Smart buildings need smart security systems

Access & Identity Management Handbook 2007 Access Control & Identity Management

Simplicity and comfort are the main objectives of smart buildings, which provide occupants with quality of life through automation and improved security.

Smart buildings function through high levels of electronic microprocessor-based control systems that operate a wide range of services such as lighting, heating, ventilating and airconditioning (HVAC), power, vertical transportation, fire and life safety and most importantly, security. Traditionally, these systems have been an integral function of most buildings, however only recently have these individual systems become increasingly more intelligent and can now also be integrated to share information and communicate between themselves. It is when this high level of integration occurs, that you have a 'smart building'.

In the commercial sector, pressure on property developers to build smart buildings is growing exponentially. The key driver behind this demand is the security and convenience that smart buildings offer residents of high-technology establishments. In South Africa, the advantages that smart buildings provide for increased safety and security give these properties the competitive edge over 'traditional' developments.

One of the major focuses in the development of smart buildings is a fully integrated security system that caters for complete physical access control in and around the individual property.

Requirements for security systems in smart buildings include simplicity, high-level security, accuracy, ease-of-use and speed. Of all the available technologies, biometrics is being considered as the only real alternative for truly smart security. Of the biometric options available, fingerprint-based identification offers unrivalled cost-effectiveness, accuracy and ease-of-use. Leading property developers are turning to fingerprint identification to control access onto large residential properties and commercial office parks.

An example of how biometric fingerprint technology is being used to provide integrated security is at the new and exclusive Emperor Apartments building in Sandton which integrates readers to provide secure access to the building as well as individual apartments. Residents at Emperor Apartments are required to register their fingerprints on the system, which controls access to the building, the lifts as well as the individual apartments. The first point of identification is one of the six lifts that go up to the apartments. Once in a lift the resident places his/her finger on the fingerprint reader, which activates the lift. The 'smart building' controls the lift and will only allow that resident access to the floor on which they are authorised to access. Access to the basement and car park is also controlled in this manner. Biometrics also enables the controlled access of domestic workers and garden staff, without having to provide them with keys to the property.

New developments in biometric identity management are extending the boundaries of smart building access control. For example, there is technology available that is aimed at replacing the tired method of the visitor's book. Instead of the usual parade of Nelson Mandela's and Harry Potter's that seem to regularly visit business premises (if you believe the visitors book), the true identity of a visitor is captured by a terminal - the ID number and a fingerprint. The details are verified immediately and the system can be integrated with appointment systems and parking allocation. The solution has been developed from a big loophole in how traditional systems deal with visitors. EVIM closes this loophole by running an automated identity check on the visitor and capturing a fingerprint signature.

Having your identity confirmed and the details registered electronically is not an attractive prospect for the criminally minded. Property developers can employ advanced systems such as this to effectively manage visitor access to these smart buildings.

Indeed, the application of biometrics to secure smart buildings is virtually limitless and the growth of fingerprint technology to manage access is a direct result of the technology's proven results in the field. Fingerprint biometrics is definitely paving the way as the solution is a cutting-edge security system for smart buildings.





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

The power of PKI and private sector innovation
Access Control & Identity Management News & Events Government and Parastatal (Industry)
At the recent ID4Africa 2025 Summit in Addis Ababa, the spotlight was firmly on building secure, inclusive, and scalable digital identity ecosystems for the African continent.

Read more...
Biometric security key for phishing-resistant MFA
Products & Solutions Access Control & Identity Management
New FIDO-compliant USB, Bluetooth, and NFC BioKeys with biometric login and centralised management for phishing-resistant, passwordless multifactor authentication (MFA) for enterprise users.

Read more...
Gallagher Security releases OneLink
Gallagher Animal Management Products & Solutions Access Control & Identity Management
Gallagher Security has announced OneLink, a cloud-based solution that makes it faster, easier and more cost-effective to deploy security anywhere in the world, transforming how security can be delivered to remote sites and distributed infrastructure.

Read more...
Suprema unveils BioStar Air
Suprema neaMetrics News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Infrastructure
Suprema launches BioStar Air, the first cloud-based access control platform designed to natively support biometric authentication and feature true zero-on-premise architecture. BioStar Air simplifies deployment and scales effortlessly to secure SMBs, multi-branch companies, and mixed-use buildings.

Read more...
Continuous AML risk monitoring
Access Control & Identity Management Security Services & Risk Management Financial (Industry)
AU10TIX, launched continuous risk monitoring as part of its advanced anti-money laundering (AML) solution, empowering businesses to detect behavioural anomalies and emerging threats as they arise.

Read more...
The future of security: intelligent automation
Access Control & Identity Management AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
As the security landscape evolves, businesses are no longer looking for stand-alone solutions, they want connected, intelligent systems that automate, streamline, and protect.

Read more...
Smart automation is changing security
SA Technologies IntelliGuard Access Control & Identity Management
Security has come a long way from manual check-ins, logbooks, and standalone surveillance cameras. With the rise of intelligent automation, security is now faster, smarter, and more connected than ever.

Read more...
The future of security in South Africa
ATG Digital Access Control & Identity Management
Security technology is evolving rapidly, but is local innovation keeping pace? Some global players recognise the potential of South African products for international markets, but can our manufacturers and service providers thrive without external support?

Read more...
Integration enhances estate access control
Access Control & Identity Management
With one-third of residential burglaries starting at the front door, the continued seamless integration of Glovent’s estate management platform with Impro access control software is welcome news for estates.

Read more...
T&A in South Africa’s retail sector
ERS Biometrics Access Control & Identity Management
Using existing systems, ERSBio provides a practical and more cost-effective way for businesses to manage operations, reduce payroll mistakes, and enhance overall efficiency through innovative T&A processes.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.