The Benefits of Multi-Modal Biometrics
Today’s modern workplace has undergone a number of changes in the past few years. A shift toward hybrid working, a growing concern over emerging health-safety threats, and an inclination toward digitization has left organizations demanding flexible, cost-effective solutions to meet these new challenges. Moreover, organizations are rightly rejecting the idea of single-function systems in favor of multi-tasking solutions that deliver the highest levels of performance and value.
Enter multi-modal biometrics.
Multi-modal biometric solutions utilize biometric authentication methods, such as facial authentication and fingerprint scanning, in order to perform a function. Perhaps the most well-known use of multi-modal biometrics is for access control applications. Access control readers embedded with biometric capabilities grew in popularity during the pandemic where touchless solutions were required, but new, innovative multi-modal biometrics readers have applications far beyond access control. Modern multi-modal biometric solutions have evolved to deliver a highly effective and powerful trifecta of solutions for physical security, workforce management, and health-safety.
Multi-Modal Biometrics for Physical Security
The benefits of biometric authentication for access control far outnumber those of traditional access methods such as physical access cards and badges. For example, biometric identifiers (i.e., a person’s face or fingerprint) are unique and inherent to each person. This means that a person’s means of authentication cannot be shared, stolen, lost or forgotten. Not only does this equate to a more secure facility, but also reduces the administrative cost and hassle associated with administering physical credentials. Multi-modal biometrics also offers further security advantages over a single-factor authentication system, as registered users can utilize touchless facial authentication alongside a fingerprint, PIN code, and/or an access card to gain appropriate access with irrefutable identity verification.
Hikvision’s Value Series MinMoe Multi-Modal Biometrics Reader delivers these unique benefits, plus the added bonus of intercom functionality. The MinMoe Reader supports intercom calling via the mobile app, allowing security personnel to converse with guests and open doors remotely with audio enhancements from echo and noise cancellation.
While visitors can communicate with authorized staff using the intercom function, authorized users can utilize touchless facial authentication and/or an access card or PIN-code to gain access to the facility. The MinMoe Reader can even authenticate facial credentials while users wear face masks.
Multi-Modal Biometrics for Workforce Management
Hybrid work schedules have made it more difficult than ever to manage a fluid workforce that sees some employees coming into the office on certain days, certain weeks, or as they please. This adds a new layer of complexity to shift scheduling and access management that underscores the need for easy, precise time and attendance functions. Multi-modal biometric solutions ensure rapid and highly-accurate attendance is achieved with multiple identity verification technologies, including face authentication.
The use of biometrics for attendance authentication also eliminates the controversial practice of buddy punching, wherein one employee asks another to ”clock-in” on their behalf without being on site. Buddy punching is another form of time-theft that can cost companies thousands of dollars. With biometric time and attendance solutions, however, employers can ensure that any employee attempting to clock-in is physically present and ready to work.
Hikvision’s MinMoe solution offers a wide range of scheduling rules and attendance reports that also integrate with multiple third-party systems. This solution is ideal for small businesses including restaurants, retail shops, businesses, and factories. Furthermore, the MinMoe Biometrics reader works with Hikvision’s Video Management System (VMS), HikCentral, to connect employee check-in data with management and human resources for even more time and attendance accuracy assurance.
Multi-Modal Biometrics for Health Safety
While the worst of the global pandemic may be over, there is a lasting need for integrated solutions that help organizations address ongoing health and safety concerns. Today’s multi-modal biometrics access control solutions are more than capable of meeting these needs with provisions for touch free health questionnaires. Users need only scan a QR code to fill in a health-focused questionnaire using their smartphone. Instant alarms can be sent to administrators when an abnormal questionnaire is received with facility access being immediately denied to the afflicted individuals.
Hikvision Mask Detection solutions are also touch-free and verify masks from a safe distance with automated scanning and audible notifications that remind an individual to wear a mask before they enter the premises. This functionality is still essential in critical applications such as hospitals, patient care facilities, and laboratory clean rooms. Additional biometric access control readers are available with temperature screening features that ensure a user’s skin temperature is within an acceptable range.
Contact your local Hikvision representative to determine which of our latest security innovations is right for your project. To find your representative, visit this link: https://info.hikvision.com/connect-with-hikvision.
Learn more about Hikvision's Access Control + Health Safety + Workforce Management solutions on our webpage.