ievo Biometrics

Frequently Asked Questions About Biometric Readers

What is a biometric reader?

Biometrics is a technology that uses unique physiological characteristics to verify a person’s identity. When integrated with an access control system, biometric technology ensures that only authorised individuals who are physically present can gain access to a building, site, or restricted area.

Various biometric characteristics can be used to identify individuals, including voice patterns, retinal scans, facial features, and, of course, fingerprints.

How do fingerprint readers work for access control?

With the ievo ultimate fingerprint reader, the process works as follows:

When a user places their finger on the ievo reader’s scanning surface, the reader activates and captures a highly detailed image of the fingerprint. This image is sent to the ievo interface board, where it is analysed and up to 100 unique minutiae points (distinct fingerprint characteristics) are identified.

The number and pattern of these minutiae points generate a digital template that represents the fingerprint. This template is unique to the individual. Once the template has been created, the original fingerprint image is permanently deleted.

Are fingerprints more secure than access cards and fobs?

Different authentication methods provide different levels of security. The comparison below highlights the differences between the most common technologies.

Can fingerprints be copied or hacked?

No one can steal your fingerprint from an ievo system.

The original fingerprint image is permanently deleted after enrolment. No fingerprint templates are stored within the reader itself. Instead, all templates are securely stored on a separate interface board located on the secure side of the door. These templates are only accessible for identity matching purposes.

The digital fingerprint template is created using a proprietary algorithm and cannot be reverse-engineered to recreate the original fingerprint. No additional biometric information is stored.

Where are biometric readers used?

Cards can fall into the wrong hands. Fingerprints cannot.

ievo ultimate is designed for environments where security, reliability, and accountability are critical, including:

• Critical infrastructure
• Government and public sector facilities
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Data centres
• Warehouses and logistics facilities
• High-end residential properties

What are the benefits of biometric access control?

The global biometric market is expected to grow from approximately USD 53 billion in 2025 to more than USD 95 billion by 2030, driven by increasing demand for secure identity verification across multiple industries.

Traditional access control systems based on cards, fobs, and PIN codes have served organisations well for many years. However, their weaknesses have become increasingly apparent.

Credentials can be lost, stolen, or shared. PIN codes can be guessed or reused. Without encryption, systems become more vulnerable to cyberattacks and phishing attempts.

As security technology evolves, so do the threats. Organisations relying on outdated solutions face increasing security risks.

Are biometric readers GDPR compliant?

Biometric information is considered sensitive personal data in many jurisdictions worldwide. Organisations using an ievo biometric system are responsible for complying with applicable data protection regulations.

Within the EU and the UK, biometric identification data is classified as special category data under GDPR.

ievo systems support compliance by storing only a non-reversible mathematical template and never a fingerprint image. All biometric data is stored locally on the secure controller and is never retained by CDVI.

How is a biometric reader installed?

Each ievo ultimate reader uses a dedicated Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection to the ievo interface board, providing both power and data communication through a single cable.

For detailed installation instructions, please refer to the installation manuals for the relevant reader model.

Can biometric readers be integrated with access control systems?

Absolutely, and we strongly recommend it.

ievo ultimate integrates seamlessly with the ATRIUM access control system via iSync and functions as a standard reader within the system.

Fingerprint enrolment can be initiated with a single click directly from the ATRIUM portal, providing a fast, simple, and fully integrated user experience.

Third-party system integration

For third-party access control systems, ievo integrates through the iSync management software.

iSync acts as a secure bridge between ievo and the access control system, ensuring reliable communication and streamlined user management.

The software simplifies integration while optimising fingerprint enrolment and distribution. It continuously synchronises newly enrolled and deleted fingerprint templates, ensuring all interface boards remain up to date.

By enabling simultaneous enrolment across multiple locations, iSync improves efficiency and delivers a seamless and dependable biometric access control solution.

Can biometric readers be used outdoors?

Yes.

Our readers are designed for demanding Nordic environments and feature:

• IP65 protection rating
• Operating temperature range from -20°C to +70°C
• Vandal-resistant housing

What happens if a user injures their finger?

Most fingerprint readers use conventional optical sensors that only scan the surface of the skin, typically up to 150 microns deep.

If the finger is dirty, wet, worn, or damaged, performance may be affected.

ievo ultimate uses Multi-Spectral Imaging (MSI) technology with nine independent light sources that penetrate up to 4,000 microns beneath the skin’s surface.

By analysing both surface and subsurface fingerprint characteristics simultaneously, ievo can accurately identify users even when a finger is:

• Dirty or dusty
• Wet or affected by temperature changes
• Worn or lightly damaged
• Covered by a thin latex glove

How many users can a biometric reader support?

ievo fingerprint readers can store up to 50,000 fingerprint templates.

What does biometric access control cost?

The initial investment is often higher than traditional access control methods, which can make some organisations hesitate.

However, long-term savings are significant.

There are no replacement costs for lost cards or fobs, and administrative overhead associated with managing and updating PIN codes is greatly reduced.

Interested? 

Find out more about ievo solutions or book a demo today.