Card Reader
Suprema
Suprema BioEntry W2
Rugged outdoor IP67 fingerprint access control device with live finger detection
FingerprintCard/Fob
Ideal for:Outdoor installations, Harsh environments, Perimeter access control
Access Control
Biometric Access Control: Your Body Is Your Credential
Biometric access control removes the everyday problems that come with cards and keys. There’s nothing to lose, nothing to lend, and no uncertainty about who actually entered. Access is tied to the person, not something they’re carrying.
Synel systems don’t store fingerprint or facial images. They store encrypted templates that can’t be turned back into images. That means stronger security without introducing unnecessary privacy risk, and compliance that stands up in real, regulated environments.
The reality today
Most access control failures are not caused by broken systems. They happen because the system cannot reliably confirm who actually entered. Cards are lost, left at home or shared to save time. Keys are copied without visibility or control. PINs are passed around. Even with good processes, there is always a gap between who should have access and who actually does.
For high-security or high-risk areas, possession of a credential is not enough. You need certainty of identity, not just evidence that someone had a card.
The Solution
Biometric access control from Synel closes that gap by tying access directly to the individual. No cards to replace, no keys to manage, no uncertainty about who entered. Identity is verified in seconds, automatically logged, and enforced consistently across every secured door.
The result is stronger security, lower operational overhead and complete confidence in your access records.
Can't Be Lost or Shared
Your fingerprint or face is always with you. No replacement costs, no security gaps from lost cards.
Touchless Options
Facial recognition means zero contact. Essential for food production, healthcare, and cleanrooms.
Absolute Identity
Biometrics confirm identity, not just card possession. Know exactly who entered.
Privacy Protected
GDPR compliant. Encrypted templates only—no photographs or fingerprint images stored.
Key Features
Everything you need, built in.
How It Works
How Access Control Works
Secure your site with a straightforward setup and ongoing management.
1
Enrol
Biometric captured and converted to encrypted template. Template synced across authorised doors.
2
Approach Reader
User places finger on reader or looks at facial recognition camera.
3
Verify
System matches live scan against stored template in under one second.
4
Grant Access
Door unlocks if match confirmed and security group/time zone rules permit.
5
Log
Access event logged with user ID, door, timestamp. Audit trail complete.
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UK Installation & Support
Biometric Access Control Hardware
UK-installed and supported by Synel engineers
Card Reader
Suprema
Suprema BioStation 3
Compact AI-powered facial recognition terminal with NPU, multiple contactless credentials and VoIP intercom
Facial RecognitionCard/Fob
Ideal for:Small offices through to enterprise buildings, Environments requiring compact form factor with maximum features, Sites moving from FaceStation F2 to latest generation hardware
Card Reader
Suprema
Suprema BioLite N2
Outdoor IP67 fingerprint terminal with colour LCD, keypad, multi-RFID card reading and time attendance support
FingerprintCard/Fob
Ideal for:Outdoor fingerprint access control in harsh environments, Time and attendance applications requiring keypad and LCD, Sites needing IP67-rated compact fingerprint readers
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Data Centres
Food Processing
Education
About Biometric Access Control
Cards get lost, stolen, and shared. Keys get copied. PINs get passed around. Biometric access control eliminates these vulnerabilities—your fingerprint or face is your credential. Synel's biometric readers integrate seamlessly with Synergy Access, providing the highest level of security for sensitive areas.
Fingerprint Access
Fingerprint readers verify identity in under one second. Support for up to 25,000 templates means they work for the largest workforces. Enrol once and access any authorised door across your entire estate. Outdoor-rated readers like the BioEntry W2 handle harsh environments—construction sites, loading bays, and factory floors.
Facial Recognition Access
FaceStation readers provide completely touchless access—ideal for hygiene-critical environments. Sub-second recognition works even in low light conditions. Up to 20,000 face templates per device. Employees simply approach the reader and the door unlocks. No touching, no waiting.
Multi-Factor Authentication
For the highest security areas—server rooms, pharmaceutical stores, cash offices—combine biometrics with other factors. Require fingerprint AND card, or face AND PIN. Dual authentication means even if one credential is compromised, the door stays secure.
GDPR Compliant by Design
A common concern is biometric privacy. Synel devices never store photographs or fingerprint images. Biometric data is converted into encrypted mathematical templates that cannot be reverse-engineered into an image. This methodology ensures compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Mix Technologies Across Your Estate
Deploy biometrics where security matters most and cards elsewhere. Synergy Access manages both from the same platform. Main entrance uses cards for speed, server room requires fingerprint, labs need facial recognition for hygiene. One system, multiple technologies, complete flexibility.
Integrated with Time & Attendance
The same biometric credential that opens doors can clock employees in for time and attendance. One enrolment, two applications. When someone badges into the building, their arrival is logged for both security and payroll purposes automatically.
When to Choose Biometric
Biometric access is ideal for high-security areas, environments where cards would be impractical (wet hands, gloves), and anywhere you need absolute certainty about who entered. It eliminates the cost of replacing lost cards and the risk of unauthorised card sharing.
Case Study
8,000+
Employees managed
45
Biometric devices
Olam Group: Biometric T&A for 8,000+ Plantation Workers in Africa
Global agri-business scaled from 1,000 to 8,000+ employees in remote Gabon plantations with biometric T&A.
Discover the full results Olam Group achieved with Synel's solution.
Related Access Control Solutions
Explore more solutions that work together.
Door Entry Systems
Centralised door control with real-time visibility across single or multi-site estates.
Card Reader Access Control
Fast, familiar card-based door access with central control and real-time visibility.
Visitor Management
Digital visitor sign-in with photo badges, fire roll inclusion, and Ofsted-ready records.
Access Control FAQs
Common questions about access control answered.
How does biometric time tracking work?
Biometric time tracking uses unique physical characteristics such as fingerprints or facial features to identify employees when they clock in or out.
The system captures a template of the biometric data during enrolment, then matches it each time the employee clocks. This eliminates buddy punching and ensures accurate attendance records.
Is biometric data GDPR compliant?
Yes, when implemented correctly. Biometric data is classified as special category data under GDPR, requiring explicit consent and a lawful basis for processing.
Synel systems use encrypted templates rather than storing actual fingerprint images or photographs. These templates cannot be reverse-engineered to create an image.
Clear retention policies ensure data is deleted when employees leave, and the system supports the right to erasure.
How do I prevent buddy punching?
Buddy punching is where one employee clocks in for another. It is eliminated using biometric authentication.
Synel offers facial recognition and fingerprint terminals that verify the actual identity of the person clocking, not just possession of a card or knowledge of a PIN.
Because biometrics cannot be shared, borrowed or forgotten, you only pay for employees who are physically present. This delivers immediate ROI for organisations experiencing time theft.
Can employees use the same credential for both time & attendance and door access?
Yes. Synel's integrated platform allows a single credential to work across multiple systems. Whether employees use a card, fob, fingerprint or facial recognition, the same credential can be used to clock in and gain door access at the same time.
This means one system and one enrolment process, reducing complexity and lowering overall cost. It also creates a simpler, more consistent experience for employees.
If enabled, the same credential can also be used for cashless catering and secure print release.
See biometric access in action
Book a demo to see how Synel can streamline your operations and deliver measurable ROI.
Trusted by industry leaders
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