What are the main types of access control credentials?

The common commercial credentials are key fobs and access cards (familiar and easy to revoke), keypad PIN codes (cheap but shareable), mobile credentials that turn a smartphone into the key (issued and revoked remotely in seconds), and biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition for high-security areas. Many businesses combine several.

What is the difference between cloud and on-premise access control?

On-premise (networked) systems manage multiple doors from a central controller and software located in your building, giving full local control. Cloud-managed systems handle doors through a web portal from anywhere, which suits multi-location businesses and remote administration. Standalone single-door units are a third, non-scaling option for one sensitive room.

Are mobile credentials better than key cards?

Mobile credentials have real advantages: people rarely lose or forget their phone, credentials are issued and revoked remotely in seconds, and there are no cards to purchase. Key cards remain a solid, familiar choice, especially with modern high-security formats. The best fit depends on your workforce, door count, and how you prefer to manage access.

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Biometric Access Control: Fingerprint vs. Facial Recognition vs. Mobile

By Michigan Security Systems · July 2026 · 6 min read

Biometric access control uses something you are — a fingerprint, your face, or another physical trait — instead of something you carry (a card) or know (a PIN). For Michigan businesses tired of lost cards and shared PINs, biometrics offer a credential that can't be handed off or copied. But the different types suit different situations. Here's how fingerprint, facial recognition, and mobile credentials compare.

Fingerprint Access Control

The most established biometric method — a reader scans a fingerprint at the door.

Strengths: proven, affordable, and hard to fake. Often paired with time-and-attendance to eliminate "buddy punching" — a strong fit for warehouses, manufacturing, and staffing-heavy sites.
Watch-outs: readers need reasonably clean, dry fingers; gloved or industrial environments may favor another method.
Good for: employee entrances, controlled areas, and payroll-linked clock-in. ZKTeco is a common value choice here.

Facial Recognition Access Control

A camera-based terminal grants access based on a face scan — fully touchless.

Strengths: no physical contact (a plus in healthcare and high-traffic lobbies), fast, and convenient — nothing to present.
Watch-outs: accuracy and lighting matter, and some organizations have privacy policies to consider. We confirm model specs and accuracy with you before installing.
Good for: lobbies, offices, and employee entrances where touchless entry is valued.

Mobile Credentials (Smartphone Access)

Not strictly biometric, but often grouped in the conversation — your phone becomes your credential, unlocked by your phone's own fingerprint or face security.

Strengths: nothing extra to carry, easy to issue and revoke remotely, and no reprinting cards when someone leaves. HID Mobile Access and cloud platforms like Brivo lead here.
Watch-outs: relies on employees having and carrying a smartphone.
Good for: offices and businesses with staff turnover, where reissuing physical cards is a hassle.

Which Should You Choose?

It comes down to your environment: fingerprint for cost-effective employee entrances and time tracking, facial recognition where touchless matters, and mobile credentials where convenience and easy management win. Many Michigan facilities mix methods — biometrics on sensitive doors, mobile credentials everywhere else. Michigan Security Systems helps you match the method to each door. Call 586-466-4490 or request a free assessment.