Android smartphone as a cheap Access Control System

Frequently, we observe our partners using Android smartphones as biometric terminals in access control and time tracking scenarios. What's the rationale behind this decision?

Imagine you need a cutting-edge biometric access control or employee time tracking system. What options do you have?

1. Use a desktop computer connected to one or more cameras. It's a solid option, but can be expensive unless you have access to a free and high-performance machine.
2. Buy and place a dedicated biometric terminal in your office. This is a great choice! With many solutions and manufacturers available, prices vary widely. You can find acceptable options starting at around $300, but there are higher-end choices up to $2,000.
3. Buy a smartphone at a budget-friendly price of approximately $100 and set it up as your terminal.

Price is the first compelling reason why a smartphone is an ideal choice for a biometric terminal. Here are a few other advantages to consider:

• Swift deployment: Simply stick it to the wall with double-sided tape and plug it into the nearest power outlet. Or use one of thousands of mounting devices.
• Easy maintenance and replacement: It's a consumer device, after all!
• Autonomy: All the smartphone needs is a power outlet. For internet access, you can use Wi-Fi or a mobile internet connection.

While using a smartphone as a biometric terminal has numerous advantages, there are some noteworthy issues to bear in mind:

• Smartphones are not designed for continuous 24/7 operation, and they tend to degrade pretty quickly compared to regular usage. Particularly, you may encounter challenges with battery and screen longevity, especially with OLED or AMOLED displays.
• Difficulties with remote control and software updates: Sure, you can do all these things, but you'll have to dive into Google's Android ecosystem.
• The majority of mobile apps are designed for short user sessions, whereas an access control app requires 24/7 operation. Consequently, your development process may proceed at a slower pace than usual, requiring considerations such as efficient RAM usage, minimizing crashes, and optimizing CPU load to prevent overheating, among others.

Wondering why an Android smartphone serves as an ideal biometric terminal? It's all about cost-effectiveness — the smartphone delivers significant value over time before it fails.

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P.S. Curious about an overview of the biometric terminal market? Feel free to ping us in the comments!