Lenel integrates iris identity technology into OnGuard platform

June 2004 Access Control & Identity Management

Lenel Systems International has now integrated iris identity technology into its OnGuard security platform, providing a new way of controlling physical access to an area by authenticating the identity of individuals previously enrolled into an OnGuard system.

Iris identity integration is configured and managed as part of Lenel's OnGuard IdentityCenter application. Iris data capture is performed at an OnGuard cardholder enrollment station. An Enrollment Optical Unit is used to acquire an image of the iris and an iris template unique to that person is created. The template is stored with the cardholder record in the OnGuard database and is also encoded on the individual's contactless smartcard during the encoding phase of the credential printing process. OnGuard can store data for the left and/or right eyes, and optionally their photographic images as well. The iris information can be stored either as raw data or in a number of encrypted formats.

When facility access is desired, the cardholder first presents his smartcard credential to a smartcard reader attached to the iris access system. The cardholder is then prompted to present his eye to a Remote Optical Unit device installed adjacent to the door. The cardholder positions himself to see his own eye's reflection in the device, and can be located up to 30 cm away from the reader. The iris reader then compares the live image against the stored iris data for that person. Cardholder verification is an extremely fast process. The requirement that both card and biometric information readings be made before access can be authorised provides an added level of security when verifying access using the OnGuard system.

"We are very pleased to have added iris identity technology to our biometrics tool chest," says Rudy Prokupets, Lenel's chief technology officer and executive vice president of Research and Development. "Lenel has developed an industry unique methodology by which the same card, the same data and the same readers can be used for multiple applications and environments. Furthermore, customers who require biometric readers can save time and money by managing a single database within a seamlessly integrated, total security knowledge management solution."

Iris identity is regarded as the best biometric authentication process available. Iris scans analyse the features of the coloured tissue surrounding the pupil of the eye. The uniqueness of individual eyes makes iris scans highly accurate and the incidence of false positives very small. Advantages of iris identity over other biometric technologies are that it is stable, fast, unique and reliable for each individual, and non-invasive. An iris scan creates an accurate enough measurement that it can be used for identification purposes, not just verification. Iris scans can even be made through spectacles and OnGuard can be configured to detect if a false eye is being used to fool the system.

The OnGuard solution offers unique advantages over other security management systems that utilise biometric technology. Full iris template management can be integrated system-wide and eliminates the need for separate software and communication networks to support IrisAccess devices from LG Electronics Institute of Technology. Iris templates are distributed on smartcards, which offers easy scalability as well as simple integration into existing access control infrastructures. An unlimited number of biometric readers can be integrated into the OnGuard system without requiring data entry of biometric information at each of those readers.

For more information contact Robert Pethick, Lenel Systems International, 0944 1585 248 9720, [email protected]





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.