Q. What’s happening in access control? People in MNCs still seem to be passing ID cards to friends who then use it to mark attendance.
A. Access control is definitely an area where innovation is happening. Most people used to think that by access control, it just means that there is a lock on the door that could be biometric or smartcard based that doesn’t stop people from going inside. That was what it used to be. Access control is no more about plain biometric locks, it has gotten smarter to the point of understanding what situations should allow a person or a group to enter the area.
Q. Could you give an example of this?
A. One simple example is the chief executive officer (CEO) scan. Until and unless the CEO has entered the cabin, no one else will be able to enter the secure area. Once he has entered, then anyone with the required credentials and access to the door can enter. Some of the parameters currently used are a combination of time periods, pre-determined area, or people of interest.
