Biometric Switches

Pilot devices provide control and condition monitoring of different types of processes, equipment and machinery in industrial and commercial applications. They are used for communication from a machine to an operator or from an operator to a machine. Pilot devices can be an audio or visual indicator, or an actuator that is used to control the flow of energy to a process. Visual indicators are: pilot lights, signal towers, strobes and beacons. Audio indictors are: buzzers and sounder horns. Actuators are: push buttons, selector switches, toggle switches and potentiometers.

Access control is a critical part of safety and security management in industrial settings. Access control refers to the management of an access point, such as a door, machine or computer, to only allow entry to an authorized user. There are three types of access control systems. The first type is object-based, where the user must possess a specific object to be granted entry, such as an id card, fob or key. The second type is information-based, where the user mush know a specific code to be granted entry, such as a password or pin number. The third type is biometric-based, where the user utilizes a part of their body to identify themselves to be granted access, such as face recognition, iris scan or fingerprint.

Biometric access has a distinct advantage over object-based and information-based access. Biometric access can not be lost, shared or stolen. Many industrial settings have adapted biometric switches that read fingerprints to authorize access to sensitive areas and machine functions. The Harmony Biometric Switch has two operating modes: on/off mode or pulse mode for momentary action. The switch remembers up to 200 fingerprints and authentication takes less than one second. The database of authorized users can be managed directly on the device or externally via a HMI or PC interface.