MES Systems — SSAIB-certified security provider
What is Biometric access control?
Biometric access control is a way to let people into a place (or unlock a device/system) by checking a biological trait instead of (or in addition to) a key, card, or password. Unique human characteristics (e.g., fingerprint templates or facial geometry) are used to verify identity at a door, gate, or turnstile. Compared with cards or PINs, biometrics can reduce credential sharing and cloning, streamline audits, and improve throughput.
Pros
- Convenient (nothing to carry or remember)
- Harder to share than a badge or PIN
- Can improve security when combined with another factor (like a card + fingerprint)
Cons
- Biometric data is sensitive; storage and consent matter
- Lighting, wet fingers, masks, etc, affect the performance of low-end equipment
- Spoofing: Some low-end systems can be tricked as they are without “liveness detection”
Fingerprint vs facial recognition
Fingerprint recognition: A cost-effective choice that isn’t affected much by the environment, e.g. lighting. It’s quick to use, but requires physical contact and a short pause for the scan. Because it’s touch-based, the reader may raise hygiene concerns and require regular cleaning.
Facial recognition: Ideal for faster throughput and hands-free entry, making it more hygienic and well-suited to environments where people wear gloves, carry items, or have dirty hands. Many systems include liveness detection to help prevent spoofing, and it can even authenticate users as they approach.
How it works
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Enrollment: register your biometric (e.g., scan your finger), and the system turns it into a template (a mathematical representation, not a photo).
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Attempt: scan again when you want access.
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Matching: the reader captures a face image or fingerprint, extracts a mathematical template, and compares it against stored templates.
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Decision: if it’s close enough (within a chosen threshold), it grants access.
Performance is tuned via FAR (false acceptance rate) and FRR (false rejection rate) to match your security policy.
UK Compliance
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) treats biometric data used for the purpose of uniquely identifying someone as special category data under the UK GDPR. This includes facial or fingerprint recognition used to verify a person’s identity.
Before deploying any biometric recognition system, you must identify an appropriate lawful basis for processing and complete a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) in advance. The DPIA should demonstrate that the processing is necessary and proportionate, and that risks to individuals’ rights and freedoms have been properly assessed and mitigated. You should also minimise data by collecting and retaining only the biometric information you genuinely need and provide proportionate alternatives for people who cannot or do not wish to enrol.
Why MES pairs Paxton Net2 + Suprema or ievo biometric readers
We deploy and maintain Paxton Net2 access control integrated with Suprema (and ievo) biometric readers across UK sites from single facilities to multi-location estates, backed by SSAIB-audited practices and 24/7 support.
Suprema/ievo face and fingerprint devices integrate directly with Net2, adding biometric verification for stronger security and smoother entry. A typical deployment includes biometric readers (face or fingerprint), Paxton controllers, and door hardware, with optional integration into visitor management systems for a seamless experience.
Contact us or book a free site survey
FAQS
Q: Are biometric door entry systems legal in the UK?
A: Yes, when you have a valid lawful basis (often legitimate interests), complete a DPIA, minimise data, secure it appropriately, and offer proportionate alternatives.
Q: What's better, fingerprint or facial recognition?
A: It depends on the environment and throughput. Facial is touchless and fast at busy lanes; fingerprint can be cost-effective.
