After the fingerprint – face recognition is now introduced

News

March 12, 2021| Susan Bengtson

Contactless fingerprint biometric access does not work in building environments. That’s the opinion of Precise Biometric, which invests in facial recognition. Skanska is the first Swedish construction company to test the technology.
Biometric access to construction sites is increasing in Sweden. Byggvärlden previously told how many construction companies have introduced fingerprint reading, a technology widely used in the UK, among other places.

Now comes the next step – facial recognition – which is simpler and more reliable, according to Precise Biometrics, the global provider of identification software.

Fingerprints do not always work in building environments. Stefan K Persson, CEO of the company, says that craftsmen who use their hands a lot, for example to build walls, in cold, dry environments, dry their hands and get dirty, and it’s not always legible.

Precise Biometrics has developed the Youniq product, which integrates facial recognition with access control systems to conveniently and securely handle facility access. The technology behind the product is based on artificial intelligence that confirms an individual’s identity through unique facial features.

According to Stefan K Pearson, the face is less sensitive and therefore more suitable for biometrics. Technically, it’s also easier to score a face than a finger.

– The only thing needed is a mobile phone. The user takes a selfie via a link sent by the administrator. He says fingerprints require special equipment for recording and reading.

Skanska is the first construction company in Sweden to test Youniq’s technology at select locations at the company’s head office in Stockholm.

Skanska is curious about technology and what increased digitization can mean for our business in general – and then also in the field of security. Improving our methods to prevent unauthorized access to our workplaces is intriguing, but so far we’ve only gone back to the technology, not activated, says security director Jacob Henrikson at Swedish firm Skanska.

– It could be a pilot project in our head office, but we must first review the regulations for the GDPR as well as aspects of labor law. Our evaluation is still ongoing and we will see if and when we will start using this technology aggressively.

Biometric access with facial recognition is also being used in a construction project in Skelleftea, where housing units at Algeco are using the product so that artisans can enter their rooms without keys, cards and cards. Installation was performed by partner Precise NVSS Security.

We understand that it is difficult for companies to ensure that only authorized persons enter buildings with cards, tags or key combinations because they can be lost, loaned and used by others, says Stefan K Persson.

Precise Biometrics AB is a global resource for identification software. The company offers products in various fields of application. The Swedish office is located in Lund.