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Biometrics allows access based on an identification of a user’s unique physiological or behavioral characteristics. The analysis of these characteristics is employed by commercial users for physical and data access control, time and attendance, and employee background checks. In addition, more expensive “live-scan” (law enforcement) and biometric identification (access control) products are also used by local, state and national government organizations.
Biometric access control includes a number of different technologies. However, fingerprinting and hand geometry are the leading methods used in the commercial market today.
Fingerprint scanning is the most established subset of the biometric access control industry. The large law enforcement database, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness are the biggest reasons for its widespread use.
Iris scans are increasing in popularity and now occupy a growing share of the market due to their extreme accuracy.
Hand scan is another popular method of access control due to its low costs, even though its accuracy is low relative to other biometric technologies available in the marketplace.
Other emerging technologies include DNA Electrophoresis, facial characteristics, handwriting dynamics, infrared imaging, keyboard dynamics and voice verification.
In recent years, the biometric market has sustained steady growth, however, as biometric technologies improve, this steady growth is expected to increase, especially as the general public becomes more accustomed to these new methods of identification. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice, the use of biometric technology by the government and private sector are gaining momentum and acceptance. As the public’s comfort level increases, so will the integration of biometrics into everyday uses.
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