Other things to consider

Decisions also need to be taken at the outset about the type of information the system will store and whether it will provide any additional benefits - e.g. a smart card that also enables cashless vending in the canteen and use of the photocopier.

Without careful thought at the outset systems may be purchased with capabilities beyond those that would ever be required. Or perhaps even worse than this, further applications may have to be added layer - which could prove costly.

> Volume: Volume of 'traffic' is also important in making decisions about equipment. IJA's Ian Johnson explains: "It's important to think about peak flow. Biometric systems wouldn't be suitable in a lot of circumstances because the process takes too long. They should be reserved for very high security situations where there are relatively few people going through."

> Environment: The system also needs to look right in the context of its environment. "In a sophisticated corporate setting in the City, it strikes the wrong note if the access control system looks like the turnstile at a football club," says Johnson.

> Staff and visitors: The needs and concerns of staff and visitors should also be taken into account. Particularly serious are the responsibilities of organisations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

Phil Redcliffe, technical support manager at Bewator, comments: "From 1 October 2004, new buildings must comply with the DDA in terms of meeting the needs of disabled people, and justifiable changes must be made to old property to bring them into line.

"If a company has a swipe card system and a new disabled member of staff joins who cannot use it, the organisation must either completely change the system or come to some kind of arrangement for the individual concerned - for example, by having one or more access points where they can be let in by a security officer, or by introducing a power-opening gate - wide enough to allow wheelchair access - with a hands-free reader."

Hands-free systems are particularly useful if there is visual or mobility disability because, if the employee has the card or token on their person, access will be granted without it having to be presented.

Clearly, hands-free technology has potential benefits for all employees, for example if they need to get around while carrying papers or bulky items. And the technology offers other useful applications, for example wrist tags that prevent unescorted patients wandering out of hospitals and nursing homes.

Feature article by Catherine Park