Biometric Security

There is a lot of vendor advertising material floating around boasting the benefits of biometric security systems. A number of construction companies I know are considering access control systems for their construction sites. Some have been advised this is the way to go if you want high security outcomes. The main benefit extolled is that you can rely on biometrics to "man" an unmanned gate - ie by installing a turnstile.

I would advise caution before going down the path of a biometric security system rollout. The important thing to focus on is the business outcome that you are trying to achieve. If you are building a military installation where access control is a premium requirement, by all means, biometrics could be the answer to a difficult security question. However, if all you want to achieve is head count with an added degree of access control, then simple bar code technology could suffice. The difference here in cost could be in the order of 10k to 160k - so consider carefully what you want to achieve before moving forward.

On the issue of securing a gate with a turnstile and biometrics combination I would advise watching the linked Mythbusters video below. This video is not meant to detract from the value of biometrics, rather, it should serve as a clear warning to choose equipment from a reputable supplier with a proven track record.

I have linked anther video which describes the different types of biometric technolgy that is on the market. I will blog specifically on each over the following weeks.

Steve
www.misedio.com

Links
Mythbusters crack fingerprint reader...with wet paper photocopy!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA4Xx5Noxyo&feature=related

Silcon.com outlines biometric technology
http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39169487,00.htm

Security...Anyone???

In todays highly litigious environment there is nothing more critical to a major contrators risk management control system than effective static guarding security. Particularly in developments that are taking place in urban centres, the good old security guard is the thin blue line between a controlled construction site environment and completely unfettered public access. In some circumstances, the requirement for security will be imposed on you by local council.

So if you are going to have the expense of security at the gate it's in your own interest to get full value out of them. Think about the following points when engaging a contractor, as too often a security guard is employed purely as a "gate" - allowing entry or not. Think more widely when you engage your contractor - what else can they do to support your brand and corporate image? When drafting your security scope think about including the following items:

Clean Site Entry

• Make security responsible for keeping the site entry clean. Provide brooms and shovels and a handy bin to facilitate this. A clean site entry says a lot about site managment - particularly when you have important (senior managment or government regulators!) coming to site unexpectedly.

Graffiti Removal

• The best way to stop graffiti is to remove it as soon as it appears. Security (particularly night security) can be critical in this. Provide your guards with water based paint, brushes, overalls, and buckets. If your security provider can overwrite graffiti quickly and often enough, you will go a long way to stopping it altogether.

Access Control

• For the security guard, knowing who should and should not be on site is difficult, particularly on large projects. Different workers starting and finishing on the project every day makes knowing who should be provided with access hard.
• You can help his situation by providing a dedicated access control system. At it's most minimal level, this only needs to consist of identification cards issued to workers who have successfully completed the site induction - preferably with photos. These can then be presented to security at entry each day. Systems on this scale start at around 10k installed - which is a small investment for the benefit it delivers.
• More sophisticated systems are available, ranging in price up to 160k. These include smart card technology. However, in considering these, really examine the value proposition attached to implementation and use. In my experience, the benefit you get from 10k is not that much different to 160k, so be wary.

Effective security can be a real asset. It sometimes requires you to think outside the square at the time of drafting up the scope of service.

Steve
http://www.misedio.com/