Johannesburg, 14 Oct 2014
Advances in biometric technology have made it a practical and robust alternative for large and small businesses, says Nick Perkins, divisional director at Bytes Identity Management. And the good news is it doesn't have to break the bank either. This is particularly important in SA, where security has become a key business.
Because it's based on secure identification of the individual, biometric access control offers much tighter security than conventional locks and keys ? not to mention manned gates with dog-eared registers in which Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse make regular appearances. Aside from being more accurate and secure, biometric systems can also make the process of signing in much quicker, especially for staff or business partners whose details are already in the system.
Biometric access control has other advantages for the business, Perkins believes. "Because it's a digital system, biometric access control allows a full audit trail to be created. The company can quickly see which people entered certain areas and when ? something that is vital in detecting, preventing and prosecuting fraud," he points out.
The recent 2013/2014 Global Fraud Report[1] found that 77% of African companies have been affected by fraud, with an average loss amounting to 2.4% of revenue ? a substantial proportion in anybody's books. Theft of physical assets or stock accounted for nearly half of losses (47%), showing just how important access control remains.
Perkins adds that employers can also manage access privileges; for example, preventing employees from entering the premises outside of working hours. Thefts often occur during these times, when the chance of detection is reduced.
Another key benefit is the ability to control all access points centrally, meaning a company can lock down its premises during an emergency.
Biometrics thus delivers not only security and access control that is more reliable, it also strengthens the whole governance environment across the firm. However, the key to its adoption is affordability, which is why Bytes Identity Management has focused on putting together a range of flexible and highly affordable systems.
"In addition, biometrics can be used not only for access control but also for time and attendance, thus further driving down the real costs," says Perkins. "Bytes believes excellent security is a necessity, and we have focused on creating solutions that are both cost-effective and deliver real business benefits."
[1] Sponsored by Kroll and researched by The Economist Intelligence Unit, available at http://www.kroll.com/media/krl_fraudreport2013-14_usletterpress_revised_10182013.pdf
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