Once found only in the world of sci-fi and secret agents, smart cards and biometrics are becoming increasingly commonplace in today’s integrated security systems. This article profiles several successful installations that have incorporated these cutting-edge technologies to provide an extra level of security for clients – including a government agency, a major manufacturer, and a major transportation company. The integrators responsible for installing these systems tell us about the challenges they encountered and the experiences they gained in creating systems to meet each client’s unique needs.

The Protection Bureau of Exton, Pa., installed the biometric system, which included a surveillance booth attended by a security guard. Employees gained access to the booth through a card reader. Inside the booth was a hand geometry reader, and an X-ray system of the kind used for baggage at airports. Using the X-ray system, the guard would visually inspect any bags or briefcases and would let an employee through if the bags passed inspection and if the hand geometry from the reader matched that on file for the employee.