Crestron partners with ekey to offer biometric access control for smart homes

Nov 24, 2018, 1:56 pm EST | Stephen Mayhew

Home automation provider Crestron has integrated wall-mounted fingerprint scanners from ekey Biometric Systems GmbH into its Crestron 3-Series control systems. ekey is an Austrian biometric access control solutions provider and an official Crestron integration partner.

Now, according to the announcement, Crestron smart-home integrators can offer one-touch door entry with home automation and security systems. Fingerprint authentication for door entry enhances security by eliminating 4-digit codes and key or access card forgery and keeps an accurate record of entrance activity.

Multiple fingerprints from individual users can be captured to trigger different events including door unlock and individual music or lighting preferences. Specific fingers can be used to trigger a silent alarm for duress situations.

“ekey and Crestron took up the challenge of making door entry more secure and convenient,” explains Michael Short, Crestron global residential marketing manager. “Now, in essence, your finger is the key to your Crestron smart home.”

ekey products are currently compatible with Crestron 3-Series control systems with a RS485 COM port, and SIMPL Windows software.

A UK academic researching the impact of big data and artificial intelligence on family life recently issued a call to ensure new privacy measures and age appropriate design code are included in smart home automation technologies.