct rain or other liquids can interfere with the operation of the unit. Future readers will have full IP65 ratings that will allow for more flexibility in harsh outdoor environments..
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can the solution be combined with cards?
Incept Attendance Systems can perform verifications by fingerprint only, or PIN + fingerprint. For attendance management, we suggest that there is no system most optimum for SMEs than Fingerprint. Access Control systems by Incept come with Fingerprint and/or Card (along with PIN in certain cases).
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why use a biometric solution for access control?
Unlike cards or keys, an individual’s fingerprint cannot be lost or stolen. The biometric access control system is much more secure than others because it works based upon your identity, rather than something that you have (such as keys) or something that you know (such as a PIN number). Fingerprint-based access control solutions are also fast, convenient, and surprisingly affordable.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do I need a server for this?
When the fingerprint readers are used in networked mode, the application software is installed on a PC or server. The software manages user profiles, access control settings and more. The application can easily run on a standard Windows PC; many customers with large installations prefer to run the application on an existing server.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- Can I integrate the biometric system with my payroll software?
Certainly, and in fact, this is one of the major strengths of the Incept solution. We offer a software package that allows you to easily compare the real-world transaction data from the fingerprint readers to your employee rosters, apply and edits / special rules, and export the data in a format suitable for your existing payroll application. This solution greatly reduces your time spent on payroll administration.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- I need to print a customized message when a user clocks in. Is this possible?
Incept fingerprint readers have the capability to connect to a web server in order to allow for the printing of customized messages upon verification. Please contact us to in order to discuss your project requirements and we will be happy to help you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- I want use a biometric solution for time and attendance. How can it help me?
Payroll is generally a company's greatest cost. Traditional employee attendance systems are inefficient and make it very easy for employees to cheat the system by writing false times on a timesheet, or clocking in and out for one another with time cards. This causes most firms to overpay wages by 2-4% annually. Most employee attendance systems also take time to administer, and do not connect to payroll systems. Incept, by contrast, are accurate, convenient to use, and make it impossible for employees to clock in or out for one another. Incept can even compare your employee rosters to real-world in / out transaction data, and export the results to your existing payroll application. Net result? Employees are kept honest, companies stop overpaying wages, and administrators spend far less time processing payroll. Biometric time & attendance solutions are scalable, affordable, and can pay for themselves quickly, whether your company has 10 employees or 10,000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- What happens if someone forgets to clock in or out?
In this case an employee’s start or end time can be adjusted according to your company policy. We can also set the biometric employee attendance system up so that if a person clocks in late, his / her start time will automatically be X. Please contact us for information on customizations to meet your company’s specific needs; we’ll be happy to help you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------- How will my employees react?
Employees typically have varied reactions to the implementation of a biometric attendance system. Conscientious employees and payroll administrators will find the solution easy to use and appreciate its convenience. Those who presently take advantage of a standard attendance system will resist the move to biometrics, because it stops buddy punching and falsified time cards.
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