Biometrics Philippines: The Most Common Applications

What are the most common applications of biometric technology in the Philippines?

1. Smartphone security measures
2. Workforce management
3. Medical records
4. Government welfare efforts

The one technology that has changed the landscape of security and tracking systems is Biometrics. In the Philippines, where security systems have become increasingly popular and more essential, biometrics is always present—particularly for solutions that require accurate tracking and stricter security measures.

It started off with only fingerprints – biological data that is unique to every person. Soon it evolved into incorporating different parts of a person’s body. The iris, the patterns on your palm, and even your face itself. Technology has advanced far enough that your own biodata can be used as identification and a means to control certain systems!

In that regard, the popularity of biometrics is not limited to large-scale security systems. Though its primarily used as a security measure, it has broadened its reach and applications to new heights! To give you a small insight into this matter, here are a few of the most common applications of biometrics!

Smartphone Security Measure

Touch screen technology revolutionized smartphones. Phones with keypads quickly lost their time under the limelight as people went to the more advanced and slightly more convenient phones with bigger screens.

A concern popped up about the security of these touch phones. Passwords and patterns were no longer satisfying to few. As years go by, people became more and more particular about their personal data, and securing them became a big priority. Since most people had their data accessible through their phones, big smartphone manufacturers decided to add a biometric security measure on them—starting with fingerprint scanners.

Today, smartphones almost always have fingerprint recognition along with voice recognition, and even facial recognition! It has become a norm in smartphones not only because users demand it, but because data security has become something people value highly!

Workforce Management

In the Philippines, biometrics has become a necessity for many companies. It’s part of an integrated system that tracks time and records attendance. Biometrics is a long shot from the traditional method of clocking in and out with time cards. In most cases, this attendance monitoring system is also linked to the payroll system—making it easier for them to calculate the pay of individual employees!

Aside from making some of the usual work of employees incredibly more convenient, biometric systems are made to add a layer of security and workplace fairness. With physical timecards, employees can easily clock in their friends earlier than they come in. Not only will this reflect as them not being late, but it would also be unfair for the company who pays employees who don’t work as much as they’re supposed to!

Another feature of biometrics in the workplace is as an alternative to keys and passwords. Physical objects are prone to get lost, broken, or worse, stolen, which can potentially lead to security breaches. When biometrics is used, you won’t rely on such items, rather all you have to bring is yourself!

Medical Records

Your medical data is something that you should be very particular about. In hospitals that have a multitude of patients, the importance of having an accurate and easily identifiable record is very important! Mixing up a patient’s files is a common occurrence in hospitals. Though on paper it’s not something too bad, medication based on historical facts or emergency situations will tell you differently.

Biometric technology reduces the chances of you getting the wrong medical records. Instead of relying on the name and date of birth alone, which even in a small city is sure to have a duplicate or triplicate, biometric data will pinpoint you to the right files immediately!

Government Welfare Efforts

Earlier this year, the government of the Philippines announced its planned biometric efforts that will help them identify and reach the elderly and disabled citizens across the country. Though it’s a relatively ambitious effort, the government plans to use these biometric technologies to improve their efforts in providing government welfare benefits.

On the other hand, creating a biometric database for the government can lead to an increased number of benefits for a country. For one, people will no longer need to experience excruciatingly long lines and a handful of requirements just to prove their identity—their biometric data should already handle that well!

Part of the Philippine government’s efforts in integrating biometrics into the system is by applying it to driver’s licenses as well. It serves the same purpose as normal biometric projects—particularly record keeping and a means of identification. In this case, traffic enforcers no longer have to rely on tickets—they would simply need to scan the driver’s license and the violation they did, if any, will be transmitted directly to the main database!

Key Takeaway

Biometrics is a type of technology that has revolutionized security in general. It is now a necessity—an incredibly powerful and fool-proof way of securing your business, or your own personal data. When it comes to security, nothing works better than biometrics!