Biometrics

Biometrics access control refers to the practices of using biometric identification technology such as fingerprint scans, retina scans, and iris scans to gain access to controlled areas. The growing availability of biometrics access control systems and their dropping prices are especially important to the retail industry. The ability to use biometrics access control systems adds security and convenience to retail stores across the nation.

There are many advantages to using biometrics access control in retail stores. The biggest advantage presents itself in situations where an employee is terminated suddenly or quits without notice. In current access control systems that require keys or a numeric combination, these terminated employees retain access to product and inventory that should only be granted to employees with proper authorization. If an employee fails to return access keys, additional costs are incurred when new locks must be installed to maintain security of the inventory. If a numeric combination is used with a remote keypad control, the service provider must be contacted and paid to change the access code, and employees still with the company must learn a new access code to gain access to inventory and product.

The biometric access control systems allow for easy removal of these obstacles and worries. With the biometric access control systems, biometric data is collected from each employee and entered into the system with other vital information. Typically, biometric fingerprint scans and technology are used for the retail industry due to their ease of use and installation, as well as the lower cost. When the employee presses their finger to the biometric fingerprint scanner, the biometric access control system allows them access to the inventory stock rooms. If the fingerprint is denied, the door remains locked.

With biometric access control systems, a terminated employee only need be erased from the system. No additional costs are incurred, no locks need to be changed, and no new combinations need to be learned. Removal of the employee from the system is simple and only takes about one minute, and therefore can be done as soon as it is known that the ex-employee needs to be denied access.

Keypad control access doors for inventory stock rooms have another severe downfall. If a customer is waiting in the background for the employee to retrieve a product from the inventory stock room, it is quite possible that the numeric combination of the stock room can be noticed and memorized. This allows customers uncontrolled access to inventory stock rooms, which will undoubtedly open up possibilities of theft.

Another advantage of biometric access control systems is the reporting feature. These systems are networked with the retailer computer system and software. Reports providing information about which employees entered the controlled area and when they entered can be retrieved using these reporting systems. In this way, unaccounted for inventory losses can be pinpointed to a particular shift and employee, allowing for easier investigation of possible in store theft.