Fingerprint access control for daycare

[signal15]

My kid's daycare place has a 4 digit code on the front door to get in. They give every parent the code to it, and when someone leaves, they change the code. I mentioned that they should do something where they use fingerprints or unique codes for every parent so they have an audit log of who came in and out, and so they wouldn't have to change the code all the time. It's a fairly large place also, so if decently dressed stranger managed to come in, it's likely that no one would notice.

I *think* they have a panel and are using 26-bit weigand stuff already, but I haven't confirmed this.

Any of you access control guys have recommendations? Both recommendations for if they have a panel already, and recommendations if they need it all. If they need it all, is there a panel out there where you can manage it all through a web interface?

Note that I will not be doing the install, I am not licensed, and I don't want anything to do with it. I'm looking for recommendations on hardware/software, and then I will refer them to a local installer that deals with that equipment. I told them I'd research it for them to help them out.

 

[tmbrown97]

I can't help with specific equipment, but the daycare I've used uses a unique 5-digit code for each parent to get in... after you go through the first door, you have to enter a 5-digit code to get in the next door - and it's unique per parent.

It still has holes, but it's better than a wide-open door.

 

[Neurorad]

I don't think they want it to be too difficult, or expensive.

Not sure if the technology is robust (works well every time), and affordable, at this point. That is, the better devices are still too costly.

I haven't seen them discussed much in industry magazines. I've seen some ads - pretty sure Holovision offers a residential one, if you can track down some info. Most of the access control companies should offer some kind of biometric devices, I'd think.

Most of the biometric authentication I've read about is for computer access, used as a second means of authentication, with a password.

 

[signal15]

I don't think they want it to be too difficult, or expensive.

Not sure if the technology is robust (works well every time), and affordable, at this point. That is, the better devices are still too costly.

I haven't seen them discussed much in industry magazines. I've seen some ads - pretty sure Holovision offers a residential one, if you can track down some info. Most of the access control companies should offer some kind of biometric devices, I'd think.

Most of the biometric authentication I've read about is for computer access, used as a second means of authentication, with a password.

I know reliable equipment exists out there. I have clients that use fingerprint and handprint scanners to identify and authenticate people through doors and mantraps. A couple of them even have scales in the mantrap to ensure that you're not bringing someone else in with you. One of my clients actually manufactures the equipment, including facial recognition and iris scanners, maybe I should call them.

I don't think they care that much about cost. There are a LOT of kids going there, and it's $2500+ a month per kid. They are not poor.

 

[Neurorad]

There are a couple security distributors near where I live. I'd pay them a visit, and find out which commercial lines of access control they carry. Then, I'd do the online research. Then, speak with the local reps for those lines.

 

[Neurorad]

And by local reps, I mean regional.

 

[programmergeek]

forget fingerprint. Unless you use a 40k whole hand reader they are pretty useless. I can pretty much fool one in about 30 sec., even the good ones we have tested them. Also then you have the problem of finger print readers not working in the cold well. I would recomend a key fob system for price and security balance.

 

[ysualum]

Our Daycare uses a wall mounted touchscreen w/ individually assigned codes. It logs the kid in/out and messages for the parents are displayed on it. Then it triggers the door strike to release. Not sure what the software is. But a quick google search shows there's quite a few programs available, most are complete packages.

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

The Rosslaire ones work well.

 

[programmergeek]

MOst daycares I know use code systems. it is just easy and works. Trouble is it is really just the feeling of security, anyone can get scope and look at someones code as they are entering it. Also with that many codes out htere you can pretty much guess that someone hase 4321 1234 etc. key fobs are more secure because you have to have the fob, but htere is more of a cost involved and more of a pain. Now a fob with a code would relaly be good. but if the people there woorking knows the parents and kids that is your best line of defence.

 

[tmbrown97]

...with that many codes out htere you can pretty much guess that someone hase 4321 1234 etc

At both my daycare facility and my boat-storage facility, I've caught myself using the wrong code for a long time, until it quits working - and when I ask why, I'm informed that I was using someone else's account and they've been deactivated.

Daycare facilities require vigilance as well... at mine, the director and assistant's office face the man-trap and front windows, and they have a policy to always have someone at the desk in the lobby- and they have cameras in every room... you have to - because human nature (though dwindling) is to be kind and hold the door for the guy behind you, etc... There's no foolproof solution. Just look at airports... they scan and x-ray us, yet people still slip through with 12" razor blades and concealed pistols by mistake... who knows what intentional mischief they're missing.

 

[signal15]

I spoke with the daycare yesterday. The system they have is a standalone keypad just connected to a door strike, there is no weigand compatible panel in place. I have a local distributor looking into options for them, as well as recommendations from the installers that he works with.

It looks like cost is not too much of an issue with them, as they want to convey high security to potential customers. They are very interested in biometrics, like hand or fingerprint scanners. And they do not want cards or keyfobs to manage.

 

[mustangcoupe]

well iif you use biometrics, maybe one with a keypad that can be used if the biometrics part is on the fritz

 

[electron]

While you are at it, include a camera in your setup, so it takes pictures of whoever is authenticating (since it's about selling security).

 

[sic0048]

I'd be hesitant to use fingerprint readers in a run of the mill security setting like that (high security with high budgets is another story). The problem is the potential that the system doesn't work well. IE parents have to scan a print several times before it is accepted. It's one thing to do this when you are trying to log into a computer. It is another to do it while standing outside in the cold with a crowd of people behind you. Soon, people just start letting other inside because they know how hard it can be to scan properly. Then the security measures are worthless.

You have a similar problem with keyfobs. All it takes for a person to get in is to simply walk up to the door when someone else arrives and loudly announce, "Darn it, I left my fob at the house again. That's like the third time this week!". Most times the other person will let them in because they have done the same thing and understand how much of a pain in the ass it can be.

I agree with idea of using individual key code access. Each person has their own code which can be used to accurately track people entering and exiting. It also cannot be "left at home" so people will be less likely to let others inside.

Don't fall into the trap of equating security with having the latest and greatest technology. The two are not synonymous.