ZKAccess LLC. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Lumeo, a designer of computer vision solutions, announces a unique anti-tailgating (and mantrap) AI analytic for turnstiles that prevent tailgating at entrance points. This innovative solution incorporates advanced AI algorithms to detect the number of individuals entering a turnstile lane (or mantrap) and grants access only if no more than one individual is detected. Anti-tailgating / mantrap solution at GSX ZKTeco, a company globally renowned for its multi-factor authentication (MFA) touchless biometric technology, developed these innovative analytics using Lumeo’s video analytics platform.   ZKTeco USA will showcase this “anti-tailgating / mantrap solution” while exhibiting at GSX 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia (September 12-14) at Booth 1329.  Tailgating Even if the “breach” is harmless, the authorised person is freely cooperating with the unauthorised person Tailgating is a common security breach that occurs when an unauthorised person gains access through a turnstile (or door) by walking closely behind an authorised person and sneaking in behind them. In most cases, even if the “breach” is harmless, the authorised person is freely cooperating with the unauthorised person. This violates security protocols and puts the business at substantial risk should any resulting improprieties occur as a result of the tailgating (i.e. property theft, violence, vandalism, etc.). AI-based solution While most vendors are already address tailgating by providing monitoring cameras and resulting alert notifications, ZKTeco’s solution actually prevents tailgating from occurring in the first place. This AI-based solution not only authenticates the visitor wishing to pass through the turnstile (or door) but additionally recognises the presence of more than one person using cameras.   If multiple people are detected attempting access, this overrides the turnstile’s locking mechanism, notifies security personnel, and prevents further access, even to authorised personnel.   No-code building-block approach ZKTeco has created a unique integrated solution that prevents tailgating, instead of merely generating alarms" “Preventing tailgating is a major challenge for access control equipment manufacturers and security professionals,” said ZKTeco USA President Manish Dalal. “ZKTeco has created a unique integrated solution that prevents tailgating, instead of merely generating alarms.”  “In doing so, time to market was critical for ZKTeco, and Lumeo’s ‘no-code’ building-block approach to video AI and analytics, and high-accuracy ready-to-use AI models enabled ZKTeco to design an effective security solution in record time. Lumeo’s platform also made it easy to integrate with our access control systems and deploy to existing ZKTeco turnstiles.” Mantrap Another key feature developed by ZKTeco is creating stronger mantraps for customers who require heightened security (i.e. banks, research labs, post offices, airports, healthcare facilities, data centres, etc.).    A mantrap is an access control system that consists of a small space (i.e. vestibule) and two interlocking access points (i.e. doors). The vestibule’s “entry door” must close before the vestibule “exit door” can be opened.  This in effect “traps the man” inside the vestibule until the “entry door” is closed.   Advanced video analytics ZKTeco’s mantrap can also be programmed to prevent more than one person at a time from passing ZKTeco’s mantrap can also be programmed to prevent more than one person at a time from passing through it; the moment Lumeo’s advanced video analytics detects more than one person is in the vestibule, it can override the ZKTeco access control system and keep the vestibule’s exit door locked shut.   The exit door is programmed to release only when the entry door is closed, and AI detects one person present inside the mantrap. Custom AI analytics Dalal concluded, “ZKTeco turned to Lumeo, given their reputation for quick development and deployment of custom AI analytics.” “The proper access control hardware and cutting-edge AI analytics that are easy to deploy can go a long way to solving the tailgating challenge. A multi-faceted approach is essential to protecting people, property, and assets.”

Altronix and ZKTeco USA have recently teamed up to deliver a new access control and power integration solution that simplifies board layout and wire management, greatly reducing installation and labor costs. Designed and manufactured to seamlessly integrate with ZKAccess C3 and inBio access control panels, Trove2Z2 provides the versatility and flexibility to easily configure and install access systems.  Easy system installation “Our collaboration with ZKTeco USA provides system designers and installers with a highly efficient access control integration solution that makes installations faster, easier and ultimately more profitable,” said Alan Forman, President, Altronix Corporation.Thanks to this integration, our customers can now consolidate all their wiring that results in dramatic reductions in both installation time and materials" Trove2Z2 is scalable to accommodate up to 32 doors. The removable backplane allows you to assemble and test your system prior to installation, saving time onsite, and reducing overall costs. Reduced installation time with Trove2Z2 As noted by Larry Reed, CEO of ZKTeco USA, “Our ongoing goal at ZKTeco is providing customers with innovative yet simple ways to help further reduce the total cost of ownership when installing access control systems. Prior to Trove2Z2, manually running individual wire for large multi-door projects could be a challenge." "However, thanks to this integration, our customers can now consolidate all their wiring that results in dramatic reductions in both installation time and materials. We greatly value our strategic partnership with Altronix and thank them for helping our customers.” The Trove2Z2 Access Control and Power Integration Solution includes an enclosure, backplane, tamper switch, mounting hardware, and cam lock, along with ample room to accommodate back-up batteries.

Arteco, a global provider of event-driven intelligent video management solutions, will present the benefits of technology integrations with ZKAccess and Hanwha Techwin at a lunch-and-learn event co-hosted by Accu-Tech on Nov. 2, 2017, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Central at the Courtyard Marriott in Memphis, Tennessee. The integration of access control and video surveillance is key to providing organisations a clear picture and deep understanding of their daily operations and emergency situations. In order to obtain the knowledge within captured data, the information must be presented in an intelligent way, and the combination of these two platforms creates a comprehensive view that leads to enhanced insight and informed decisions. Advantages of video surveillance and access control integration At this lunch-and-learn event, Arteco, ZKAccess, Hanwha and Accu-Tech will demonstrate how these technologies can be deployed seamlessly in mainstream business and security operations, giving attendees hands-on experience and insight into the advantages of video surveillance and access control integration. Additionally, Arteco's new collaboration with the Hanwha Techwin Wisenet 5 chipset will be showcased, highlighting the critical element of integrating video event management software and video surveillance cameras to benefit the overall safety and security of a facility. This integration combines ease-of-use, reliability, and an intuitive platform into a single package, meeting the increasing demand for interoperability in the security industry today. Arteco's support of Hanwha's cameras enables users to gather higher resolution video, supplementing the power of access control integration.

Important biometric capabilities include multispectral imaging, superior liveness detection, and tamper resistance Technology developments are enabling a range of new functionality for biometrics in the security market. Early biometrics solutions had poor performance (high failures during enrolment or acquisition that meant significant percentages of users could not use biometrics), says Phil Scarfo, VP worldwide marketing, biometrics, HID Global. Early solutions were not able to distinguish live fingerprints from fakes, thus stoking fears that we face a new and more dangerous form of identity theft if someone can steal and use a digital version of person’s unique biometric. Lumidigm biometric sensors – spotting fake from real Today’s technology is much improved compared to earlier generations. For instance, HID Global's Lumidigm biometric sensors with multispectral imaging technology increase performance through improved fingerprint data collection, can identify real human tissue as authentic and detect fraudulent materials within a fraction of a second. The latter, liveness detection capability is built from advanced machine learning algorithms, and its spoof-detection algorithms can be updated as new threats and spoofs are identified, enabling the sensors to very quickly respond and adapt to new vulnerabilities. Unlike any other fingerprint technology, this “learning” capability allows Lumidigm fingerprint sensors to keep up with new threats. Additionally, HID Global’s Lumidigm biometrics solutions are increasingly being deployed using intelligent encryption-enabled and tamper-resistant devices that further strengthen secure authentication and protect user privacy. Multispectral imaging Important biometric capabilities are multispectral imaging, which improves performance by collecting more relevant fingerprint data than other technologies, and superior liveness detection. Another important development at HID Biometrics is biometric devices that are encryption-enabled with various tamper resistance and detection capabilities that protect the integrity of the sensor as well as communication between the client and the sensor. These devices can increase security for banking and other sensitive applications by connecting to the institution’s systems through a cryptographically secure channel protected by hardware tamper detection and response, which establishes trust between the device and the institution’s systems independent of intermediate systems and networks. Half of all deployments of the company’s biometric solutions use this increasingly popular biometric systems architecture, and more are sure to follow. Some of these customers have even taken advantage of this architecture and Lumidigm liveness detection technology to enable secure self-enrolment at the ATM, since spoofs are checked with every finger placement. HID V371 biometric reader for identity verification HID Global’s latest biometrics solution is the V371 reader – the first HID Global offering to integrate Lumidigm technology. It combines the company’s high-performance biometrics sensors with its contactless reader technology to simplify identity verification while improving fraud protection compared to other card-and-fingerprint readers. Other anti-counterfeit methods have been used to combat card fraud, but only the V371 ensures authenticated users are the same people that were issued the cards. ZKTeco provides door access without having to carry on a physical credential or memorise a PIN code More means of authentication, better security Biometric manufacturers will argue whose “sensors” are more reliable/accurate, which can be difficult to prove, says Larry Reed, CEO, ZKAccess, another biometrics company. At the absolute minimum, a biometric device must have a least two means of identifying users, he says. “ZKTeco is unique in that we offer customers up to four means of authentication,” says Reed. “For instance, our model Multi-Bio 700 can read a user’s face and/or fingerprints (up to all 10) and/or ID badges and/or PIN codes … or any combination. And the latest model FV350 is a multi-biometric that replaces face with finger-vein pattern technology. With ZKTeco, authorised users can gain door access without having to carry on their person a physical credential or memorise a PIN code (either of which can be lost, forgotten or stolen). Another new introduction is ZKTeco’s access control camera model BioCam. BioCam can release a door lock upon recognising an authorized user’s face up to 12 feet away. As with MB700, FV350 and most all ZKTeco access control models, BioCam is completely standalone. It does not require a computer for programming or a separate access controller. In most cases, ZKTeco models (including BioCam) require only an electric door lock and power (option to connect ZKTeco or third party panel via Wiegand).

Proving ROI, setting proper customer expectations and training is imperative tothe success of biometric implementation End user customers increasingly expect their security systems to provide measurable benefits beyond protection of people, facilities and assets. The biometrics sector is undergoing a similar shift in mindset: The benefits of using biometrics to drive business operations and other corporate functions are becoming part of the return on investment (ROI) “equation.”  Cost savings & efficiencies influence biometric adoption Many customers now recognise that a biometric system saves money in the long run, says Arie Melamed Yekel, CMO, FST Biometrics. The company’s In Motion Identification (IMID) technology uses a combination of facial and body behaviour analytics. Yekel says the system can demonstrate cost savings in two ways. First, the system avoids the need to issue or replace cards and keys – potentially a very large expense that is simply not a factor with biometrics systems. Another cost saving is related to time: Both users and administrators continually save time by removing barriers to entry. The associated savings include, among others, the time spent waiting in line to enter a building, time looking for a key or card, time lost when a user can’t enter a building because they don’t have their key or card, and staff time required to issue a new key or card. “Once the biometric system is in place, there are inherent savings of cost and time compared to standard card systems,” says Yekel. “Furthermore, quality biometric solutions such as IMID are far more secure than other identification systems.” Every user of a card-based system needs a dedicated ID card, he says, and the cost of the cards, and of replacing lost/damaged cards, can become a great expense for organisations. For example, a system that supports 1,000 users can expect to spend $3,000 to $5,000 annually replacing lost cards. Improving efficiency via automation and accurate identification Automating manual processes is another cost saving. “In many cases, we found that our customer decided to replace the human guard with IMID Access solution” says Yekel, “as the outcome of placing IMID Access will be even more accurate and more secure than using a human guard, and it saves them tens of thousands of dollars annually.” An example is the Granite Club, Canada’s 10,000-member premier family, recreation and athletic club. The club wanted a solution that would ensure only Granite Club members, staff and authorised visitors would be able to access its athletic and children’s centres as well as the dining and meeting facilities. With a health and hygiene focus, the Granite Club also wanted a touch-free solution that would not require users to swipe a card, carry a fob or punch in a code. The Granite Club selected FST Biometrics because it is a non-invasive, secure access solution that does not impede the movements of members and staff, or detract from the Granite Club’s atmosphere. IMID Access is used in various access points throughout the Granite Club, allowing members and staff to freely access restricted areas of the facility. IMID was also deployed in the children’s centre, supplying a highly secure level of protection. Once a biometric system is in place, there are inherent savings of cost and timecompared to standard card systems Lower costs of biometric technology make ROI much easier Prior to the last 10 to 15 years, biometrics primarily existed only in the public sector, where government has both an obvious need and budget for advanced biometric security, says Larry Reed, CEO, ZKAccess, another biometrics company. “Fast-forward 10 to 15 years and the cost of biometric security has been reduced dramatically,” he adds, “and it’s within the budgets of even individual consumers.” Indeed, the proliferation of fingerprint sensors retrofitted into today’s smart phones is all around us. Apart from smart phones, as with any product, the market adoption rate for biometrics is normally consistent with the ROI associated with that new product, says Reed. The most commonly acknowledged ROI for biometrics is when used for lowering payroll expenses, since payroll is often 10 percent or more of any company’s overall operating budget. Biometric time clocks are used to prevent “buddy punching” (hourly-wage employees fraudulently punching in for each other and getting paid for unearned work hours). Another obvious ROI is avoiding fines from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), says Reed. Among other things, OSHA safeguards employees from being injured from the accidental/unauthorised startup of dangerous mechanical equipment (i.e., trash compactors, cardboard balers, forklift trucks, etc.). Without first authenticating to a biometric reader, electricity remains cut off from the machine. “Where you can prove an ROI, you’ll find a customer willing to pay for biometrics,” says Reed. Proving ROI to encourage biometrics adoption Prior to any technology change/refresh, a customer must first be convinced the change will either result in increased revenues or reductions in operating expenses. Reed says ROI can be more easily proven if/when any of the following scenarios are acknowledged by the customer: 1) Buddy punching payroll losses; 2) OSHA fines for non-protected dangerous equipment; 3) Recent break-in or misuse of employee access ID badges; or 4) downtime (accidental lockouts) experienced when employees misplace ID badges and must be reprocessed to gain access to their workplace. Fast-forward 10 to 15 years and the cost of biometric security has been reduced dramatically and it will be within the budgets of even individual consumers “For biometrics veterans, we’re well aware of the inherent security flaws and unnecessary expense of managing a card-based access control system,” says Reed. However, without the customer feeling the “pain” of a security breach, financial loss or inconvenience acknowledged by the customer, it will be more difficult to convince that customer to invest in biometric technology. “Once you’re proven an ROI, the next step is ensuring that time and labour (and total cost of ownership) for the biometric install is minimised,” says Reed. Biometrics that are wireless, battery-operated and/or can utilise existing infrastructure will be most favoured. Lastly, setting proper customer expectations and training is imperative to the success of biometric implementation, says Reed. Without the cooperation and commitment of both the decision-maker and all of their employees to learn and properly operate the biometric solution, the project is doomed to fail, he notes. 

More fingerprint scanners being embedded into mid-range smart phones willspur the growth in availability of mobile wallets When Apple included a fingerprint scanner on the iPhone, everything changed in the biometrics market. What used to be exotic or even dubious instead became normal and everyday. Any negative connotations about biometrics were wiped away in an instant. “Since the release of Apple’s Touch ID, and subsequent similar products from Samsung and other mobile device manufacturers, we have not seen any negativity; the opposite in fact,” says Robert Fee, Director of Sales, Access Control, Zwipe, whose access product is essentially a small, portable biometric scanner that can fit in your pocket. Mobile payment services driving biometrics adoption Pushing growth in biometrics adoption across all markets is greater adoption of biometric payment services such as Apply Pay and Samsung. A study from Juniper Research, Hampshire, U.K., finds that increased rollout of contactless payment services using fingerprint scanners will push the number of biometrically authenticated transactions to nearly 5 billion by 2019, up from less than 130 million in 2015. At present, there are only two services that use fingerprint scanners for authentication – Apple Pay in the U.S. and U.K. and Samsung in the U.S. and South Korea. However, both services are expected to be launched in several additional markets in 2016, and the convenience of the scanner is likely to make it a primary mechanism for transaction authentication. More fingerprint scanners in mid-range smart phones will spur growth in availability of mobile wallets. Also contributing will be a growing acceptance of contactless infrastructure at the point of sale (POS). Need for biometric data security & user privacy Juniper Research also commented on the need for security of biometric data. “When a password or PIN is hacked, the consumer can simply get a replacement,” says Dr. Windsor Holden, research author of the Juniper Research report. “When biometric data – fingerprint, iris, facial – is stolen, the consumer’s online identity could be irretrievably compromised.” The number of biometrically authenticated transactions will push to nearly 5 billion by 2019, up from less than 130 million in 2015 Biometrics has been ready for “prime time” for five years or more, says Jason Chaikin, President of biometric company Vkansee, which specialises in fingerprint capture for payment, data and other sectors, including physical access control. Apple’s incorporation of biometrics on the iPhone has created a real-life use case and a resulting “buzz” that will open the door to many other biometrics uses, he says. Privacy has been a key point both driving and inhibiting biometrics, he adds. “The issue with privacy is that you are only as strong as your weakest link,” says Chaikin, and security must extend to the every step of the process, from how the biometric is captured to how biometrics are stored and transferred, requiring encryption at every stage. Vkansee miniature optical fingerprint sensor Vkansee has developed a new sensor that could be used on a smart phone or any number of other devices. The smaller 2-millimetre optical fingerprint sensor, in effect, takes a photo of the finger for more accurate and reliable fingerprint authentication. Previously, optical fingerprint sensors such as those used by governments and civil authorities worldwide, have been larger – about 2x2 inches – too big to be used in embedded devices, for example. By miniaturising the familiar technology, Vkansee is paving the way for its greater use in smart phones, computers, tablets, automobiles, and physical access control. The small module can be mounted under a device’s glass screen so it’s not as susceptible to environmental elements. Currently the product is on the third run of pre-production samples; it will go into full production in 2016. In contrast, the capacitive sensors currently embedded in mobile phones and other devices emit a small amount of electricity and then measure how much of it is returned to the sensor – more from ridges in a fingerprint than from valleys – to build a map of the fingerprint. Users must touch the sensor directly. Manufacturers of sensors installed in today’s mobile devices include Fingerprint Cards AB (FPC), Sweden, and Synaptics, Santa Clara, California. Chaikin contends semi-conductor-based technology has reached its limit in terms of resolution, thus the need for an optical sensor that can be embedded in a device.  (see bigger image)Vkansee created a fingerprint optical sensor to address the limits met bysemi-conductor-based technology in terms of resolution Vkansee’s new, miniaturised optical sensors are priced comparable to capacitive scanners, and have 2,000 pixel per inch resolution to capture “Level 3 details,” such as sweat pores and the shapes of fingerprint ridges. A byproduct of the greater resolution is to make it more difficult to fool the reader with a molded fake fingerprint. Beginning in 2016, smart phone and other device companies – including electronic access control companies – will be evaluating the Vkansee sensor with an eye toward embedding it into a variety of devices. “As the size of sensor gets smaller, it becomes important to be able to see deeply in the finger to get an accurate identification even on a small sensor,” says Chaikin. Speed, accuracy and convenience SRI International’s latest generation of biometrics products is following the trajectory of the evolution of mobile phones from a single-purpose device to today’s multi-function smart phone. “Just as we now expect smartphones to do a lot more than support voice calling, our offerings are using the speed, accuracy and convenience of biometrics to converge security and operations for enterprise workflows,” says Steve Perna, Executive Director, Products and Solutions Division, SRI International.  “In years past, both customers and installers of biometrics were disappointed with the broken promises of what biometric technology could deliver,” says Larry Reed, CEO, ZKAccess. “Yes, today’s sales of biometrics are hampered.” But he adds that biometrics is making a big comeback. Driving the trend is the proliferation of smart phones with built-in finger readers (and soon-to-be face readers), improvements in biometric technology, reduction in the cost of biometrics.