Installing a fingerprint access control system is one way you can effectively control access to your buildings and properties. It’s a form of biometric access control, which can also include facial recognition, iris scanning, and more. Fingerprint security is one of the more accessible forms of biometric access control, and installing a system on your property is a good investment for the safety and security of your building and employees.
Here, we’ll review what a fingerprint access control system is and how it works. We’ll also walk you through how to install a fingerprint access control system for your commercial building or business and why it might be the right choice for you.
What is a Fingerprint Access Control System?
A fingerprint access control system is one part of a security system that can help keep unwanted people out of your property while easily allowing authorized people in. Users scan their fingerprints to be granted entrance onto the property.
Fingerprint access control systems allow for a relatively high level of security because they require the user to actually be present when their information is scanned, unlike a barcode reading system, for example.
This type of system is also ideal for both administrators and users because it’s easy to use. For employees and other people entering the building, entry is quick, and they don’t need to remember a code or bring a key card. For building owners and administrators, it provides a high level of security, and it’s difficult for someone to trick the system.
How Does a Fingerprint Access Control System Work?
Fingerprint access control systems connect with your overall access control and security system in your building.
A fingerprint reader is installed at any entrance you want to control access to. Users place their finger on the scanner and it collects their fingerprint. Their fingerprint is then run against a database of fingerprints that exist in the fingerprint security system. If their fingerprint matches a print in the database, they are granted access.
If it does not match, they are not granted access, their fingerprint is recorded, and in some cases, an alarm may sound. The access control system also records who was granted access and when. When integrated with video security, the system can also log video footage of each access fingerprint attempt.
How to Install a Fingerprint Access Control System: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for installing a fingerprint access control system is going to vary from one system to the next. Each manufacturer creates their system slightly differently. It’s best to follow the step-by-step instructions located in the manual for the system you have. However, here are some general steps to follow when installing a fingerprint access control system.
- First, decide where you want your fingerprint scanners to be located. You’ll need to install mounting equipment at each scanner location. In most cases, you’ll need to screw the mounting equipment to a wall or other secure location outside of a door or other entrance. You can also mount scanners at exits if you want to keep track of when people enter and exit the building. It’s generally recommended to install your scanner about 4.5 to 5 feet off the ground. This is a comfortable height for most people to place their fingers on the scanner.
- Next, secure the fingerprint scanners onto each mounting device.
- Once you have your scanners in place, you need to install any drivers and software needed to run the system. You won’t be able to operate or access information about the system without software and drivers.
- Connect the fingerprint scanner to a door sensor, alarm, locking device, ethernet cable, and any other components of your system. This will allow the door to open or unlock when an authorized person scans their fingerprint. This can also trigger an alarm if an unauthorized person attempts to enter your property.
- Connect your fingerprint scanner and any other component of the system to a power source. Be sure you do this only after all of the other physical installation steps are complete.
- After you have the scanners installed in the correct locations and the system set up and running, you need to power on the device and set admins and their passwords. You can always go back and edit admins and passwords later as well.
- Next, it’s a good idea to run a test user to ensure everything is working properly. Register a fingerprint and assign it permissions to open a door. Then, have that user scan their finger to gain entry. If everything works properly, you’re ready to move on to the final step.
- This step might take a while depending on how many people are in your organization, but it’s the most important step. Next, you need to register each user and record their fingerprint. You also need to set up any groups and assign permissions to users. As users come and go into your organization, you can revisit this step. Consider having each user do a test run after recording their fingerprint to make sure their user profile is working properly.
Once you have your system installed, you can continue to add or delete users and update it as needed.
Why Install a Fingerprint Access Control System
There are many benefits to installing a fingerprint access control system. As previously mentioned, fingerprint scanners are easy for users, and they offer a high level of security for building owners and system administrators.
Everybody has a unique fingerprint, and it’s very difficult for people to attempt to duplicate a fingerprint. It’s also a simple way for employers to keep track of who is in the building and with scanners at entrances and exits, fingerprint systems can be used as time clocks for employees.
Fingerprint access control is also a relatively inexpensive form of biometric access control. It’s a great long-term system as well because you’ll never need to purchase key cards, fobs, or other devices for employees.
