Human Recognition Systems and BNFL deploy Biometric Technology across Sellafield Nuclear Engineering site.

Given that BNFL has some 20,000 pass holders, hand geometry recognition was chosen above competing technologies for its reliability and ability to cope with high numbers of users, both in terms of initial acquisition of biometric data (enrolment) and throughput. The technology has been integrated with HID’s iCLASS template on card technology. This enables a user’s biometric template to be stored on the card itself and not on a biometric device, or a central database. This provides a totally portable solution, allowing the technology to be deployed anywhere across the site (or any other site), without the need to provide a data network between the readers for template distribution and management.

In addition, the technology has also been integrated with PIN technology which acts as a third level of authentication, further bolstering security. In order to gain access to some points, the user must own a valid card, have the matching hand and know a unique PIN number.

UK multi-biometric specialist, Human Recognition Systems, has implemented the project. Simon Meyer, Human Recognition Systems Operations Director said, “It is really good to see all our hard work finally come to fruition. We have carried out a lot of bespoke development work for this project in order to meet the unique requirements of BNFL, and it has been a long time in the making. We are really pleased with the performance of the system so far and we are grateful to our Partner, Recognition Systems Inc., for their support throughout the project.”

With over 90% of US nuclear installations and 60% of those in Japan already secured with hand recognition technology, Human Recognition Systems hopes this project will lead the way for further biometric security projects across high security sites in the UK.

About Human Recognition Systems
Human Recognition Systems provide extensive, practical knowledge and experience for the integration of biometric technology (hand, iris, face and fingerprint recognition) in business focused solutions. The company focus is on the successful implementation of biometric enabled solutions to help deliver improved security, reduce costs or provide a competitive advantage to the customer.

About BNFL
BNFL is an international nuclear energy business that employs some 23,000 people across 51 sites in 16 countries. With 12% share of the world nuclear market, their activities span the entire nuclear energy cycle, from reactor design and fuel manufacture to power station decommissioning and clean-up.

About Recognition Systems
With over 100,000 hand geometry units throughout the world reading millions of hands each day, Recognition Systems, founded in 1986, is the pioneer of hand recognition technology used in access control, time and attendance and identification applications. Recognition Systems is the biometric component of Ingersoll-Rand Corporation's Security & Safety's Electronic Control Systems.