Biometrics is the “what you are” factor in identity management. Their uses in access control are pretty common, but more and more they have non-security and some interesting applications as well, according to a recent
blog post by M2SYS.
In access control and identity management there are major
authentication factors based on what you have, what you know and what you are. Increasingly, even factors
beyond those three are called for, for example “what you do” through keystroke, mouse tracking and device orientation and “when you act” through time frame and geo velocity.
Of the main authentication factors, biometrics represent “what you are,” which is an effective identification method as one’s bodily features are difficult to duplicate or tamper with. “Biometric Technology recognizes and validates as per biological or behavioral characteristics. As this technology is secured and convenient, the development and uses is increasing rapidly,” the post said.
Usage of biometrics
Given such, biometric applications have been developing rapidly, some security-related and some going beyond security. Below are some of the applications listed by the post.
Time and attendance
According to the post, some companies use biometric soft clock to eliminate buddy punching, time theft and results in the rise of accountability, reduction of payroll error and boosts productivity.
Workforce management
Many organizations need to ensure the accuracy of workforce data to comply with number of internal and external policies; a biometric-based workforce management solution might be the perfect choice for them, the post said.
Visitor management
Rather than using pen and paper or ID cards to manage visitors, the post argues the process can be made much simpler via biometrics. “Biometric visitor management system can identify visitors with their biometric data, collect demographic data and send digital badges that can be shown anytime during his visit,” it said.
School management
From the identification of students for maintaining lunch lines, academic records or to record attendance report during an examination; everything can be done with the great amount of accuracy and simplicity using the biometric technology, the post said.
Membership management
According to the post, use of biometrics for membership management enhances the user experience, increases efficiency, flexibility, and transparency eases data management and reduces identity fraud and errors.
Patient identification
According to the post, biometric technology is now used in medical and healthcare facilities to accurately identify patient and securely access their medical history and demographic data. “It helps prevent duplication of medical records and assures the security of personal medical information of the patient,” it said.
Secured financial services
With the help of biometric technology, it is possible to identify the account holder, non-account holder, which can save millions of dollars each year from identity fraud/theft, the post said, adding it also creates a concrete audit trail that ensures a high level of accountability.
Driver’s identification
According to the post, often drivers are found to be involved with criminal activities like using duplicate/fake license, stolen vehicles or using rigged number plates. “Sometimes they also hide their past criminal records to get job by using fake identity. That’s why transport authorities and businesses are using biometric technology to store, process and de-duplicate millions of driver license, their track record, shifts, and past criminal records,” it said.
Identification of blood donors
Blood banks collect blood from the donors, but there remain high risks of getting the infected blood from proxy or professional donors, the post said. “That’s why biometric identification technology is now used in blood banks to register the donor and keep record of his/ her medical history and to avoid unqualified donors.”