Many companies have established novel ways to increase security within your home through technologies that are hassle free and easy to operate. Some home automation systems, for example, can send the home owner a sms should the alarm be activated, or if an unauthorised person attempts to enter the property.

In one of the more recent technology breakthroughs in the security arena, fingerprint recognition products are available to consumers, and offer a far superior level of security than access cards and keys. An example would be the Fingerlock ts-400, which is an amazing device that offers security and convenience for any home owner. It is a fingerprint identification system and door lock combined into one unit.

This technology ensures that no one can gain access to the door except those registered on the system, and there is no chance of losing your keys or someone knowing the password. The Fingerlock system can recognise up to 25 unique fingerprints and once a fingerprint is stored, all the user has to do is press on the unit's scanner pad, and the lock opens automatically. Designed for internal security, the lock would also be ideal in an office or business which has restricted access areas.

IDtek, a leading provider of identity verification technology, has supplied certain biometric access control fingerprint solutions to assist in securing Toga Laboratories premises on the Gauteng East Rand. These systems can also be installed into a home should that level of security by required, and they can also be linked to new or existing home automation systems.

In 2002 Toga Laboratories was first to announce a price breakthrough in the cost of HIV monitoring tests. Security of such a facility is of paramount importance. Patient records need to be protected and only trained researchers should be able gain access. For this reason Toga is incorporating IDtek's biometric verification technology at the site.

"It is imperative that access to this facility be closely monitored," said Dr Desmond Martin. "There is no better way to do this than by individually identifying people, using their fingerprint biometric which will grant users access at prescribed points at prescribed times. The lab will play a key role in developing effective HIV monitoring, therefore, the use of the most advanced security technology at the access points of the lab is a vital measure."

Shaw McMahon, sales director of IDtek, says: "Implementation at locations of this significance is evidence that the technology that IDtek sources and installs is world class. We look forward to continuing to expand our market leadership in physical access control as the biometric market grows."

But what is biometric access control and how does it work? Traditional methods of controlling access require keys, passwords and/or access control cards that are frequently lost or forgotten.

Instead, biometric technology is based upon human characteristics. The most developed biometric technology is fingerprint technology, and while various other biometric technologies have been introduced, such as retinal scanning and voice recognition, none compete with fingerprint recognition, which is by far the most widely accepted biometric technology today.

There are various fingerprint recognition technologies in existence already, which work on a system whereby a finger is scanned and ridge characteristics are extracted. These are matched against an original and, once verified, the user is granted access. Aside from supplying automated fingerprint recognition access control solutions throughout Gauteng, IDtek also supplies and installs supplementary security measures including CCTV recording and monitoring, access booms and alarms in order to achieve a comprehensive security solution.

• For more information, please visit www.idtek.co.za