There are several new developments in the area of computer access that I believe one day will be applied to the controls of the press and ancillary equipment. The term "biometric" is seen more and more in computer-industry technical and sales literature. It applies to electronic devices that can measure human features in order to permit or deny access to sensitive electronic equipment, software or secure rooms. Once big, expensive and clumsy, the latest crop of biometric devices has become more affordable, easier to implement and well within reasonable cost. James Bond is about to enter the pressroom.Facial recognition, retinal scanners and fingerprint readers are the most common forms of biometric device applications in industry. Prior to their implementation, there were three common approaches to the problem of secure access: a physical key, smart cards or a password. Most companies still use one or more of these methods, but are slowly and surely exploring their options. Keys and smart cards can be lost or used by unauthorized persons. Because the detecting device cannot differentiate between the device and user, anyone with the key or smart card can be approved. A password also can be compromised because it often is written down by the holder or shared with others. This also is susceptible to misuse, because the password cannot identify the person entering it into the device. Enter biometrics. I believe that in the near future, the following scenario may become commonplace in our industry.
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