How can restricting access open doors to improved security at your property?

Suppose you own a business, and you have assigned some space as ‘staff/customers vehicles only’ parking lot but it is accessed continuously by those who are not. This leads to your customers not having enough parking spaces. Boom barriers are the perfect solution to this problem. This system does not require manual operation and is very secure and also gives you the power to establish control over who enters and exits your property. Unwanted visitors too can be avoided. 

Along with providing an extra layer of security, it helps in crowd management and prevents thieves and burglars from entering your business or domestic property. A unique feature of boom barriers is that they can be automated through remote control and commands. Applications of boom barriers can be seen at multiple locations like shopping malls, residential buildings, public buildings like colleges, hotels, and parks, parking spaces, etc to eliminate unauthorized access. Other uses of boom gates include toll plazas, where the driver pays the toll fee before the barrier rises to let them through. Automatic barriers are also used at many checkpoints and the entrances of restricted facilities. Here, drivers may have to install UHT tags beforehand, show their ID, or swipe an access card to be allowed access. 

Stronger control of vehicular traffic at entry and exit of such properties can be achieved through the boom gates system. Installation of an automated barricading system in the form of boom barriers eliminates any form of inconvenience and intensifies the security as well. One can just drive through as the gate opens itself, instead of getting out of the vehicle to open the gate. Boom gates can be opened and closed with the use of remote control. With further integration to existing boom barriers, the administration can even record license plate numbers of the incoming and outgoing vehicles. Such technology is termed as License Plate Recognition (LPR) and is one of the popular solutions provided by eSSL. 

Boom gates are an extremely basic form of automated vehicle management. With only a few moving parts, they are reliable, easy to install and simple to maintain. Boom barriers are also built to resist a fair amount of wear and tear. All these benefits undoubtedly prove why boom barriers are such a common feature of today’s world. 

eSSL Security is one of the leading biometric companies in India and has grown into international territories since inception (2002). With the vision of being a top player on a global scale, eSSL has built in-house expertise to be the vision. With over 6000+ channel partners and 6 lakh customers, the network of eSSL wove itself due to eSSL’s support and proven technology solutions and products. eSSL being recognized as a recipient of prestigious “Frost and Sullivan awards”, has excelled in providing services and solutions with the knowledge of in house expertise. eSSL’s major contribution to government sectors has put the government one step ahead in terms of security.

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6 Benefits of Electronic Article Surveillance and AM tags

Electronic article surveillance (EAS) is a loss prevention system that prevents shoplifting. It uses antenna usually placed at the exits and entrances to a store virtually creating an invisible gate. The antenna picks up if an active tag passes the antenna and sets off an alarm. Tags are attached to items that are either on display in-store or in the manufacture or packaging process. Either hard or sticker tags can be removed or deactivated at the checkout. If an item with an active tag passes through the gate an alarm sound is generated and a security guard or sales associate can defy the suspected shoplifter.

Here are 6 major benefits that EAS AM Systems can offer -

1. Eliminates Theft

A core advantage of EAS is that it deters theft. This technology first took off after pioneering research was conducted in 1993. Tests demonstrated that sales were greatest where the articles were on open display. Losses were nearly non-existent in the case of the tagged items.

2. Improves Staff Performance

Anti-theft systems take the pressure off sales associates. They no longer have the added responsibility of monitoring customers and preventing theft. Encounters with shoplifters reduce. Employees should focus on selling not protecting products. By doing this they also increase sales and the security system pays for itself.

3. Supports Open Display of Goods

Without EAS, high-value items and effortlessly re-sold items are a target for shoplifters. This means retailers must take measures to make them less accessible to shoplifters. This, in turn, makes them less accessible to customers. Lockable display cases and cabinets are the usual solutions. Merchandise is sometimes located behind counters and made available only with a shopkeeper’s assistance. The cost of cabinets and required staffing can erode the profitability of the business. Customers tend to be less aware of the merchandise on offer and displays are less provoking. Customers can be reluctant about asking for assistance when they are used to a self-service environment.

Open display of merchandise doubtlessly promotes sales. Customers like it because it is convenient and they can examine the merchandise without being supervised by a salesperson. Retail managers like it because it is good for productivity and sales.

4. Inexpensive

The installation of EAS security products is less expensive than you might think. Reusable hard tags and paper self-adhesive labels make protecting merchandise inexpensive. Manufacturers can fit tags into the product or packaging. Balanced against the cost of shoplifting, the cost of attaching tags in-store is a great investment. With source tagging, it can only be positive.

5. Easy To Operate

EAS security products are easy to use. After a simple installation, attaching tags could not be simpler. Tags come in a range of types and sizes to suit different types of merchandise. Electrical equipment, liquor, apparel, and digital products can all be catered for. It takes seconds to fit a label or tag and seconds to deactivate it. In the case of hard tags, they can be removed very easily with the correct security tag remover. It is much more difficult for a shoplifter to remove or deactivate a tag.

6. Return on Investment

Security tags and the equipment systems that support them are reliable and durable. They have a long effective life. The loss prevention benefits keep paying back year after year. There is virtually no maintenance. Hard tags are reusable. The only ongoing costs are the purchase of self-adhesive labels and the labor costs of attaching tags. Typically, retailers report a 1% to 2% of turnover loss through theft. Even a small reduction in theft makes the investment well worthwhile. For a one-off investment in a store system, the reduction in loss is ongoing.

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How do RFID and RF tags work?

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is the wireless non-contact use of radiofrequency waves to transfer data. RFID takes auto-ID technology to the next level by allowing tags to be read without a line of sight and, depending on the type of RFID, having a read range between a few centimeters to over 20+ meters. RFID has come a long way from its first application of identifying airplanes as friends or foes in World War II. Not only does the technology continue to improve year over year, but the cost of implementing and using an RFID system continues to decrease, making RFID more cost-effective and efficient.

An RFID tag in its most simplistic form is comprised of two parts – an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals, and an RFID chip (or integrated circuit, IC) which stores the tag’s ID and other information. RFID tags are affixed to items in order to track them using an RFID reader and antenna. RFID tags transmit data about an item through radio waves to the antenna/reader combination. RFID tags typically do not have a battery (unless specified as Active or BAP tags). They receive energy from the radio waves generated by the reader. When the tag receives the transmission from the reader/antenna, the energy runs through the internal antenna to the tag’s chip. The energy activates the chip, which modulates the energy with the desired information, and then transmits a signal back toward the antenna/reader.

Now let us see some practical approaches to the solution of our second problem – Maintaining and checking a database for members of an institution, using an RFID system. The basic idea involves each person of the institution having an id card and when this card is swiped against the reader, the person’s info is matched with the existing system in the database and his/her attendance is marked. The whole system uses the passive RFID system with the inductive coupling method. 

Let us consider another example for better understanding. Picture a shoplifter trying to steal a book from a store. What he doesn't realize is that the store's using Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS): the book has an RF tag stuck just inside the back cover. Here's the sequence of steps that trigger the alarm:

• The gate on one side of the doorway contains a radio transmitter. This constantly beams out radio waves to the gate on the opposite side of the doorway, which contains a radio receiver.
• A shoplifter walks through the doorway carrying a stolen book.
• The book contains a hidden RF tag stuck to a label inside, which picks up the radio waves.
• Once activated, the RF tag transmits a radio wave of its own at a very precise frequency.
• The receiver gate picks up the radio waves and identifies their frequency.
• If the frequency is correct, the gate figures out that a stolen item is moving through and sounds the alarm.

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Smart Parking Technology: The Need and Possibilities

Transportation is a major challenge we face on a day to day basis. More people means more traffic congestion and additional demand for our limited resources. Increasing the parking capacity would be another bigger challenge due to the growing scarcity of available urban space while decreasing the demand will suppress people’s mobility experience. As anyone who lives in a city would have experienced, finding adequate parking can be very frustrating. It can get people late for appointments and increase chaos on the roads, with drivers circling endlessly in search of a spot. 

Smart Parking is a parking solution that generally includes smart parking sensors, counting sensors, boom barriers, UHF readers and cameras. These devices are embedded into parking spots or positioned beside them to detect whether parking bays are occupied, free or reserved. This is carried out through real-time data collection. The data is then transmitted to a database or software, which communicates the availability to its users via an LED display. Some systems also offer in-app information about parking locations. This gives drivers the
possibility to explore every parking option available to them. Using a smart parking technology saves a lot of time since we know where exactly to find a vacant parking spot. 

Smart parking systems also contribute to a cleaner environment. Reduction in the time required to find a parking spot will minimize the amount of fuel that is used when looking for a parking space. This makes the process of finding a parking spot contribute to less pollution, which is a need of the hour.The entire available parking space can be utilized more efficiently since parking sensors transmit real-time data for drivers to have a real-time overview of the occupancy of parking bays. 

By coupling Smart Parking System with LPR (License Plate Recognition), safety in the cities can be optimized. LPR provides accurate entry and exit management solutions for new and existing access control systems. It efficiently manages vehicle entries and exits of gated communities, hotels, paid car parks, airports, shopping centers, industrial zones, government and military installations, corporate parking structures and all other high-security areas. This system’s greatest strength is it's fast and automated to provide access permission and also makes it highly secure. LPR enables security professionals to shortlist, target and identify “wanted/stolen/suspicious/lost” plates. As a result, the productivity and efficiency of security personnel are enhanced, hence improving overall security. 

Smarter parking strategies are essential for smart cities and are expected to be at the front-line in terms of technology development in the coming years. However, given the high instrumentation and system management costs, the economies of scale and complexity require advanced technology with newer working models. eSSL Security is one of the leading biometric companies in India and has grown into international territories since inception (2002). With the vision of being a top player on a global scale, eSSL has built in-house expertise to be the vision. With over 6000+ channel partners and 6 lakh customers, the network of eSSL wove itself due to eSSL’s support and proven technology solutions and products. eSSL being recognized as a recipient of prestigious “Frost and Sullivan awards”, has excelled in providing services and solutions with the knowledge of in house expertise. eSSL’s major contribution to government sectors has put the government one step ahead in terms of security.

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Can Voice Biometrics be Used for Financial Authentication?

Voice recognition or voice authentication examines a person’s voice to verify their identity. The shape and movement of the mouth and jaw impact the generated voice patterns to create a unique “voiceprint.” It is not the same as speech recognition, which is the technology used in speech-to-text applications and virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri. Speech recognition cannot verify the identity of the speaker based on his or her unique vocal attributes.

For the past 5 years, a few banks and other service organizations have introduced voice biometrics to verify the identities of customers contacting their call centers. Voice authentication uses biometrics to verify calling customers’ identities while they’re explaining issues to a service representative over a phone call. It analyzes unique characteristics in a person’s vocal pattern and verifies them against a prerecorded voice print to cross-check their identity. Voice authentication cuts out the tiresome process of verifying a customer’s identity through IDs and personal details, reducing distress for customers, allowing representatives to provide meaningful help faster. It takes less than one minute for a customer to set up a voiceprint, and over one million customers in the Asia Pacific region used voice authentication within one year of its release. Users may find this more convenient and secure than sharing personal information such as their license or credit-card number for identity verification. 

The foremost use of voice-based authentication lies in hands-free mobile authentication. This is ideal for mobile phones or other settings where facial recognition, fingerprint recognition and other forms of biometric authentication are inappropriate, such as automobiles. Virtual assistants are increasingly used to place orders and perform other functions that typically require some form of identification. 

A voice biometric sample must be captured using a microphone to create a reference to compare against samples for future authentication attempts. Unique vocal qualities (duration, intensity, dynamics, and pitch) are then analyzed. The algorithm uses more than 100 different calculations to generate a voiceprint. An adaptation process can be used to track changes to a speaker’s vocal tract/voice over time as they age, avoiding any need to continuously update and maintain a voiceprint ‘identity’. Because the voiceprint is characterized by the vocal trait (a physiological trait) and not specifically the sound of the utterance, afflictions that affect the ‘sound’ of a voice; the common cold, for example, do not affect the vocal tract and don’t have an adverse effect on accuracy levels. If a speaker can provide enough vocal energy to be heard, enough of their voice will be present for verification. 

Voice Biometric is an authentication technology well suited for applications and systems in which other Biometric Technologies would be difficult or inconvenient to implement. Voice Biometrics provides a multifactor authentication of a person’s identity through a unique property: his or her voice. Just like other Biometric characteristics, the voice is unique to an individual.

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Benefits of Managing Employees' Attendance Using Face Recognition

Facial recognition technologies have undergone large-scale upgrades in performance in the last decade and such systems are now popular in fields like security and commerce. A real-time automated attendance system will mark the attendance of students and employees alike. The automated system maintains the attendance records of employees as manual management of ledgers is a very tedious task. The system enrolls the subject’s face into the database against the subject’s ID (unique) and Name. The system then allows attendance to the recognized faces in the database.

One of the foremost reminiscences everyone has about college is the morning roll call that the lecturers would in-person call upon our names, and we tend to reply in affirmation to prove our attendance. It’s a long and tedious routine in educational institutions and several people have manipulated the manual attendance system. Attendance being a very important side of administration might usually become a time constraint, repetitive job, loaning itself to inaccuracies. Organizations need to keep a track of individuals inside the organization like staff and students to maximize their performance. Managing student’s attendance at lecture periods has become a tough challenge. The ability to work out the attendance proportion becomes a significant task as manual computation produces errors, and wastes a great deal of time. The basis of developing an automatic attendance management system is to computerize the standard method of taking attendance.

Institutions have a traditional way of marking attendance. By using Facial Recognition, the process of taking attendance can be significantly improved to save time and provide a hassle-free way to automatically mark attendance. Since the number of students in an institution is more, using an automated system improves the productivity and standard of the college. In most companies, employees have the practice of using their biometrics or ID card to log their time of entry and exit. During peak hours the number of people entering and exiting the office is generally high. This causes congestion in the workplace and people queue up to and await their turn. Long-distance Face Recognition systems provide a more convenient way of managing this process of attendance. The system will accurately note the time of entry and exit when an employee enters or exits the office. Automated Attendance System has been envisioned to reduce the errors that occur in the traditional (manual) attendance taking system.

The aim of every administration must be to automate and make a system that is useful to the organization such as an institute. The accurate and efficient method of biometric attendance in the office environment can replace the old manual methods. This method is both secure and reliable. 

eSSL Security is one of the leading biometric companies in India and has grown into international territories since inception (2002). With the vision of being a top player on a global scale, eSSL has built in-house expertise to be the vision. With over 6000+ channel partners and 6 lakh customers, the network of eSSL wove itself due to eSSL’s support and proven technology solutions and products. eSSL being recognized as a recipient of prestigious “Frost and Sullivan awards”, has excelled in providing services and solutions with the knowledge of in house expertise. eSSL’s major contribution to government sectors has put the government one step ahead in terms of security.

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How do walk-through metal detectors work?

Anyone who has traveled in an airplane or taken a metro train ride has probably walked through a metal detector. These days they are not only used at airports but in schools, office buildings, and public events. This is how they work:

Metal detectors utilize the laws described by a Scottish physicist named James Maxwell (1831-1879). James Clerk Maxwell is considered to be one of the most influential scientists ever. Albert Einstein acknowledged that the origins of the theory of relativity lay in Clerk Maxwell’s theories and the work of James Clerk Maxwell changed the world forever.

Maxwell’s equations define the relationship between magnetism and electricity. An example of this relationship is demonstrated by wrapping a coil of copper wire around a methyl nail. When current is applied to the coil the metal nail becomes magnetized. Maxwell’s equations also define what happens if a magnet moves over a coil of wire. In this reverse situation, the magnetic field generates a current in the wire and this is how electric generators work. Here is how this applies to the walkthrough metal detector. The walk-through metal detector has coils of wire embedded in the sides that create a magnetic field. This is referred to as pulse induction technology. A short burst of current coil pulse generates a short magnetic field. When a person walks through the metal detector, the magnetic pulse is sent into the opening. If the person is carrying a metal object, there will be a return magnetic field that will be detected by the electronics. The latest walk-through detectors provided by eSSL have multiple coils. Each of the coils creates a separate magnetic field that defines the location of the metallic object. eSSL provides metal detectors with up to 18 detection zones.

The walk-through metal detectors create large magnetic fields that cover all of the space inside the rectangular arch of the metal detector. If a person walks through the metal detector and sets off the alarm, security personnel are informed that this person could potentially be hiding a dangerous, metal-based weapon, such as a knife or a gun, and further research is conducted.

Walk-through metal detectors are just one part of a total security system. eSSL houses a variety of products and solutions that can ensure complete security of your entire facility. Visit www.esslsecurity.com/contactus for more information.

eSSL’s solutions are packed with quality and economical pricing which has made us more stable and reliable. With over 6 Lakh customers, eSSL has established itself as one of the leading Indian based companies and a top player in the security Industry.

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Evolution of biometrics in payment transactions

Biometric technology has become a crucial part of daily life for many people around the world. With the integration with mobile devices, many of us are interacting with some form of biometric authentication or the other every day. In 2017 alone, 65% of consumers reported that they are at least familiar with biometrics. With this big uptake in familiarity and usage, it’s no surprise to see a rise in the number of transactions that are now authenticated using biometric technology.

Consumers have begun to see several benefits of using biometrics as a form of authentication. Being able to authenticate your Google Pay or Apple Pay using biometric authentication (facial recognition or fingerprint) means that the payment process is much faster while shopping online. In a Visa survey, consumers also felt that biometric authentication was more secure than a PIN or password. Biometric authentication is unique to every individual. It can’t be easily replicated or stolen and consumers felt it was a unique way of confirming their identity.

Along with ease and security, there are a lot of reasons to authenticate payments using biometric methods. Ease of use, speed, mobility, and future-proofing are some of them. Biometrics is a unique and personal way of identifying individuals. With this approach, there is no need to remember multiple PINs and passwords. While it may be fairly undetectable, authenticating using a biometric feature is faster and easier than entering a password or pin. This is beneficial for both the consumer as well as businesses, with the transaction made much more straightforward by the adoption of biometric authentication for payments. As retail outlets move to a contactless payment model, the acceptance of consumers choosing to pay using Apple or Google Pay on their mobile devices and authorizing with biometrics means that you can make a payment anywhere, anytime. 

What can we expect in the future?

There is no doubt that the world is heading towards biometric authentication for payment-related transactions. While the USA and Europe are frequently seen as innovators, it’s India who leads the league when it comes to the adoption of biometric methods for payments. We currently have over 1.2 billion citizens who have established a digital identity with the government. When we go on to analyze what facial recognition might look like in the future, one such use is facial recognition for complete contactless payment. Credit card details would be associated with your facial recognition profile and payments will be made just by presenting your face. This technique is already under development in Japan and Taiwan where staff less stores are being introduced. Here, customers can do everything from accessing the store to making a payment using face recognition. As we step into the year 2020, we await to see an even greater turn out of biometric technology as a way of authenticating payments. Biometric technology is continually improving and developing, both in terms of speed and accuracy, and this is helping to break down any potential barriers for consumers and inculcate a sense of security and easefulness with this form of payment authentication.

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Combating threats to a city: Measures and Solutions

With a variety of hi-tech and advance security technology available nowadays, the cities must take full advantage of it by utilizing these security systems as needed for the safety of its citizens. 

We have witnessed terrorist attacks on the road, railway stations, hotels, hospitals, and residential buildings. Integrating the use of biometric devices in public as well as private buildings enables a substantial boost in the overall security infrastructure. These devices offer robust identification and verification solutions, which ensure the utmost security for the people and assets. Organizations that have employed biometric devices have been able to significantly reduce risks associated with intruders. This is mainly because of the difficulty in forging biometric identification. 

To avoid any crime from happening in public places like ports, railway stations, bus stations, city roads, etc. surveillance systems can be installed in every nook and corner, while boom barriers and alarm systems can be installed at the entry of major public places. Surveillance cameras can be used to keep an eye out for any crimes that are in progress and can be stopped before they start. If a suspicious person or item is in the area, authorities can be informed before any crime can be committed or damage can be caused. Also, the area can be cleared of any people as a precautionary measure. 

It is always uncertain when, where and how terrorists may strike. It is of paramount importance to prioritize the safety of people staying in a city. This is possible only by installing proper security systems all over the city. Just like how prevention is better than cure, it is better to priorly set-up a secure boundary to keep an eye over the whole city and keep track of people entering into and exiting from the city. As soon as any suspicion arises, alarms can be raised and thus a major mishap can be averted from happening. One of the most popular uses for Access Control is to secure clubhouses. Management can apply a member’s access to the clubhouse after hours for rented parties on certain days and times. Residents would not need a manager to be present to set up for an event. 

eSSL Security is one of the leading biometric companies in India and has grown into international territories since inception (2002). With the vision of being a top player on a global scale, eSSL has built in-house expertise to be the vision. With over 6000+ channel partners and 6 lakh customers, the network of eSSL wove itself due to eSSL’s support and proven technology solutions and products. eSSL being recognized as a recipient of prestigious “Frost and Sullivan awards”, has excelled in providing services and solutions with the knowledge of in house expertise. eSSL’s major contribution to government sectors has put the government one step ahead in terms of security.

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