Access Control 101: Cards, Biometrics or Mobile — What to Choose?

RFID Card / Fob Access

The most widely used access control technology. Each user carries a proximity card or key fob with a unique ID. When held near a reader, the system checks the ID against an access database and unlocks the door if authorised.

Pros: Low cost, fast (tap and enter in under a second), no hygiene concerns, easy to add or remove users, works in any lighting condition.
Cons: Cards can be lost, stolen or shared — the system authenticates the card, not the person. Lost cards must be immediately deactivated.

Best for: General office access, car parks, lift control, and any high-traffic door where speed is important.

Fingerprint Biometrics

Fingerprint readers scan and match the unique ridge pattern of a user's finger. Modern optical and capacitive sensors are fast and accurate — typically matching in under 0.5 seconds with a false acceptance rate below 0.001%.

Pros: Cannot be lost or shared (you authenticate the person, not a credential), no cards to manage, detailed audit trail tied to a specific individual.
Cons: Can struggle with wet, dirty or worn fingerprints (common in manufacturing environments). Perceived hygiene concerns (sharing a reader) — addressed by contactless capacitive sensors.

Best for: Server rooms, finance departments, HR offices, warehouses — anywhere you need to verify identity, not just credential.

Face Recognition

Facial recognition readers use a camera and AI algorithms to identify a person by their facial geometry. Modern systems are contactless, fast (under 0.3 seconds) and work reliably in varied lighting.

Pros: Completely contactless (no touch required), works even if hands are full, high accuracy with modern AI sensors, doubles as an attendance system.
Cons: Higher upfront cost than card readers. Some older systems struggle with masks, glasses or significant changes in appearance — though modern AI-based systems handle these well.

Best for: Post-pandemic environments prioritising contactless access, reception areas, combined access/attendance deployments.

Mobile Credentials

Mobile access control uses a smartphone as the credential — via Bluetooth, NFC or QR code. The user's phone communicates with the reader to authenticate access.

Pros: No physical cards to print or manage, credentials can be issued and revoked instantly by email/app, phones are rarely forgotten or shared.
Cons: Requires users to have smartphones and have the app installed. Battery life is a dependency. Higher reader cost.

Best for: Technology companies, flexible workspaces, contractor management, or any site where issuing and revoking access remotely is a priority.

Multi-Factor Authentication

For high-security areas, combining two methods (e.g., card + fingerprint, or PIN + face recognition) provides a much higher level of assurance. Pujaso regularly installs multi-factor access control for server rooms, pharma storage, cash handling areas and government facilities.