EC: Harmony Biometric Switch
Safety sensor: Schneider Electric Harmony Biometric Switch. A Switch using fingerprint recognition technology to increase access control. This is a Control Engineering 2011 Engineers' Choice (EC) Award winner.
Utilizing fingerprint recognition technology, Harmony Biometric Switch by Schneider Electric is the only industrial switch of its kind to authorize users for operator or equipment usage. As a viable alternative to combat the weaknesses of the other access control systems, the switch provides simple, reliable and efficient operation to restrict access to sensitive zones and machine functions (starting, adjustment, maintenance, etc.) to only authorized personnel, which is essential in industrial environments. The Harmony Biometric Switch reads fingerprint patterns to verify that someone is authorized to access sensitive areas and machine functions through an anonymous process in which fingerprints serve only to authorize access, but not confirm an individual's identity. Fingerprint readers have been shown to be more effective and efficient than other security systems, and they can also save money long-term. "Every plant manager knows the safety and operational consequences of unauthorized access: it can halt production, damage products being manufactured or disrupt your supply chain, and pose risk to employees, engineers and millions of dollars' worth of equipment," says Selin Yilmaz, push button product manager for Schneider Electric.
"This biometric technology, designed for plant conditions, can provide companies with more effective protection, while saving time and money and increasing productivity." Similar to a key-operated selector switch, the Harmony Biometric Switch has two operating modes: on-off mode or pulse mode for momentary action. Authentication takes less than one second, and the false acceptance rate is less than 0.1%. The switches can remember up to 200 fingerprints, including several fingers from the same operator, for additional flexibility and precision. The new switch fits in a standard 22mm push-button mounting hole, resists mechanical shock and vibration, protects against EMC noise and UV light, meets IP65 and NEMA 12 standards, and offers an optional protective cover and guard.
www.schneider-electric.us/go/biometric
Schneider Electric
For more, see www.controleng.com/awards.
- Related News:
Case study video: Biometric security switch excludes unauthorized users - 25.01.2011 10:45- Upgrades to circuit breaker combination starters - 24.11.2010 01:32
Case Study Database
Get more exposure for your case study by uploading it to the Plant Engineering case study database, where end-users can identify relevant solutions and explore what the experts are doing to effectively implement a variety of technology and productivity related projects.
These case studies provide examples of how knowledgeable solution providers have used technology, processes and people to create effective and successful implementations in real-world situations. Case studies can be completed by filling out a simple online form where you can outline the project title, abstract, and full story in 1500 words or less; upload photos, videos and a logo.
Click here to visit the Case Study Database and upload your case study.
2012 Salary Survey
In a year when manufacturing continued to lead the economic rebound, it makes sense that plant manager bonuses rebounded. Plant Engineering’s annual Salary Survey shows both wages and bonuses rose in 2012 after a retreat the year before.
Average salary across all job titles for plant floor management rose 3.5% to $95,446, and bonus compensation jumped to $15,162, a 4.2% increase from the 2010 level and double the 2011 total, which showed a sharp drop in bonus.