The addition of Biometric capabilities to Proficy HMI/SCADA iFIX 4.0 software from GE Fanuc Automation, Charlottesville, Va., increases safety and compliance in the operation of pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing processes.
Biometrics, the ability to use a physical property of an operator such as a fingerprint or iris scan, augments password collection, thus strengthening security and improving operator productivity. Biometrics can also reduce operator fatigue and response time.
Users of the new input method have the option of using a standard interface to Biometric software or, with development tools, they can interface to virtually any other authentication technology. The standard interface supports Saflink SAFsolution Enterprise Edition security software. SAFsolution manages all Biometric signatures and devices and integrates with Microsoft Windows Security. The enhanced iFIX functionality senses when a password is required, and interfaces with SAFsolution for Biometric authentication and password fulfillment.
Biometric tools for developers were released in December with iFIX 4.0 and are delivered on the iFIX 4.0 Integration Toolkit. The Biometric interface for Saflink SAFsolution is available through GE Fanuc support and developer downloads and will be available free of charge to GE Fanuc GlobalCare customers.