However, recent technological advancements in the field have been remarkable, and a number of companies in the UAE have embraced the use of various biometric systems to guarantee increased safety and operational effectiveness. Some of these technologies that are being utilized include Facial Recognition Systems which can be integrated into different structures such as offices, commercial buildings, warehouses, schools, hospitals, and even governmental institutions.
The Facial Recognition System is a state-of-the-art security measure that allows touch-free verification, speed, security, and smooth integration with access control and time attendance platforms. Nonetheless, there are a number of critical questions that businesses must consider prior to purchasing such technology to determine its suitability.
This article highlights some of the essential questions to ask before you buy a facial recognition system for your company.
1. What is the Primary Goal of the Facial Recognition System?
Prior to choosing any system, companies should define their goal first.
The following questions are worth asking:
- Is it an employee attendance system?
- Is it for access control?
- Is this visitor management software?
- Is this something which is meant to be used in highly secure premises?
- Does this allow more than one location and needs real-time monitoring?
According to your requirements, you may just require attendance tracking functionality or you may require additional security features.
2. Accuracy of the Technology
Accuracy is an important indicator for evaluating facial recognition technology.
An inefficient technology would result in:
- Incorrect rejection
- Misidentification
- Authentication delays
- Security leaks
While communicating with the suppliers, consider asking the following questions about the recognition technology used:
- Accuracy percentage of recognition
- Algorithmic capabilities
- Dark recognition
- Recognition speed
- Accuracy with wearing masks/sunglasses
Advanced artificial intelligence-powered technologies deliver extremely high recognition accuracy rates.
3. Effectiveness of The System in Different Lighting Conditions?
Facial recognition is greatly influenced by the lighting conditions. It is crucial for organizations to be aware whether the Facial Recognition System works effectively under:
- Daylight
- Darkness
- Factory areas
- Outdoor open access points
The most advanced facial recognition systems use infrared technology or a combination of two cameras; thus, work under any lighting condition.
4. Is This System Capable of Handling Huge User Databases?
Scalability is important for growing businesses. Whereas some solutions can cater to several hundred people, there are other solutions that can manage several thousand people from various branches.
Consider questions such as:
- What is the highest capacity of users?
- Is there scalability within multiple branches?
- Does central management exist?
5. Can It Work Well with Other Security Systems?
It is very common for modern organizations to incorporate several different security systems.
A good facial recognition security system needs to be compatible with the following systems:
- Access control systems
- CCTV systems
- Time and attendance systems
- Visitor management systems
- Elevator access control systems
- Payroll systems
Compatibility will ensure better efficiency.
6. Is the System Contactless and Hygienic?
In the wake of the pandemic, it is now common for most companies to embrace contactless security systems.
The system does not need physical touch such as fingerprinting or even sharing access cards. This hygienic approach towards this kind of security system makes it quite effective.
This applies especially within the health industry, education, and business environments among others
7. What Kind of Security Features Are Provided?
All facial recognition technologies do not provide the same amount of security.
The business should inquire about security features like the following:
- Anti-spoofing technology
- Live video capture
- Data encryption
- Alerts in real time
- Access logs
- Multi factor authentication
The anti spoofing feature prevents the possibility of bypassing the security system using a photograph or a mask. A Facial Recognition System will keep the property and sensitive employee information safe.
8. Is the System Compatible With Privacy Standards?
The biometric data can be treated as a piece of private information and must be handled appropriately by companies.
Questions for the vendor:
- How does the vendor store the biometric data?
- Is there any encryption of the data?
- Does the system adhere to privacy laws of the UAE?
- Who has access to this data?
- Are the consents of employees handled?
9. What is the Installation and Maintenance Cost?
Many firms concentrate solely on hardware cost and ignore the operational costs.
Request a list that includes:
- Hardware cost
- Software cost
- Installation cost
- Annual maintenance cost
- Cost of cloud services subscription
- Upgrading cost in future
The understanding of the total cost will help the business budget better.
10. How Quick Is the Recognition Process?
In a business environment, quickness counts.
A slow system can lead to:
- Queues
- Frustrated employees
- Less efficiency
A good facial recognition system can authenticate users in seconds. Companies should evaluate system recognition time before making a final decision on purchase.
11. Is the System Capable of Remote Management?
The system that utilizes cloud technology allows administrators to perform management remotely via smart phones or through the website.
Possible functions of remote management might be as follows:
- Access monitoring
- Enrollment of users
- Management of access schedule
- Device health monitoring
- Instant notification
Remote management makes a lot of sense for multi-branch companies.
12. What Kind of Support Do They Provide?
It is imperative that technical support should be provided to any security system.
The following points need to be kept in mind before buying:
- Do they have local support available in the UAE?
- How efficient are they in responding to their customers?
- Do they offer training services to their customers?
- Is it easy to procure spare parts from them?
- Do they offer AME services?
Good support ensures that your security system works well.
13. Does the System Have Reporting and Analytics Capabilities?
The ability to report helps companies enhance their security and manpower management capabilities.
Some useful reporting capabilities are:
- Attendance reporting
- History of access
- Logs of visitors
- Analytical information department wise
- Information on late comers
- Unwanted access attempts
An intelligent Facial Recognition system gives companies more than just security information.
14. Does the System Have a Future Ready?
The technology keeps advancing, hence making it necessary for businesses to choose systems that can grow with the business.
Future ready systems include:
- Cloud upgrade capability
- AI upgrades
- Mobile credentialing
- Multiple location growth
- Compatibility with smart building technologies
Final Thoughts
A Facial Recognition System can play an important role in ensuring the security and efficiency of your business and operations. Nonetheless, choosing the best system is not only a matter of price comparisons.
The following questions regarding accuracy, flexibility, integration, security, support, and future readiness will ensure that businesses select appropriate systems which will serve them well in the future.
If you are working at a corporation, warehouse, hospital, school, or any other organization in the UAE then selecting the most suitable facial recognition system for your business is crucial for establishing a productive environment.
