In recent years, biometric scan technology has rapidly developed to become an increasingly popular Security Solution. From smartphone lock screens to Facility Doors, these devices are now involved in a wide variety of Access Control Systems. The technology behind this works by analysing either physical or behavioural characteristics, but within this there are a few main types of biometric security to run through.

Fingerprint Scanners

Physical characteristics are used far more frequently in biometric security, and one example of this can be seen in fingerprint scanners. These systems work by measuring the unique ridges of a finger to correctly identify someone. And, whilst it is the most common form of touch-based scan, the palm or even a hand’s geometry can be used instead of a fingerprint.


Pros & Cons

  • Pro – Passwordless system that most people are familiar with
  • Pro – Provides a cost-effective security solution
  • Con – Injuries can interfere with biometric scans

Facial Recognition

Another popular type of biometric security is found in utilising facial recognition technology for access control. These systems are the oldest form of biometric authentication and, using an image or video, they can identify people through the automatic localisation of someone’s face. 

You can Read More on How Facial Recognition Works Here.


Pros & Cons

  • Pro – Offers touch-free and passwordless authentication
  • Pro – Extremely effective when combined with other security measures
  • Con – Can be inconsistent depending on lighting and facial expressions/accessories

Iris Scanners

Our eyes can be used in several forms of biometric security. Facial recognition can utilise them, but they’re more commonly associated with iris and retina scanning technology. The former works by analysing the unique folds within the muscles of the iris, whilst the latter scans deeper into the eye to check the capillary patterns.


Pros & Cons

  • Pro – Another passwordless system
  • Pro – The high level of randomness with eye patterns means it’s unlikely to be influenced by small injuries
  • Con – The technology is very new compared to other biometric scanners

Handwriting Recognition

A common form of behavioural recognition is seen in handwriting detection systems. This is based on identifying patterns within someone’s writing, normally in their signature, to find a match with a specific individual. It has become quite popular for securing workflow automation, rather than in access control.


Pros & Cons

  • Pro – Provides an intuitive and familiar layer of security
  • Con – Only suitable for low-level security as people tend to have inconsistencies in their signature
  • Con – Can be impossible to use with injuries

Other Forms of Biometric Security

Finally, a few more types of biometric scans include:

  • Voice recognition – Widely used in security, especially for multi-factor authentication
  • Hand veins – A form of fingerprint scanning that’s much more difficult to hack
  • Ear shape – Can be used instead of full facial recognition
  • Thermal detection – Uses infrared energy to locate people. Find More on This Solution Here.

For more information, you can find the Biometric Security Solutions Provided by Johnson Controls Here.