Facial Recognition Vs IRIS Scanning – Which biometric authentication method is best for your workplace?
One important feature to look for in an Employee and Visitor Management System is biometric authentication. Biometric authentication is a security process that detects an individual’s unique biological characteristics to verify their identity. But which method of authentication is the best? Today, we’re going to compare and contrast facial recognition technology and iris scanning technology to see which method is the best fit for your workplace.
Face Recognition Biometric Authentication Method
Facial recognition technology measures and matches unique facial characteristics to identify or verify one’s identity based on an image. It analyzes an individual’s nose, mouth, face shape, and other features to authenticate their identity. This software can detect faces in images, quantify their features, and match them to stored templates in a database. This is the same technology that is used to unlock the latest versions of iPhones.
IRIS Scanning Biometric Authentication Method
Iris recognition technology measures the unique patterns in the colored circle of the eye (the iris) to verify one’s identity. Some versions require only a glance from the user. It is used frequently in border control deployments to identify travelers as they enter and exit countries.
Facial recognition vs Iris Scanning – Features Comparison
Identity Verification
Facial Recognition verifies identities based on unique facial characteristics from a photograph or video. Iris Scanning verifies identities based only on the iris from a photograph.
Security Concerns
Security concerns for both methods are the same. If there is a breach in security, you can reset your account information and get a new password. You can’t get a new face or eyeball. Specifically for iris scanning, it is concerning that some variations of this technology can identify someone with just a glance. This is why you need to make sure your biometric technology uses the highest grade of security available.
Privacy & Safety Concerns
Both of these systems can track where the user is and at what time they arrived. For whatever reason, your visitor might want to keep this information private. It’s important to ensure that limited people have access to this information.
Ease of Implementation and Use
Once implemented, both methods are easy to use. However, virtually any camera is capable of facial recognition (although a higher quality camera will be more accurate). You can’t use a regular camera for iris scanning, and the technology can be much more expensive.
Facial Recognition Vs IRIS Scanning – Which is better?
Compare both and write advantages and disadvantages in a tabular format, side by side.
Facial Recognition Vs Iris Scanning
Facial Recognition Iris Scanning
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| No one can copy your unique facial features | Lighting needed | Iris never changes | Technology is expensive |
| Less expensive because you can use any camera | Need accurate reference photo | Can use with glasses/contacts | Requires close proximity during scan (uncomfortable for some users) |
| Touchless | Touchless | Sensitive – user must stand very still | |
| Safe and secure | Safe and secure | Some users’ eyes may experience discomfort | |
| Easy to integrate | Can work in the dark |
Fidentity Zenscan Facial Recognition Device
The Fidentity Zenscan recognition device is a hardware product that uses advanced facial recognition technology. We believe that facial recognition is the better method because it is easy to use, most people are already familiar with it, and it’s safe and secure. Zenscan can detect a user’s identity even if they have a mask on, and it can scan their temperature before they enter the building.
