CARDAX FT, the
latest generation of Cardax technology, is a scalable security system that
integrates a powerful, robust platform with a unique set of security features.
Residing on an organisation’s TCP/IP IT network, Cardax FT stores information
about cardholders, the site and system activity. It is internet-compatible and
can work across geographical and time zone boundaries.
Cardax FT
interfaces with a wide range of systems through XML and OPC interfaces to
deliver cost savings and efficiencies. The SAGEM integration provides seamless
fingerprint enrolment and template management, all from within the Cardax FT
user interface. Only the relevant fingerprint templates are sent to each
reader, saving reader database space and cost.
The readers
immediately reflect schedule and access group changes in Cardax FT. In
addition, the integration allows the option for duress fingers to be enrolled
for tighter security.
“If a duress
finger is presented at a reader, access is granted as per normal access
privileges, but an alarm is raised in Cardax FT Command Centre to alert the
operator of a duress situation; this is a significant feature for increased
staff and site security,” says Daniel McVeagh,
Cardax product manager.
Advanced Cardax
FT functionality including Anti-passback, Dual Authorisation, Zone Counting,
Interlocking Doors and Controlled Challenge are all available with SAGEM
fingerprint readers, providing comprehensive, full access control at the touch
of a finger.
“These features
combine to enhance the powerful security functionality of Cardax FT to protect
sites and facilities of national interest, critical infrastructure and for
customers who have significant assets to protect,” explains McVeagh.
The integration
covers the two methods of biometric authentication: identification and
verification. Identification is suited to sites wanting card-less access to
areas of their site. Identification compares a person’s fingerprint to a
database of stored templates, typically stored on the fingerprint reader, and
identifies the person from this database. This is also commonly referred to as
a ‘1 to many’ or ‘1 to n’ comparison. An employee presents their finger at the
reader, which checks the reader database for a matching fingerprint.
If the reader
finds a match, it sends through the employee’s ID to the Cardax FT Controller
for an access control decision.
Verification is
suited to customers wanting the high security of multi-factor authentication
options (card + fingerprint + PIN), or concerned with privacy issues relating
to biometric access control.
Verification
compares a person’s fingerprint against a single stored fingerprint template,
verifying that both match. This is commonly referred to as a ‘1 to 1’
comparison. ‘1 to 1’ template on card verification enables operators to both
enrol and encode fingerprint templates on Mifare cards directly from within
Cardax FT.
Employees present
their card to the reader, then present their fingerprint. The reader checks if
the presented fingerprint matches the fingerprint template stored on the card.
If the reader finds a match, it sends through the employees ID to the Cardax FT
Controller for an access control decision.
“Ongoing integrations
with leading edge technologies support Gallagher’s commitment to continually
evolve and enhance the Cardax FT system and further cements Cardax FT as the
most scalable and versatile security system in the industry,” says McVeagh.
