Jordan O'BrienBiometric access to the smartest of smart homes is nothing new, although now it’s even more accessible. That’s because Crestron has named eKey Biometric Systems GmbH, an Austrian provider of fingerprint access solutions, as an official integration partner.
The integration partner status means that eKey’s wall-mounted finger scanner can now be integrated with Crestron’s 3-Series control systems. This gives a boost to the security of a Crestron-controlled home, as biometrics are a lot harder to hack than a four-digit code or key card.
“eKey and Crestron took up the challenge of making door entry more secure and convenient,” said Michael Short, global residential marketing manager for Crestron.
“To deliver on that, we focused on one of the aspects that makes us unique as human beings – fingerprints. Now, in essence, your finger is the key to your Crestron smart home.”
Integrators will be able to use any of eKey’s products with Crestron 3-Series control systems with a RS485 COM port. The integration can be completed using the SIMPL software available on Windows PCs.
Georg Schaffer, head of export, eKey Biometric Systems GmbH, concluded, “As a specialist in fingerprint technology and a proven vendor of outdoor rated fingerprint readers, we are very excited about our partnership with Crestron and the possibilities of this advanced integration. It’s like turning Crestron into a biometric access control system by itself, featuring simplified administration centrally via – for instance – a Crestron touch screen. By saving multiple fingerprints of individual users, different functions can be triggered. Whereas your right index finger will become your new key for unlocking your front door, your left index finger will trigger a silent alarm when used under duress.”