Biometric technologies are being utilized in universities nationwide in several ways, ways that may surprise you. Yes, biometrics are being used to keep students safe. But did you also know that many universities are using biometric technologies to more effectively manage meal plans and provide authorized access to limited areas such as recreation centers, laboratories and libraries?
Biometric Technologies in Dining Halls
The University of New Hampshire is utilizing biometric technologies as a more efficient way to manage and track student meal plans. UNH installed 11 biometric hand readers, primarily in the campus dining facility, as an alternative to the “declining balance” card system it previously had in place.
A biometric hand geometry reader simultaneously analyzes more than 31,000 points and instantaneously records more than 90 separate measurements of a person’s hand, including length, width, thickness and surface area, to verify the person’s identification.
“The hand readers facilitate the tracking of revenues,” said Rick McDonald, the assistant director for Support Services at UNH. “There are three different dining halls, and we can allocate revenue to each hall correctly.”
Biometric Technologies in Rec Centers
The University of California-Irvine has installed a biometric reader to replace card access to its recreation center on campus.
“The number one suggestion from our members was eliminating the need for ID cards,” said Jill Schindele, the director of Campus Recreation. “We took their suggestions seriously and feel that hand geometry is the fastest and most efficient alternative to identification cards.”
Biometric Technologies in Dormitories
Johnson & Wales University installed biometric readers at the main entrances of each of its three residence halls. Doors are timed so that the ones nearest to a reader open for five to 10 seconds while those further down the hall open for up to 20 seconds.
“Only biometric solutions can verify a human being,” said Lindsay Morgan, a member of the Johnson & Wales media relations department. “They let authorized individuals access an area and keep everyone else out. With biometric technology, students who lose an access card or key do not have to worry about an unauthorized individual picking up the card or key and compromising the security of their dormitory. They also don’t have to worry about students loaning out their cards or PIN codes to strangers.”
In the future, the university plans to utilize biometric technologies in its dining halls, academic halls, computer labs, athletic facilities, and library.
For any further questions on the use of Biometric Technologies in universities, simply contact ARK Systems at 1-800-995-0189 or click here today.
ARK Systems installs biometrics as part of physical access control to areas and covers retinal scanners, palm readers and fingerprint scanners.
When you consider how crucial security can be, and when you think of all the options that you’re faced with today, one thing becomes clear. You need a contractor with experience. For assessment, design, installation, testing and service, ARK is the expert across the board.
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