Tall Buildings Recognizing You

Tall Buildings

Here in Chicago, and even in the surrounding suburbs, there is a common theme amongst the landscape here:  large and very tall buildings.  Of course, this is to be expected in just about every big city, in just about every corner of the world.  If I remember correctly, I think one of the Emirates in the UAE has the distinction of having the tallest building in the world, and hey, Chicago has its claim to fame now of having the tallest building in North America, which is being that of the acclaimed Sears Tower.  In these large buildings, there is often the mayhem associated of mass migrations of people entering and exiting (especially during the lunch hour and after work). 

In order to keep track of who is whom, Security guards are often used to monitor the inflow and outflow of people, and to ascertain the visitors from the herd of people.  This all used to be a manual process, where you have to walk up the information area, flash a driver’s license, and boom, you are given a badge with access to virtually all parts of the building.  Well, now that is all about to change with the introduction of what is known as the “VIOSK”, developed by a Biometrics Vendor known as “Argus Global”. 

Here are the details:  “Known as VIOSK, the visitor management kiosk is designed to process large volumes of people in areas where security and speed of processing are paramount, for example in: corporate head quarters, office buildings, government agencies, data centres, and correctional facilities. Biometric identification ensures only those who have trusted relationships are allowed access, and at an allotted time or with nominated people. VIOSK manages visitor profiles; synchronisation of calendar appointments; arrival and entry notification via email or SMS; movement; relationships with external personnel; and departure. VIOSK ensures compliance with OHS requirements, it can print customisable photo based visitor passes, and it provides tracking and security alerts. VIOSK also comes with a range of reporting features to suit varying needs . . . what makes VIOSK so attractive is its simple and easy to use interface. Visitors can self-enrol, check in for their appointment, and print their own day pass from the VIOSK terminal. In high security environments, where passage is controlled by staff, they are delighted with how simple VIOSK is to use.”  (SOURCE:  http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/9263/).

My Take

Sure, I have heard of kiosks, even the ones that dispense pharmaceuticals.  But this is the first time I have heard of a self serving kiosk designed mainly for visitor management, and which also makes heavy use of Biometrics.  The benefits of this solution are clearly mentioned up above in the quote.  But I should add that this solution with a majority of the Physical Biometric technologies which are available today (and even including Vein Pattern Recognition, which I personally think will dominate this kiosk system).  Also, this solution can be used with any Smart Card Technology out there, and even work as a standalone device, or as part of a client server network. 

So imagine if you will, a Biometric Device, but magnify by a scale of 10, and that is what you have here, but obviously much more sophisticated.  But as I write this Posting, a few thoughts come to mind.  Remember above I wrote, where under current policies, one has pretty much free reign after they get a visitor’s badge???  Well, why can’t this kiosk be used to limit the points of entry a visitor is allowed to go into after they are issued this Biometric badge???  But of course, this is also heavily dependent on the fact if the office to where the visitor has to go to also has a Biometric system installed as well.  Another thought I also have in mind is that suppose a person is issued this Biometric badge, what is preventing them from handing off to another person, whom they know??? 

I mean after all, this is was a machine issued Biometric badge, with no human intervention involved with it.  Third, while I am sure this is a very viable solution, and can work great in large population settings, I still prefer to have the human element involved as well.  As one of my Security mantras always has been you cannot rely one or the other (meaning, technology or humans) to the extreme.  You have to have both in order to have a truly effective and great Security model.  My vision is why not use this solution at the main points of entry, and as the visitors go into the turnstiles, have a Security guard(s) to a quick scan of it, to make sure that they really whom they claim to be??? 

Adding this next element will only in still a certain confidence in the eyes of the public, and of course, will serve as a great back up in case the kiosk breaks down for any reason.

Comments

[Hermes Birkin 2012]

Don't know what is wrong what is rite but i know that every one has there own point of view and same goes to this one

[Louis Vuitton Outlets Stores,]

Super cute! My little man would look so stylin' in those!

[Security Jobs]

Chicago has its claim to fame now of having the tallest building in North America, which is being that of the acclaimed Sears Tower. In these large buildings, there is often the mayhem associated of mass migrations of people entering and exiting