What makes fingerprints an ideal biometric for attendance and access control?

Biometric solutions are more accurate and secure than cards or keys, because a fingerprint cannot be lost or stolen.  They are more convenient and cost-effective than traditional employee attendance systems, because biometrics are the sole technology capable of eliminating “buddy punching” and falsified time cards.  Biometric systems are extremely accurate, quick to implement, and cost effective.   

Can my fingerprint be stolen?

No. PeopleKey fingerprint readers never capture or store an image of your actual fingerprint.  Rather, the fingerprint sensor identifies unique minutiae points and measurements within your fingerprint and creates a digital template (not an image) for matching. 

What is a template?

A fingerprint template is a set of lines, angles and measurements (minutiae) based upon the unique characteristics of an individual’s fingerprint.  These details are captured upon enrolling a person’s fingerprint into the system, and later used for 1:1 or 1:n matching.  No actual fingerprint images are stored on the PeopleKey readers or in a database - the template is simply a mathematical representation of your fingerprint’s unique characteristics.  Templates are encrypted and cannot be reverse-engineered to form a fingerprint image.  PeopleKey uses standardized fingerprint templates approved by NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), the leading biometric standards organization. 

What is unique about the PeopleKey solution?

PeopleKey solutions are unique from a quality, innovation and service perspective.  Our products incorporate some of the world’s highest quality fingerprint sensors and matching algorithms.  Our software solutions are robust and scalable, suitable for companies with 10 or 10,000 employees.  We employ unique innovations such as customized printing solutions, sophisticated wireless communications options, integration with payroll systems, and more.  We offer unparalleled customer support services to get your solutions up and running, as well as competitive pricing. 

How do I maintain the fingerprint readers?

PeopleKey fingerprint readers incorporate non-coated sensors that are harder than steel and typically require zero post-installation maintenance.  If the sensor becomes coated with dirt or grease, it may simply be wiped clean with a soft cloth. 

How do the readers connect to a network?

PeopleKey fingerprint readers incorporate a wide variety of connectivity options, and can also be used in standalone mode.  Most installations call for connection via ethernet, but RS232 and RS485 are options.  The readers can also connect wirelessly via 802.11n (access point required) or even integrated long-range bluetooth.  Please contact us for more details.  

Can I use any of my fingers?

You may enroll any fingerprint into the PeopleKey solution, but because each of your fingers is different, you must also use the same finger for later verifications.  Most customers use their right index finger or thumb for enrollments and verifications. 

What are false acceptance and false reject rates?  How are they calculated?

False acceptance rate (FAR) is a measure of biometric accuracy.  It represents the probability that a given biometric system will accept an incorrect input as a positive match.  FAR is calculated by testing known biometric templates against a large database.  The PeopleKey algorithm was tested and shown to have a theoretical FAR of  0.0001; in other words there is only a 1 in 10,000 chance that a finger could incorrectly be identified as a positive match.  By contrast, the false reject rate (FRR) is a measure of the probability that a biometric system will incorrectly reject an input as a negative match.  FAR and FRR rates have an inverse relationship with one another.  In other words, the more selective the biometric system is (better FAR rate), the more likely that the system will also begin to occasionally reject the correct fingerprint.  PeopleKey systems leverage the BioEngine 6 algorithm, which is one of the best fingerprint matching algorithms in the world.  It has an FAR rate of 0.0001 with an FRR rate of only 0.013.   

What are 1:1 and 1:n matching, and how are they different?

Also called verification, 1:1 matching is a method of examining one biometric record against another in order to determine whether the two match.  This is the type of biometric match that occurs, for instance, when a biometric system is set up for card + finger matching.  The user swipes a card, which tells the biometric reader who the user is supposed to be.  The user then proves his / her identity by scanning a finger on the device.  This type of matching is very fast and accurate, and has been in use for some time. By contrast, 1:n matching is a means of identifying a person against a broad database of other users simply by means of a fingerprint.  In this scenario, no PIN numbers or cards are required.  The user simply places his / her finger on the PeopleKey reader, and a very rapid search is initiated in order to find and verify the user’s identity.  This type of matching is more convenient since no PIN numbers or cards are required.  However, in order to keep search speeds high, it is recommended only for installations with 3,000 or fewer enrolled users (1:n where n = ≤ 3000) .  As time goes on, we continue to make refinements that allow for faster matching and subsequently larger ‘n’ numbers in 1:n matching.  Please check the technical news section of the website for the latest news about PeopleKey firmware and software.

Can the system connect several different sites?

Absolutely.  PeopleKey fingerprint readers can connect a large number of sites together across various geographic territories, with a centrally located server managing user profiles, access control permissions, etc.  Qantas Airlines, for instance, uses a network of PeopleKey readers that are distributed among all major airports in Australia. 

Are you able to check (audit) systems once they are installed off site?

Yes, PeopleKey fingerprint readers use TCP/IP and can be located across the world.  Please contact us (or your local PeopleKey distributor) for more details and assistance.   

What if the device can’t read my fingerprint?

PeopleKey’s fingerprint sensors and template matching algorithms are among the best in the world, and we rarely have difficulties with the enrollment of fingers.  However, a very minor percentage of the population has poor quality fingerprints due to injuries, skin disorders or heavy manual labor.  These users can generally be enrolled into PeopleKey systems due to an option on the readers that we call Multi-Placement-Enrollment.  In the rare case of a complete failure to enroll, particular users may be assigned secure PIN codes or a card + PIN option. 

Can the device be used outdoors?

The current V70i reader is water resistant but should not be mounted anyplace where direct rain or other liquids can interfere with the operation of the unit.  Future readers (now in development) will have full IP65 ratings that will allow for installation in more harsh outdoor environments. 

What are the warranty and post-sales support arrangements?

All PeopleKey hardware comes with a 12 month warranty, which covers manufacturing defects or component failure.  PeopleKey also offers a range of support agreements that most clients choose to take advantage of.  Standard support agreements cover unlimited phone support, free on-site support in case of component failure, and free firmware / software upgrades.  Agreements can also be customized to suit your organization’s needs; please contact us to discuss custom support options.  

I'm ready to order. What's the next step?

Please contact PeopleKey (or your local distributor, if you are located outside of Australia) in order to discuss your company's specific access control or employee attendance needs.  Our sales team will discuss the appropriate biometric solution with you, offer a free quote, and help you schedule an installation.