Biometrics

Kaba is the trendsetter in data recording and identifies biometrics as the choice for a modern alternative. It is important to distinguish between the theoretical discussion about biometric traits in personal identity documents and in practice.

What is Biometrics?

Biometrics is the science of using unique physiological or behavioral characteristics to verify the identity of an individual. The term "biometrics" originates from the two Greek words, "bios" and "metron." Biometrics literally means "life measurement." Individuals are identified by their measurable physical traits. These traits are the basis for every type of biometric identification.

Why Biometrics?

With biometrics, physiological and behavioral characteristics of the individual are used for authentication, i.e. checking that person's authenticity. It records both unique and common traits. Although the human memory is unique, a person's capacity to memorize is limited. With the constant flow of information, this becomes critical.

Today's media for storing passwords and PINs are only suited for temporary storage media. However, they have one big disadvantage: they can be lost or misplaced. So what would be better for authentication than one's own physical, biometric traits? Biometric traits cannot be forgotten by, passed on to, loaned to, or stolen from users.

Kaba offers two different types of biometric technologies - an identification solution and a verification solution. Basis for both methods is the use of the reference fingerprint for identifying individuals

Biometrics - The Identification Method

The enrollment station is connected to the PC that runs the enrollment software and the concentrator database. The first-time recording of fingerprint data is done with the enrollment station. The enrollment software files the recorded information as a reference template in the concentrator database. The finger print templates are distributed to the users terminal.

Compact Biometric Reader Module

The new biometric module CBM (Compact Biometric Module) consisting of a sensor and a keypad fits into the standard housing for the reader modules of all Kaba Benzing terminals. In this way, the biometric reader can be integrated into any Kaba Benzing Time and Attendance or Access Control terminal. Prospects can now select from a much wider range of terminals to suit their special needs. In the past only two specific biometric terminals were available. The biometric identification unit is based on the tried and tested Sagem fingerprint system. It guarantees stable and reliable operation and fast response times. The module features an internal database for 500 employees. The employees’ fingerprint data is stored in the reader.

Once recorded with the BioGUI software, the reference data (Templates) is distributed to the appropriate terminals via Windows service FTCS (Finger Template Control Service). The collection process is simple and fast. If a person would like to e.g. record their work hours, they have to press the ''In'' button first. They are then asked to identify themselves. He or she briefly places the finger on the sensor. The booking is accepted as soon as the corresponding template has been found in the database. The stored personnel number is made available to the terminal and passed on to the superior HR system together with the booking data.

Biometric Fingerprint Readers

Several biometric readers can be integrated with the Kaba family of terminals to offer customers a wide range of biometric options for restricting access to equipment, facilities and information.

Some include:

• V-Pass:
  No cards, keys or even pins required. The V-Pass is the ultimate biometric reader for physical access to facilities. This reader eliminates the need for PINs, keys or cards to gain access to secure areas. To gain access, the user simply places their finger on the reader and in less than one second the V-Pass confirms or denies access based on a database of fingerprints from authorized users. The V-Pass performs onboard enrollment, identification and template storage for 200 fingerprints.
• V-Prox:
  Fingerprint Verification with Integrated Proximity Reader eliminate any concerns about stolen, loaned or compromised proximity cards. The V-Prox leverages fingerprint verification and proximity card reader technology to prevent unauthorized access.
  The reader matches the fingerprint of the person seeking entry to the identity of the card-holder. This dual factor solution combines a self-contained fingerprint verification module and an HID proximity reader.
• V-Smart:
  Dual-factor authentication with a portable template database.This practical and affordable two-in-one reader combines the high security of Bioscrypt's proven fingerprint matching technology with support for MIFARE contactless smart cards. Offering one-to-one biometric template authentication, the V-Smart reader provides traditional access control customers fast throughput and individual privacy.
• V-Station:
  Incorporates advanced fingerprint technology in a self-contained terminal.The V-Station can support both standard and proprietary Wiegand communication formats and stores up to 3550* templates on the unit. With an optional integrated proximity or contactless smart card reader or the 1 to 200 searching capability, the V-Station is the most flexible biometric solution available today.