Business cases

Pictet business case

Pictet & Cie Banquiers, a Swiss private bank, has installed a one-of-a-kind access control system which requires no identity badges or keys, and yet provides the highest security level to both employees and customers by combining different biometric verification methods.

The main contractor, Interflex AG, a division of Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, has implemented a biometrics project in Geneva that is unique in the world. Interflex has met the stringent requirements of Pictet & Cie Banquiers: the installation of an access control system that operates completely without ID cards, keys or PIN technology to enable secure access for 1500 employees to the bank's new building. Eliminating the risk of tokens and keys being lost, stolen or misused, Pictet & Cie Banquiers' system uses only biometric verification methods in a project that combines components supplied by unique specialists. 3D face and iris recognition systems as well as speed gates have been installed at the new building. Speed gates are a new type of access gate that provide higher flow rates and more user-friendly access. In addition, a vehicle access control system identifying vehicles by their license plates is installed at the entrance/exit points to the parking facility. Combining biometric methods, such as 3D face recognition and iris scan to verify a person's identity ensures that only authorized persons may enter the bank building through existing entrances, and control access to passages that link secure areas within the building. The speed gates ensure that there is no delay or holdup at the gates during peak times, especially in the morning when most of the 1500 employees enter the building.

Interflex has integrated all these components into a comprehensive security system operating on the IF-6020-Security software solution from Interflex. Biometric identification controls not only access to the building, but also employee time and attendance records, using 80 biometric 3D face recognition readers from L-1. L-1's advanced 3D facial recognition system directs structured, invisible light onto a subject's face to create a facial grid of 40,000 measurable data points. The system performs multiple facial scans and comparisons against a database of stored images and corresponding data, performing accurate identification at sub-second speeds, from which authorized persons are confirmed for access. L-1's 3D facial readers secure entrance areas of the bank in combination with other security components of the installation.

The entrances to sensitive areas of the building are secured with singularisation devices. They provide unmanned and automatic monitoring and management of access to high security areas. These intelligent access locks are controlled by Fastcom's SMACS system to provide high security access control. The system ensures that only the authorized person enters and is not accompanied by anyone else, while offering greater flexibility and user comfort than classical mechanical solutions. This versatile mantrap control system is widely used to secure banks, data centres and government agencies.

With the completion of this project that delivers complete access without badges and keys, Pictet & Cie Banquiers have established themselves as pioneers and innovators of security concepts. The success of the project is proof that biometric security not only represents adequate solutions for high security applications but is also suited to meet daily access control requirements. This project demonstrates the future of biometrics.