Access control in education sector

Access Control in Education Sector

Controlling access to school campuses and buildings is an important issue for school administrators. They need to maintain a user-friendly, welcoming school climate while ensuring that the facility is safe and secure, both when school is in session and when the buildings are unoccupied.

What is access control?

Access control provides the ability to control, monitor and restrict the movement of people, assets or vehicles, in, out and round a building or site.

Access control is essential for all businesses to protect people and assets and has the added benefit of being expanded from controlling, for example, a single entrance door, to a large integrated security network. There are also huge potentials in terms of integrating HR and other systems, such as Time and Attendance, Visitor Management, ANPR, Fire, Intruder and CCTV, which can cut costs and streamline administration costs.

What risks does the average office face and how can these be countered by access control?

Electronic access control systems are increasingly being used to enhance safety and security in educational establishments.

The average educational establishment has a transient population with many high value goods such as computers and IT equipment, not to mention the personal possessions of staff and students, which are extremely attractive for thieves.

Access control systems are all designed to allow access only to people with the necessary authority to ensure that goods and people are protected.

Educational establishments have a duty of care to provide a safe environment for pupils and staff and the application of access control can therefore help manage known or anticipated threats.

Generally systems comprise three component parts:

1. The physical barrier – to physically restrict access to a building or location via such methods as:

• Doors: secured by either a electromagnetic or strike Lock or can be revolving or sliding.

• Turnstiles and speedgates: designed to limit access to one person for one card presented.

2. The identification device – There are a number of different technologies used to identify users of an access control system, such as:

• A proximity card and reader using RFID – cards can either work at a short read range or a long read range.

• A smart card and reader.

• A swipe card and reader.

• PIN pads.

• Biometric (fingerprint, iris scanning).

3. The door controller and software – The door controller and software are at the heart of the system and are used to decide who can gain access through which access point at what time of the day. These can vary dependent on the size of the system and how many readers or sites you are trying to control from one point.

Some of the options include:

• A standalone door controller linked to a single door with no software.

• A number of door controllers all linked together to a single PC to control one site.

• A number of sites all interlinked together over a wide network area.

What added benefits can access control systems bring to educational establishments?

Protection during school hours is paramount, and the following added benefits come from access control:

Visitor monitoring

In an environment where visitors can blend in with the staff and pupils, the use of PC and computer networks should be considered. These systems can print photographic ID and allow access to be restricted to certain areas within the office. Moving to a software solution for visitor management is an easy and inexpensive solution and can provide a number of added benefits.

The system was designed to ensure the smooth operation of a 100,000 square metre complex, spread over five buildings with both students, staff and visitors accessing the different facilities sometimes at high volumes. A Smart Card system was developed which provides not only access to designated areas, but also allows all sites to be linked via a modem, allowing administration from a central point.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition

For college and university sites where students may be driving in and parking onsite, Automatic Number Plate Recognition may be a viable option. To monitor the entrance of vehicles on site, CCTV-style cameras and computer software can be used to identify number plates of vehicles. Some systems can also store photographs of the driver and vehicle for subsequent analysis. This sophisticated software allows critical information to be passed to the police to assist in the pursuit, identification and capture of offenders.

What key considerations should be taken into account when considering access control?

The outcome of the risk assessment for your office will determine the level of security you require and in turn influence your choice of access control system to be used. BSIA access control members and professional security consultancies can assist with this.

BSIA members go through rigorous checks before they are admitted into membership, meaning you are selecting quality companies to achieve peace of mind. Below are just some of the reasons why you could benefit from using the services of a BSIA member:

·        Independently inspected to the quality standard ISO 9001 with a UKAS accredited inspectorate.

·        Compliant with relevant British and European Standards and codes of practice.

·        Financially sound.

·        Professional.

·        Staff vetting conducted (where appropriate).

·        Technically proficient.

·        Committed to quality training and development.

·        Up-to-date with the latest developments in British and European policy and legislation.

Is there any legislation I should be aware of?

The Disability Discrimination Act was amended in 2005 and has significant impact not only in terms of the design of new systems, but also means that many systems may need to be upgraded to ensure compliance. This is of particular importance also for educational establishments as employees, pupils and visitors will all need to have adequate and user-friendly access to the building.

The BSIA has created a guide to help design access control systems following the introduction of the revisions which can be downloaded from www.bsia.co.uk/publications

Other legislation to be considered in relation to educational establishments is:

National minimum care standards

Health and Safety at Work Act

Occupiers Liability Act

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

Tukang Ngeblog | March 05, 2017 | Access control in education sector, ANPR, Biometric Attendance, blog, Flap Bariour, Proximity Card, RFID, School Access Control, Smart Card, Turnstiles, Visitor monitoring

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Access Control in the Retail sector

A guide to Access Control in the Retail sector

What is access control?

Access control provides the ability to control, monitor and restrict the movement of people, assets or vehicles in, out and around a building or site.

Access control is essential in the protection of people and assets and has the additional benefit of being expanded from controlling, for example, a single entrance door to a large integrated security network.

There are also huge potentials in terms of integrating access control with other systems, such as CCTV and intruder alarms, allowing for cost savings and greater security benefits.

What risks does the retail sector face and how can these be countered by access control?

The retail sector faces a variety of threats all year round, including shoplifting, organised retail crime and dishonest staff, and these risks can increase significantly during busy shopping periods such as seasonal sales.

Recently, the BSIA carried out a survey of its members to discover the trends in retail security over the last year. Over 50% of respondents felt that the use of private security measures in retail had increased over the past twelve months, with a further 65% anticipating this use to increase over the course of the next year.

Members perceived the biggest threat to retailers to be shoplifting and petty theft, with theft by employees following in second. Online theft and armed robberies were also considered to be risks.

Retail environments are full of valuable assets, both on the shop floor and in the stock room. Access control systems are all designed to permit access only to people with the necessary authority to enter a particular area, ensuring that goods and people are protected and helping to manage known or anticipated threats.

Generally, systems are comprised of three main components:

1. The physical barrier – to physically restrict access to a building or area. This can be achieved through methods such as:

• Doors – secured by either a magnetic or strike lock, or can be revolving or sliding.

• Turnstiles and speed gates – designed to limit access to one person per identification device.

2. The identification device – there are a number of different technologies available to identify users of an access control system, including:

• A proximity card and reader via Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) – these cards can be programmed to work at a short or long read range

• A smart card and reader

• A swipe card and reader

• PIN pads

• Biometric devices such as fingerprint or iris scanning

3. The door controller and software – these are at the heart of the access control system and are used to decide who can gain access through which entry point and at what time of the day are they permitted. These can vary depending on the size of the system and how many readers or sites you are trying to control from one point. Some of the options include:

• A stand-alone door controller linked to a single door with no software

• A number of door controllers all linked together to a single PC to control one site

• A number of sites all interlinked together over a wide network area

The added benefits of access control

Retail environments often incorporate large numbers of staff working varied shift patterns. Access control systems can offer a wide range of benefits, including Human Resource management and integrated security systems.

Time and attendance

Retail security does not necessarily just offer protection for the shop floor itself, but can encompass all stages of the supply chain – including staff offices, warehouses and even the delivery process. Naturally, various different employees and outside visitors are involved in these processes and access control systems can assist with staff management.

Badge/token technology can be used to record employee hours and monitor visitor movement within a specific site. If appropriate, these can be processed against working hours, applicable for both temporary and permanent staff – this can be useful for busy shopping periods when additional seasonal staff are employed temporarily. This can work in real time to feed transactions through to the company’s payroll. Time and attendance systems also accurately help keep employers on the right side of the European Working Time regulations and manage holidays and absences effectively. Fast, accurate and easy-to-use, these systems are suitable for businesses employing just a few people, right up to large multinational companies.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition

To monitor the movement of vehicles around an area, CCTV-style cameras and computer software can be used to identify number plates of vehicles. Some systems can also store photographs of the driver and vehicle for subsequent analysis.

This sophisticated software allows critical information to be passed to the police to assist in the pursuit, identification and capture of offenders should an incident occur. For example, if a shoplifter flees the scene of a crime via a vehicle, ANPR cameras situated around an area could help identify the criminal. Visual proof of parking offences with the corresponding time and date information is provided as evidence and to avoid disputes. Using a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) link, monitors are then able to identify the owner of a vehicle and process the offence automatically.

Fire roll call

Health and safety is a key consideration for any business. Since retail environments involve multiple staff members with varying shift patterns, it can be difficult to keep track of all employees during an emergency. Fire roll call technology generates a report containing crucial information in relation to who is within the building and potentially where they are. This software operates via the access control smart card or fob that an employee uses to gain access to or exit a building. In the event of an emergency, the fire roll-call software alerts occupants to the emergency whilst simultaneously activating the report at a safe pre-determined remote point.

Please note: In order for the fire roll call software to effectively carry out its function, employees and visitors must always present their card or badge. The use of smart card or RFID controlled turnstiles can help in this situation.

Integrated security systems

For maximum security, retail environments can benefit from a fully integrated access control system with CCTV, intruder alarms, fire detection and building management systems. One way to attain this is by adopting the use of Internet Protocol (IP) technology, which allows these systems to communicate with each other to maximise their effectiveness.

Separate access control and intruder alarm systems, for example, could allow an employee to access an area that is set with an alarm.

However, unless the employee has the authority to unset the system, the access would result in a false alarm being activated – potentially causing panic in a retail environment. An effectively integrated system would recognise that the user does not have the authority to unset the system, so would not allow them in the area to begin with.

What else should you know when considering access control?

An initial risk assessment of an area can determine the level of security required and subsequently influence the access control system you choose. BSIA access control members and professional security consultancies can assist with this.

BSIA members are subject to rigorous checks before they are admitted into membership, meaning that you are selecting a quality company. Below are just some of the reasons why BSIA members can offer you peace of mind:

• They are independently inspected to the quality standard ISO 9001 with a UKAS accredited inspectorate

• They comply with relevant British and European Standards and codes of practice

• Are financially sound

• Professional

• Staff vetting has been conducted where necessary

• They are technically proficient and committed to quality training and development

• They are up-to-date with the latest developments in British and European policy and legislation

What legislation should you be aware of?

The Disability Discrimination Act was amended in 2005 and has a significant impact not only in terms of the design of new systems, but also means that many systems may need to be upgraded to ensure compliance and adequate, user friendly access to the building for all staff and visitors.

Other considerations to be aware of:

National minimum care standards

Health and Safety at Work Act

Occupiers Liability Act
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

Tukang Ngeblog | January 15, 2017 | Access Control Guide, Access Control Standards, Biometric Attendance, blog, considering access control, Form No. 162, honeywell, Smart I, SYRIS

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Attendance System based on Biometrics

Attendance System based on Biometrics

If you are still using paper and calculator to prepare the salary of the employees then you are wasting your valuable time and missing the benefits of biometric attendance systems. In this era of modern technology, monitoring attendance of each employee to payroll activity has become seamless.

What is Biometrics Technology?

The Biometrics technologies used to measure and analyze personal characteristics, both physiological and behavioral. These characteristics include fingerprints, voice patterns, hand measurements, irises and others, all used to identify human characteristics and to verify identity. These biometrics or characteristics are tightly connected to an individual and cannot be forgotten, shared, stolen or easily hacked. These characteristics can uniquely identify a person, replacing or supplementing traditional security methods by providing two major improvements: personal biometrics cannot be easily stolen and an individual does not need to memorize passwords or codes. Since biometrics can better solve the problems of access control, fraud and theft, more and more organizations are considering biometrics a solution to their security problems. Biometrics gives you an alternative and higher security compared to passwords or pin identification due to the fact that passwords and pin #s can easily be compromised.

Authentication by biometric verification is becoming increasingly common in corporate and public security systems, consumer electronics and point of sale (POS) applications. In addition to security, the driving force behind biometric verification has been convenience. Biometric devices, such as fingerscanners, consist of:

Ø A reader or scanning device

Ø Software that converts the scanned information into digital form and compares match points

Ø A database that stores the biometric data for comparison

To prevent identity theft, biometric data is usually encrypted when it's gathered. Here's how biometric verification works on the back end: To convert the biometric input, a software application is used to identify specific points of data as match points. The match points in the database are processed using an algorithm that translates that information into a numeric value. The database value is compared with the biometric input the end user has entered into the scanner and authentication is either approved or denied.

What is Biometric Attendance System?

Biometric time attendance system used to track each and every person coming to your place is actually who he claims to be or not with its time and other details. It uses finger and face recognition system to verify person's identity and record its time-in and time-out with all required details.

Benefits of Biometric System

Ø It has many advantages over conventional time tracking used at organizations. Typically such organizations maintain a register book, where people entry their name, time-in, time-out and other required details but the problem with this manual system is inaccuracy, time consuming, unreliable and most important is less secure.

Ø Biometric time attendance is very user friendly and easy to use; any person can use it very easily. It is very fast also, user has to see once in front of system and all details including its time will be recorded automatically. In this way it saves lot of time and still record details very accurately. One can avoid early punching, late punching and buddy punching very easily.

Ø Many schools, college used Biometric Time Attendance to track their student's attendance. The Biggest advantage of Biometric Time Attendance over manual tracking is better security. Many shops and shopping mall use biometric time attendance for security purpose and it really works a lot.

Ø If someone wants to use it for business or organization, then they can easily integrate it to payroll systems, account systems and billing systems. So in that way it is very flexible also and it also shows that time attendance system can be used for all type of business and organizations with great flexibility.

Ø In a nutshell biometric time attendance solution permits you to focus on your core business by giving quickest and easiest way to overcome your time tracking issues.

Return on Investment in Biometric System Installations..

Biometric time clocks, which are used to record employee start and end times, are popular in organizations where security is an issue, or where employees may falsely record their time worked. Because biometric technology is more expensive than other forms of time clock identification, such as magnetic badges or personal identification numbers, it is important to evaluate the potential return on investment should biometric devices be installed. In service environments where employees punch in and out to work, return on investment can be considerable because biometric devices virtually eliminate the ability of employees to “buddy punch.” 

In buddy punching, an employee either types a tardy employee’s PIN or swipes the tardy employee’s badge earlier than he arrives to work or after he leaves work. The organizational costs of this kind of time theft can be enormous. The company loses money a few minutes at a time compounded across departments and locations. Biometrics makes it almost impossible for employees to defraud a time and attendance system. 

Other returns on investment can be gained through the use of the biometric system as a security access monitor, as well. In this case, the biometric system is used to grant or deny access to restricted areas. The cost of purchasing and maintaining magnetic or proximity identification cards, which do not prevent fraudulent access, can be eliminated.

Tukang Ngeblog | June 03, 2016 | Benefits of Biometric System, BIOMETRIC, Biometric Attendance, Biometric technology, Bioscrypt, blog, GIGA tms, Invixium, pegasus, Rosslare, Secugen, Suprema, SYRIS, Touch Star, VIRDI

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Biometrics Systems usage and Advantages

Biometrics Systems usage and Advantages

Biometrics Systems are spreading its limbs in almost every sector, as it ensures security to the top most level. Looking at its multidimensional features, biometric systems are used for various applications. 

In today's technologically modern era, the biometric systems are replacing other conventional methods for different purposes. Biometrics Systems can be used to-- Manage Attendance, Access Control, Leave Management, Payroll Processing and many more. This really helps to optimize the solutions according to one's requirement. These solutions help to reduce the chaos of work and also reduces administrative costs.

How secure Biometric Systems are?

Biometric features of each individual are unique in itself, which cannot be tampered or manipulated. Though there are few possibilities to break the security, so to manage optimum security level, biometric systems can be secured with passwords and PIN codes.

How Biometrics Systems are beneficial?

Biometrics systems are useful in many ways, and its benefits depend on the application. Following are the most important benefits of biometrics systems which can help any firm to streamline the work force:-

Reduces Time and other paper works
Biometric solutions can easily reduce the time consumed in hectic calculations and paperwork required in salary processing or other processes. Now these solutions generate reports easily. The reports can be generated monthly or weekly or daily; depending on the requirements.

Accurate Identification

While traditional security systems are reliant on passwords, personal identification numbers (PINs) or smart cards, you can achieve a high level of accuracy with biometrics systems. If you have set up the system correctly, you can use biological characteristics like fingerprints and iris scans, which offer you unique and accurate identification methods. These features cannot be easily duplicated, which means only the authorized person gets access and you get high level of security.

Reduces Human efforts and administrative costs
Since each report is easily generated, so there is no requirement of involvement of more than one employee. Also, each and every detail of each employee is managed easily, thus there is no chance of any kind of manipulation. This reduces the administrative costs.

Restricts unauthorized access
The Access Control Solutions are generally used to restrict the unauthorized movements of any person. It basically works on biometrics of an employee. It also allows to limit the access of employees to a certain range of the office premises. 

Accountability

Biometric log-ins mean a person can be directly connected to a particular action or an event. In other words, biometrics creates a clear, definable audit trail of transactions or activities. This is especially handy in case of security breaches because you know exactly who is responsible for it. As a result you get true and complete accountability, which cannot be duplicated.

Helps to maintain attendance and other records
The Biometric Systems can be used to maintain the attendance of each employee and also manages other records, including OTs, Leaves, etc. A report of records can be generated according to the requirements.

Different solutions based on biometrics for different purposes
Biometric systems can be linked with different solutions like leave management system, canteen management system, payroll software and time office software to solve different purposes.

Security

Another advantage these systems have is that they can’t be guessed or stolen; hence they will be a long term security solution for your company. The problem with efficient password systems is that there is often a sequence of numbers, letters, and symbols, which makes them difficult to remember on a regular basis. The problem with tokens is that they can be easily stolen or lost – both these traditional methods involve the risk of things being shared. As a result you can’t ever be really sure as to who the real user is. However that won’t be the case with biometric characteristics, and you won’t have to deal with the problem of sharing, duplication, or fraud.

Scalability

Biometrics systems can be quite flexible and easily scalable. You can use higher versions of sensors and security systems based on your requirements. At the lowest level you can use characteristics that are not very discriminative; however if you are looking for a higher level of security for large scale databases then you can use systems with more discriminable features, or multi-modal applications to increase identification accuracy.

Convenience

It’s considered to be a convenient security solution because you don’t have to remember passwords, or carry extra badges, documents, or ID cards. You are definitely saved the hassle of having to remember passwords frequently or changing cards and badges. People forget passwords and ID cards are lost, which can be a huge nuisance with traditional security methods.

Versatility

There are different types of biometrics scanners available today and they can be used for various applications. They can be used by companies at security checkpoints including entrances, exits, doorways, and more.

Moreover you can make the most out of the biometric solutions to decide who can access certain systems and networks. Companies can also use them to monitor employee time and attendance, which raises accountability.

Tukang Ngeblog | November 15, 2015 | Access Control, Biomatric, Biomatric Access Control, Biometric Attendance, Biometrics Systems usage and Advantages, Leave Management, Payroll Processing, Scalability

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Biometricization of systems in India

Heading towards “Biometricization” of systems in India

Biometrics Technologies are searching new ways to spread its limbs in recent technology driven era. Every system within the public domain is proposed to be made transparent, secure and safe in its operation. Looking at these demands, Government of India is trying to implement Biometrics Technology in their system under Digital India program. This initiative from Government is really appreciable and needs an applaud. This will really help to curb corruption, larceny, and truancy. Also, the implementation of biometric technology will help layman gain the services in more effective ways. 

We all know biometrics technology is one of the most secure, safe and reliable way of human identification. So, it is quite necessary to implement this technology in every process under Government of India. This will bring a fruitful result in comparison to other conventional methods. Through this blog, I would like to throw some light on a few sectors where Biometrics Technology has been implemented or are proposed to be implemented in the coming days.

Attendance System: As the new Govt took the charge at the center, they firstly implemented Biometric Attendance System in Government offices. Also, they launched an attendance portal www.attendance.gov.in where the attendance of every employee is monitored. Its implementation has really proved fruitful and now they are showing up at offices right in time. As a result, Govt. Officials are found in their workplace.

E-PDS Scheme: Slowly and steadily, every state governments are implementing biometrics technology in the Public Distribution System at different levels. This will show a drastic change in the whole process of ration distribution. The poor people who usually are kept aside from govt. aides now will be directly benefited. The mediators will vanish and e-ration card holder can enjoy their right to the food.

Skill Development: Under the skill development program, the implementation of Biometric technology is really an effective state. Each and every student's attendance is marked in biometric devices with its location and uploaded to the central server. This has reduced larceny and made the process more transparent and effective.

Passport system: Also, the government has proposed to make biometric characteristic a mandatory  verification during passport issue. This step has been taken to reduce the crime and illegal immigration. Effective implementation will lower down, the rate of crimes under different circumstances.

For Criminal Records: National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) has decided to launch a software which will identify the criminals. The implementation of Biometrics will help officials to know whether the criminal had ever been previously prosecuted for any other crime. This will help in the faster procedure of judgments and other trials.

National ID for Fishermen: The major setback of fishermen is their identification. This also leads to prosecutions of fishermen and they are sent behind the bars without any charge. So to resolve this issue, the government has decided to issue National ID cards with biometric for fishermen.

The rapid implementation of Biometrics Technology in different fields is definitely going to solve major common issue every citizen faces into their day-to-day life. Biometrics Technology has a tendency to change the approach of Government officials towards safe, secure and transparent systems. So, Star Link India, being the largest Indian manufacturer of Biometric Attendance Systems, endorses the step of Govt. and promises full support from their side.

Tukang Ngeblog | June 18, 2014 | ADHAR., Biomatric, Biomatric Access Control, Biometric Attendance, India Govt Biometric

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