Definition of Biometric
Biometrics is measuring and analysing people’s unique physical or behavioral characteristics for the purpose of verification. This is often used by schools, colleges, and organizations for identification and authentication purposes.
We, as human beings, have always relied on our capability to identify familiar faces, voices, and gestures for security as well as comfort. But, in the present digital era, we are seeing a dramatic shift as biology meets technology to offer a simple and safe way to recognise identity.
So, if we must put the whole concept of biometrics into a single sentence, we’ll say it’s the marriage of biology and technology.
In a time when passwords and PINs are vulnerable, biometrics is emerging as one of the safest options for identification. There’s a lot to this technology you must be aware of.
Let’s explore:
- What is Biometric?
- Types of Biometrics
- What is Biometric Authentication and Biometric Identification?
- How Does a Biometric Device Work?
- Top 5 Reasons to Use a Biometric Management System
What is Biometrics?
Biometrics is an exceptional technology that aids organizations in identifying and verifying employees based on their unique physical/behavioral features.
Unlike passwords or ID cards, biometrics provides employers with faster and easier means of authentication.
Biometric systems are used in security, access control, and authentication applications, from unlocking smartphones to ensuring border security.
Types of Biometrics
There are many but take a look at the most common five biometrics:
Biometric Fingerprint:
In this, unique fingertip patterns are used to verify the identities of people. Fingerprint biometrics are considered highly accurate and widely used by companies, both big and small.
Facial Recognition:
This biometric confirms a person’s identity based on his or her facial characteristics. You can see this type of biometric in your smartphones, airport security, and more.
Voice Recognition:
As the name suggests, this type of biometric uses vocal characteristics for authentication mostly used in phone banking systems and voice assistants.
Iris Scanning:
This scans the distinct patterns of the eye iris of individuals. Government applications and secure facilities use this type of biometric.
Palm/Finger Vein Patterns:
This includes examining the vein patterns in the palm or fingers. Industries such as healthcare and banking use such biometric devices.
What is Biometric Authentication and Biometric Identification?
Biometric authentication and biometric identification are two security methods that use distinct physical or behavioral features to confirm an individual’s identity.
Biometric authentication checks and identifies a person, giving him or her access to a system or device by comparing their biometric data. We will discuss how these systems actually work and compare the data in the next section.
On the other hand, biometric identification includes a one-to-many matching process. It searches a database of biometric data to identify an individual from a pool of potential matches.
How Does a Biometric Device Work?
Here is a quick guide on how a biometric device actually works:
Capture:
It first captures a biometric sample like a fingerprint, iris scan, facial image, or voice recording, of the person.
Extract:
The device then scans the captured biometric sample of the individual, extracts his/her unique features, and creates a template.
Storage:
The templates created for different individuals are safely collected and stored in a database.
Verification:
Whenever the person tries to access a place, facility, or system, s/he provides a different biometric sample.
Comparison:
The biometric device then quickly compares the new sample with the earlier stored template to check and confirm if there is a match.
Access Control:
If there is a match, access will be granted to the particular person. And, if there is no match, access will be denied. This eventually ensures improved security as well as no unauthorized entries.
Top 5 Reasons to Use a Biometric Management System
Take a look at the top five reasons why companies are relying on biometric management systems and you should too:
Increased Security:
By identifying people using their distinct biological features like fingerprints or eye iris, you can ensure a high level of security. Such a system will leave no room for unauthorized access, thereby reducing identity fraud.
Error-Free Attendance Tracking:
Geo-fencing attendance is an excellent feature of biometric systems. For the uninitiated, geo-fencing attendance aids companies in tracking accurate employee attendance, making sure that employees are where they need to be during their working hours.
As a result, you can reduce attendance manipulation and enhance overall workforce management.
No Buddy Punching:
A good biometric management system can also completely erase buddy punching from your workplace as such systems only allow the registered individuals to record their attendance.
Time Efficiency:
Biometric systems also optimize attendance and access control operations. This, in turn, saves a large chunk of time for both employees as well as HR professionals.
Compliance and Reporting:
Biometric systems facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements and generate detailed reports for audit purposes. These reports can be crucial for businesses in various industries, ensuring transparency and accountability.
So, it’s a wrap!
Now that you are ready to face the future of attendance management with an open palm (or shall we say eye?), why wait to try a biometric system ASAP? Explore HROne HRMS integrable with biometric to simplify the whole attendance process.