How Much Does a Biometric Access Control System Cost?

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It might sound like something out of a Hollywood film, but not so: Real companies are using technologies like fingerprint and iris scanning to control access into building entry doors and high-security areas within the building.

The term for these security measures is biometric access control. Because unique identifiers like fingerprints are nearly impossible to fake, this is the most secure method of access control. It’s also the most expensive.

About Biometric Access Control Systems

Biometric access control systems consist of two basic components: hardware and software.

The hardware is an electronic device place at each restricted door or entry point that requires biometric verification before granting entry. With fingerprint biometrics, for example, the employee holds his or her fingertip up to the device and waits for verification. If the fingerprint is not recognized, access is denied.

Software, the second and equally important component, is used to control who has access to which doors. It stores the biometric information for comparison purposes, and it does the actual verification work. Software also allows companies to monitor employee comings and goings, and hours worked.

Biometric access systems are more convenient than card or key fob access controls because there are no access cards or fobs for companies to issue or employees to lose. They are much safer than keypad entry systems, which are compromised if one just one employee decides to give out the code.

Due to the price, however, biometric access control systems are best suited for companies where security is of utmost importance. Financial institutions, government organizations or research laboratories use them. Biometric access is also commonly used to protect server rooms and rooms where sensitive files are stored.

Cost of Access Control Systems

It is tough to estimate the cost of biometric access control systems. The price depends on the size of your company, the number of access points to be controlled, the type of devices you select and the type of software.

You can get very basic fingerprint scanners for about $75-$100 each. These scanners will come with basic software, but they are not without flaws. Sometimes the fingerprint readers are spotty or the software is not very user friendly.

On the other end of the spectrum, sophisticated systems for large companies and organizations start at about $2,000 per entry point. These include hardware, software, training, installation and customer support. Top-of-the-line systems with advanced features such as iris scanners can reach $10,000 per entry.

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