The ievo multi-spectral sensor has been reviewed in May’s edition of the independent test publication Benchmark Magazine, the only product test assessment relating to security systems on the market at the moment. The ievo Ultimate reader was previously called by Benchmark’s editor Pete Conway to be tested alongside three other globally leading biometric manufacturers for their special ‘fingerprint reader’ feature in both the March and April issues.
ievo Managing Director Shaun Oakes submitted Ultimate into the test after deliberation saying, “Not so long ago, Pete Conway expressed interest in testing a multi-spectral imaging fingerprint sensor, yet nobody came forward. We were aware of Benchmark’s rigorous testing methods, and respected them as an independent reviewer. Therefore, when we were invited to submit Ultimate for their fingerprint reader feature we decided to take the plunge.”
With the first half of the review published in the March issue, Ultimate was already ahead of its peers for the features and functions categories. The three other competitors scoring less than the UK produced Ultimate.
The review congratulated the fact that the Ultimate fingerprint reader itself doesn’t require dual entry for data as well as holds no connections or relays which has been a magnificent advantage to the product. Many competitive biometric readers out there can be easily compromised because relays can be crossed or removed which could potentially open the ‘secured’ door from the reader itself outside. ievo overcame this issue by listening to security providers, integrators and installers at the beginning of the design process. They made it clear from the outset that they were worried about unwanted intruders if the relays became compromised. ievo solved this problem by housing the relays five metres away on the inside of the door.
Part two divulged a little deeper, focusing on performance. Ultimate scored 90% in the category.
It was duly noted that the actual physical install ‘isn’t an issue’ as seamless integration is offered simultaneously with; Paxton, Nortech, ACT, BSB, CDVI, PLAN and Inner-Range. It also performed ‘fastest during busy periods due to its accuracy’. Breaking this down a little further, Ultimate recorded no false accepts and whilst pushing the product to its maximum it was ‘difficult to make the unit deliver false reject because of poor finger placement.’
Commenting further on the publication of the review, Shaun Oakes added, “Of course, as with anything, there are limitations, and being the customer and user driven business that we are, we took time out to speak with Pete to ask him how we could improve our product. Backed up by the review, Pete told us he would like to see printed manuals and perhaps spend more time clarifying technical terminology in the manual. We have listened to this critique and are presently working on the suggestions Pete made.”
The multi-spectral fingerprint technology used in ievo ultimate
Because Ultimate was able to ‘cope with much more than the test required’ Pete Conway took up the opportunity to stifle the Benchmark panels curiosity of how the multi-spectral imaging sensor fared when used in much more difficult scenarios. This additional review was featured in the May edition published late last week.
The feature began by differentiating between ievo using a multi-spectral imaging sensor and other fingerprint readers also using the technology. The algorithm combined with the scanner create a durable and robust fingerprint system that ‘stands apart from its peers’
The Benchmark team really pushed Ultimate to its limit going as far as turning the reader on its back and filling the sensor cavity with water to see if it could still scan a fingerprint, which it could! They repeated this rigorous test with dirt, oil and powder and found that the sensor was still able to register their prints.
Finally Shaun Oakes adds, “When we launched Ultimate almost two years ago we produced a test video to show all of our customers and users exactly what it could do. Ultimate being subjected to these conditions is all shown in the video. If anyone was ever sceptical that the video was invalid then all they have to do is read Benchmark’s independent and trusted review as it was even deemed ‘the best they’d seen’”
ievo will be exhibiting both of their fingerprint readers; Ultimate and Micro at this year’s IFSEC event at the NEC in Birmingham from the 14th-17th May. If you want to come along and see the featured Ultimate as well as the internal solution Micro you can register for free entry to the show at ifsec.co.uk. They will be stationed at Hall 4, Stand Number H47. To follow live updates from the show visit ievo’s Twitter account.
This week, ievo MD Shaun Oakes was interviewed by info4security ahead of the security industry exhibition IFSEC International. Read the full interview here..
Info4Security (I4S): Why do you choose to attend IFSEC International, and what are the main goals/achievements you hope to realise from doing so?
Shaun Oakes (SO): We first visited IFSEC International last year and, from reflection and return on investment analysis, the show exceeded our expectations. Not only because it’s a great way to publicise your company, but also in terms of lead generation and allowing potential customers to see the products first hand. It’s the perfect hub for industry professionals and end users.
As we are still such a new business, at IFSEC International 2011 we were able to establish relationships with integrators and distributors that we would have previously struggled to get in contact with. As a result, our products are now integrated into many leading access control manufacturers whereas this time last year we had only a handful of integration options.
This year, we hope to continue this approach and, by next year, who knows? We may have doubled our contacts, leads and integrators yet again.
I4S: When does your preparation for the show begin, what does that preparation entail and what’s the company’s commitment to the event in terms of manpower/logistics?
SO: A lot of preparation must go into the show in order for it to be a success for the company. Aside from the initial preparations like booking our stand I usually sit down with the team sometime in the third quarter of our business year in March to discuss production, technical and marketing strategies. We work together right up until the final week before the show.
I4S: In years gone by it has been themes such as IP, hybrid solutions, the emergence of networks or video analytics that have characterised the show. Is there a key theme you can see on the horizon that might well frame the 2012 event?
SO: I believe the key areas for the future are based more on access control and new technologies within. Near Field Communications (NFC) will play a clear role within this and phone manufacturers have already started to include this technology.
We have certainly witnessed a huge increase in biometrics and we will ensure that we continue to add to our cutting-edge technology.
I4S: What’s the key focus for the company at this year’s show?
SO: We recently added a product called Micro™ to our range and this year and we are focusing on people coming to see the newest ievo™ addition.
As well as the new product, we will be showcasing more integration options for our products, making it easier for potential customers to see how our solutions will fit into their projects and also more support options for installers (including marketing and sales care).
I4S: Can you briefly outline the new solutions and products that will be displayed and discussed by the company?
SO: As I mentioned, Micro™ will be demonstrated for the first time this year but we will also be showcasing the original Ultimate™ fingerprint reader alongside integration options including Paxton, Nortech, CDVI, ACT, BSB Electronics, Inner Range and PLAN. Uniquely, we provide marketing support to the security installers who actively promote or are interested in ievo™. In order to showcase this further, a representative from the marketing team will be present at the stand to inform interested parties of how we can support them with sales.
I4S: Are you targeting end users, installers/integrators or perhaps consultants this year, and what’s influencing your decision here?
SO: Broadly, we welcome all groups to our stand. Obviously, as a manufacturer we mainly market to installers and integrators, but if end users and consultants have heard recommendations and wish to see the ievo™ fingerprint readers first hand then we are more than happy to talk them through our products and, if necessary, suggest an installer or representative in their area – for the UK and globally.
I4S: Are you targeting any particular vertical sector at present? If so, why? What opportunities do you see emerging?
SO: We’re not currently focusing on any one particular sector, in fact we are now being approached by markets we never really considered for our products.
We believe that the word is spreading about our reliable technology and the fact we’ve been able to deliver where others have previously failed. We will continue to work with as many sectors as possible.
I4S: What are your immediate priorities in the post-IFSEC period?
SO: So much planning is necessary for IFSEC and this includes post-show follow-up. It’s vitally important that we follow-up sales leads, add to our database and inform our existing customers how the show went and look at any new projects on the horizon because of the show. If we didn’t do this, our efforts and planning that went into the show would be wasted.
I4S: What’s the focus for the company likely to be in the six months from June to December?
SO: For the past two years we have focused on listening to our customers’ needs and we will continue to build on that to provide them with what they want in a biometric.
Without them, we wouldn’t have become the trusted brand that we are today and we want to continue to exceeded expectations in providing quality biometric products in tandem with after-sales care.
I4S: Are there any enhancements/improvements you’d like to see introduced at IFSEC International by show organiser UBM?
SO: UBM really listens to the needs and wants of visitors and exhibitors which is great, and they continually try to make improvements each year.
If anything I’d suggest making the event more accessible to end users. At the moment it’s mostly weighted towards security industry professionals.
I4S: On the macro level, what are your views on the current business landscape and the economic conditions prevailing in the UK?
SO: When asked this question in the video interview I responded with strong feelings that it’s time we fight against the negativity that’s continually portrayed by some elements of the national press. I mentioned the fact that they are always quick to jump on the story of ‘double dip recession’ that, at the time of the filming, had not been realised! Well just 24 hours after that interview it was then heavily reported that we actually are in one!
I’m confident that I speak for many here when I say: “Let’s move on.” We all have the ability to restore confidence in the business world. If we all stick together and sing from the same hymn sheet we can make a difference and turn the tables once and for all.
I4S: In addition, can you tell us your opinions on the present state of the UK and international security markets?
SO: Again, it’s a great shame that we find ourselves in this position after such a long time. ievo™ has been able to show growth in sales month-on-month and we believe the security sector to offer continued outcomes and benefits in any market situation. That said, I’m sure we all await the upturn with relish!
I4S: Are knowledge levels among your key customer audiences showing a continual elevation in focus and breadth?
SO: We have identified that we are strongly customer-driven with both installers and, surprisingly, end users. A great deal of business is obtained through both routes having the knowledge and requirements for biometric technology.
I4S: What’s the company doing to promote the Corporate Social Responsibility/’green’ agenda?
SO: In short, everything we can! Everyone in ievo™ continually works hard to ensure we meet with our own statements and also look at ways to improve on everything we do to ensure our own carbon footprint is as low as possible and our company’s impact on the environment is continually reduced.
Link to the Video Interview
ievo™ at IFSEC International 2012
Hall 4 Stand H47
Minerva Security Services of Essex have been at the forefront of a high profile biometrics installation at UBM PLC’s UK headquarters in London, at the height of organising the International Fire & Security Exhibition 2012.
Organisers of IFSEC 2012, UBM required four ievo™ fingerprint readers, two Ultimate™ and two Micro™. The Ultimate’s™ are used to secure the building’s entrance & exit turnstiles and is fixed on to a turnstile which will be used by visitors. Micro™ will be responsible for securing the 9th floor office area inside the UBM premises, and will be installed on the main area door to grant access & egress to employees & visitors in that particular department.
Minerva Security chose the Ultimate™ biometric reader for the main building’s entrance due to its robust exterior and renowned capabilities. “We wanted to provide UBM with the most practical solution and since their building required enhanced fingerprint access control, we researched an external fingerprint scanner that would be unaffected by the elements, ievo Ultimate™ is able to do just this. The system is able to function in the harshest weather conditions and is vandal resistant therefore it fit the criteria perfectly”
“The compact and reliable Micro™ reader is installed snugly within the building. Using Paxton’s market leading access control board, Net 2, it is able to secure door access to the main office area. We really have provided UBM with the most efficient security package with ievo” says John Moran, Operations Director from Minerva Security.
ievo™ Managing Director Shaun Oakes comments that, “This is the first ievo™ install with Minerva Security and they have done an excellent job of providing first class support to UBM. They were able to really hone in on their needs and thus provided UBM with a complementary ievo™ biometric system.”
ievo™ will be exhibiting both fingerprint readers; Ultimate™ and Micro™ at this year’s IFSEC event at the NEC in Birmingham from the 14th-17th May. To follow live updates from the show visit ievo™’s Twitter account.
Leading supplier of biometrically-enabled applications, Argus Global, has further developed its partnership with ievo expanding their use of ievo leading fingerprint technology within their applications.
The Ultimate and Micro multi-spectral fingerprint readers from ievo™ have been successfully integrated with Argus’ CornerSafe Electronic Key Safe Solution for secure keysafe management and are operating in Government institutions across Australia.
Argus today announced the launch of their CornerBlade and VIOSK solutions.
CornerBlade is a biometric data centre and server rack touch screen KIOSK based access solution offering secure auditable access on a floor, room, and rack by rack basis for data centres and corporate computer rooms alike. Securing access privileges records are central to Data Protection. If you’re in IT, you’re in Data Security!
VIOSK is a fully integrated biometric visitor management KOISK for self-check in of visitors in busy high security offices where there can be over a thousand visitors a day. Being able to simply touch the screen, identify, have your pass printed and your visitor alerted by email and SMS with full audit trail is enormously attractive to both visitors and corporations alike for reasons of speed of service, access and security. VIOSK does away with the inefficiency and vulnerability of visitor books… and the queues!
Argus has chosen to partner with ievo™ due to the unsurpassed capabilities of ievo™ fingerprint technology. Unlike standard fingerprint readers, ievo™ multi-spectral readers are unaffected by variations in fingerprint quality due to dirt or grease; and they work in even the harshest conditions, for example in freezing temperatures, rain and direct sunlight. The fingerprint readers are ideal for environments like construction sites and are set to be used in a multi-million pound project to secure the Scottish National Arena at the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
Commenting on the partnership, Damien Davis, Director of Argus Global Australia, says: “At Argus we partner with biometric suppliers who have proven robust technologies that meet our clients’ operational and security needs. Many of our customers operate high risk or high traffic environments where accuracy and speed are critical. Now used in Government institutions on an enterprise scale, multispectral finger print technology is proving to be the leader amongst finger print technologies. As an integrator and bespoke solutions developer, Argus seeks out and evaluates technology from all over the world. When assessing the ievo™ technology, it became immediately clear it represented significant advances in accuracy, utility and potential in varied applications. ”
Stuart Ging, Director for ievo™ comments, “The ievo™ fingerprint reader has been designed from the outset to easily integrate into established and market leading systems such as Argus Global’s CornerSafe and CornerBlade solutions. Our ievo™ reader is rated IP65 and has internal heating which was critical for Argus as many of their installations include environments where temperatures are well below zero, therefore providing a reliable biometric that is fully functional in environments where others simply will not. This is imperative to our business ethos and something we clearly share with Argus Global. We look forward to ievo™ being represented in Argus Global’s vast portfolio of high profile customers, and generating new business for both companies.”
The International Fire & Security Exhibition (IFSEC) is the premier security show in the sectors global calendar, bringing together more than 25,000 security professionals from over 100 countries. This years event runs from 14 -17 May 2012 at the NEC in Birmingham. You can register for free entry to the show at www.ifsec.co.uk
This year ievo have decided to return to IFSEC International to exhibit their biometric product range. Find out why from ievo Managing Director Shaun Oakes.
“There was no doubt in our minds that we would be attending IFSEC in 2012”
Last year was our first year exhibiting ievo at IFSEC. We were understandably quite unsure if it was the right move for us to attend because we were such a new company. But after speaking with Peter Poole, our IFSEC representative he quickly cleared up any doubts, gave us some great advice and he supported us throughout the process. Our exhibition stand although in a less prominent location, never experienced a quiet moment, partly due to the advice we followed from Peter. On reflection and return on investment analysis we quickly came to the conclusion that IFSEC exceeded all of our expectations. Not only because it is a great way to publicise our company but for lead generation and allowing potential customers to see the products first hand. Where else can you do all of this under one roof? From this, there was no doubt in our minds that we would be attending IFSEC in 2012.
IFSEC is a globally renowned exhibition, so not only did we receive UK exposure, but interest from companies around the world. During the week of IFSEC 2011 the exhibition quickly becomes the central hub for conferences, demonstrations and meetings within the security industry. Numerous sectors are represented including integrators, distributors, installers and end users. This is a great way to create contacts to follow up after the show. In fact, at IFSEC 2011 we were able to establish relationships with integrators and distributors that we would have previously struggled to get in contact with. We are now integrated into many leading access control manufacturers; Paxton, Nortech, Inner Range, CDVI, and PLAN to name but a few. We have also recently signed a contract with a major global distributor. This is all within two years of starting ievo and we firmly believe that representation and support from IFSEC has contributed to this greatly.
This year we have taken the leap and are exhibiting at a bigger stand in Hall 4 H47 and it is in a key location. Our newest product addition micro, which was released in January 2012 will be showcased. It boasts many unique features and people coming to our booth will be able to see it first hand, as well as the original and robust ultimate fingerprint reader. Over the past year our products have been used for an abundance of different projects therefore we will have more examples and expertise to share with visitors at our stand.
We pride ourselves at IFSEC in offering not only expert event management but exceptional after sales support. IFSEC is a great security show that brings together the best in the industry and visitors should have no doubts that the trip will be worth while to their business. Product manufacturers like ievo can demonstrate their ranges and answer any questions face to face with the users. This is not only valuable to the visitors but to the exhibitor also, because they can grow and further develop their business strategy from IFSEC in order to provide the very best within their sector.
Peter Poole, Event Manager for IFSEC International
To download and read the full case study click here
IFSEC International is the premier security show in the sectors global calendar, bringing together more than 25,000 security and entry systems professionals from over 100 countries across the entire buying chain: from manufacturers and distributors to installers, integrators, consultants and those responsible for security management.
This year we will be exhibiting both our original Ultimate and new Micro entry access systems in Hall 4 Stand Number H/47 alongside more integration options and more sales support than ever before. If you are a security installer you can register for free fast track entry.
Without thinking too much about the ROI you will receive from visiting the premier show, IFSEC have listened to past visitors and have created more areas for the installer and end users benefit including fire solutions, ipAssured Zone, Product Innovation and a Security Management Theatre.
In fact, one of our own door access installers, Spider Technologies Ltd came to the show last year and discovered the ievo ultimate fingerprint sensor which has recently been installed by them at a school in North Wales.
Yesterday we sent out an email campaign urging all security installers to attend the show and visit our stand in particular. Fingerprint access is a major sector within security and one you don’t want to missing out on business within. If you would like to register for the show to gain free entry visit the IFSEC website here or alternatively call us here at head office on 0845 643 6632 and we will give you more information on our products and why you should come and see our demonstration.
The IFSEC invitation we sent out to our security installers
Biometric can be used for numerous different applications other than security. One way in which the ievo fingerprint system has been used is for a kiosk. Recently an ievo reader was installed as part of an enrolment and joining system for gym applications. This is an incredibly practical solution as it saves time and efficiency at the installation site.
Biometric devices such as ievo ultimate has also been used in conjunction with vending machines. At gyms and leisure complexes free drinks are usually part of a premium membership package. Therefore, if the member has their fingerprint registered for door access, the same enrolment could be used to disperse drinks for free but this could be subject to which membership you are paying for each month.
Another way in which this application could be used is with credit facilities. Again this could be useful for leisure facilities such as spa’s and retreats. Individuals can use the biometric kiosk to ‘pay’ for their treatments and for their attendance to be recorded.
These applications are becoming increasingly popular as people are becoming more aware that biometric fingerprint readers are not just used for access control.
ievo ultimate has already been used for kiosk applications
Worldwide supplier of class leading Access Control solutions CDVI has joined forces with ievo to enhance its biometric portfolio and provide more secure, efficient use of fingerprint technology with its applications.
Both multi-spectral fingerprint readers from ievo™; Ultimate™ and Micro™ will seamlessly integrate into CDVI’s leading Centaur access control module, renowned for its flexibility and performance.
CDVI has chosen to partner with ievo™ due to the indisputable capabilities of their product range. Unlike standard fingerprint readers, ievo™’s multi-spectral sensors are unaffected by variations in fingerprint quality including levels of dirt, oil, grease, powders and moisture as well as in even the harshest weather conditions, for example freezing temperatures, rain and sunlight.
Daniel Phillips, CDVI’s Operations Manager for UK division comments on the integration saying, “With database level integration between CDVI’s Centaur access control platform and the ievo™ software, we have increased the feasibility of large scale sites using biometric credentials, whilst reducing installation time and human error in duplicating access rights. Providing powerful integrated access control with Centaur and excellent reading capability with ievo™, this integration is sure to make installation faster and more secure and will benefit both CDVI’s and ievo™ customer base. We look forward to working with ievo™ and further strengthening the integration between our product ranges.
Commenting on the partnership, Shaun Oakes, Managing Director of ievo™ says, “The ievo™ fingerprint reader has been designed from the outset to easily integrate into established and market leading systems such as CDVI’s Centaur module. Our innovative products provide customers with a reliable and simplistic biometrics that are fully functional in certain adverse environments. Providing a superior quality access control solution is imperative to our business ethos and something we clearly share with CDVI, and through this we eagerly anticipate generating new prospects for both companies”
CDVI Centaur Access Control Module Integrates into Ievo's Products
As a leading UK based biometric manufacturer we pride ourselves in offering the very best after sales care to our installers. After receiving a demonstration or call from one of our account managers you will be offered marketing support to help push ievo readers to the clientèle you currently deal with as well as support for trying to reach new industries that could benefit from the ievo fingerprint scanner product ranges.
As a new form of support to you we have developed a marketing pack which will include specific brochures for certain industries within your catchment area. Each brochure is four pages long and directly addresses each sector as if it is coming from you, the installer, directly. There are real case studies, press releases and customer quotations to back up our claims that the ievo access control reader really is the best on the market.
As of yet, we have specifically targeted ten industries including biometrics being used in; Healthcare, Education, Transport and Manufacturing. With additional introductory to biometric information sheets and high security options. Each sector is specifically targeted for maximum impact instead of generalising each look.
If you are interested in seeing some samples of the biometric products marketing pack or would like more information then you can contact us directly on 0845 643 6632
ievo has been reviewed in this month’s independent test publication Benchmark Magazine, the only product test assessment relating to security systems on the market at the moment including biometric products. The ievo Ultimate reader was called by Benchmark’s editor Pete Conway to be tested alongside three other fingerprint readers for their special biometric security system feature. The edition has been split into two parts, with the first focusing on design and functionality.
ievo Ultimate™ scored 82% for product design and 80% for features and functions. The written analysis of the test reflected ievo™’s ethos which has been achieved by listening to both customers and current integrators which makes up the foundation of the ievo™ product range.
The review congratulated the fact that the Ultimate™ fingerprint reader itself holds no connections or relays which has been a magnificent advantage to the product. Many competitive biometric readers out there can be easily compromised because relays can be crossed or removed which could potentially open the ‘secured’ door. ievo™ overcame this issue by listening to security providers, integrators and installers at the beginning of the design process. They made it clear from the outset that they were worried about unwanted intruders if the relays became compromised. ievo™ solved this problem by housing the relays five metres away on the inside of the secured door.
Benchmark also stated that this is coupled with its vandal resistant IP65 rated exterior enhancing its robustness.
“The reader is billed as vandal resistant, and has an IP65 access control rating, making it ideal for external siting…in order to prevent access via tampering, the reader itself does not contain any connections or relays. Instead sealed cables link the unit to a connection box”
The renowned multi-spectral imaging sensor used in ievo™ products was also mentioned as indeed able to scan through the likes of dirt, dry and moisture laden fingerprints, another reason why ievo™ integrators; Paxton, ACT, BSB, Inner-Range, Argus Global and Nortech associate themselves with this product.
Managing director of ievo™ Shaun Oakes spoke after reading the review insisting, “We are very pleased with the assessment so far. It reflects well upon our company ethos of ‘biometric evolution’ giving our customers only the best, by listening to them and implementing it into our products. We look forward to the second half of the review which is to be published in next month’s edition”
To read the full review visit the Benchmark website where they have created an intuitive on-line edition for your own convenience, which is free and easy to access from their homepage.
Going to IFSEC at the NUC in Birmingham from 14th-17th May? Come and see the ievo ultimate™ and micro™ readers for yourself at stand 4/H47.
