The convergence of RFID with Biometrics has been anticipated for some time due to the ability of each solution to compliment the other – both technologies are proven to provide reliable and secure access control/ID solutions. The marriage of these two technologies enhances the value propositions for each technology by providing a complimentary, value adding solution and an additional level of redundancy, a critical component of an advanced security system. RFID and Biometrics have been evolving in parallel and competing for similar applications, so it was only a matter of time that these two solutions began to converge.
We’ve seen the rumblings of this convergence over the past few years from the introduction of several concepts and/or offering from firms that were integrating biometric functionality into RFID systems; however, these were more of a ‘mashing’ of already existing technologies and solutions as opposed to have fully-integrated and compatible devices.
ZK Software, Inc., a developer of biometric scanners and RFID readers, just introduced the industry’s first fully-integrated biometric/RFID reader. According to ZK Software, the iFace “detects the same face with 15 different facial expressions and is unaffected by varying light intensity, boasts one of the fastest fingerprint-and facial-matching algorithms available, includes a high definition "auto-learning" infrared night vision camera for user identification in poorly lit environments, easily integrates with any software application, and offers optional built-in Wi-Fi or GPRS for wireless communication.” For the complete press release, click on the following link: https://findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/7886/
This is just the beginning. This is a natural area of convergence in which both technologies not only compliment each other, but add value to the overall solution. Keep an eye out – I think this will be a hotbed of activity and a green-field of opportunity in the years to come.