As gated communities and corporate campuses modernize, many are tempted by the "cutting edge" promise of License Plate Recognition (LPR). While using a vehicle’s license plate as a credential sounds convenient, the technical reality often leads to high maintenance costs and frustrated residents. For automatic vehicle identification (AVI), the "Ground Truth" is clear: our DualBeam Laser Readers out-perform License Plate Readers (LPR) in every critical metric.

1. The Accuracy Gap: Binary vs. Interpretive

BAi laser technology is a proven system. When a BA-440 reader scans a retro-reflective BC3 decal, the data is decoded with 100% precision. We don't rely on fuzzy logic to make a guess as to what the credential is, we know what the credential is and so will you—instantly and automatically. The reader decodes the optical signal internally and sends a standard 26-bit Wiegand string to the gate controller instantly.

LPR is an interpretive system. A camera captures a high-speed image and uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to "guess" the characters. This leads to common failure points particularly in outdoor weather conditions where heavy rain, snow or fog refracts the camera lens, dropping LPR accuracy and speed by up to 30%. Meanwhile, BAi's infrared laser is unaffected by weather that significantly diminishes LPR accuracy.

2. Longevity

There are two important considerations for longevity - both of which BAi is unmatched at compared with LPR systems:

1. Barcode Automation, inc. has been manufacturing lasers specifically for long range, automatic vehicle identification, since 1997. We are committed to providing best in class service and support to our customers with a proven track record and sound business model. We have maintained our small, dedicated team by choice so that we can stay focused on providing you the best service we can. Many entries to the LPR field will undoubtedly fail or be acquired potentially creating new administrative and expenses on your budget. We will be here for you through the years as we always have been.

2. BAi Readers are ETL Listed to UL Standard 294 for Outdoor Use. Our internal electronics are modular and repairable. We come standard with an unmatched 5 year transferable limited warranty, or recently introduced lower cost 2 year warranty (also transferable). Best of all our warranty covers against lightning and other power related events for all main electronics and optics. Additionally, our in-house technicians are available Monday through Friday to help answer any technical questions. LPR systems on the other hand typically rely on varying camera manufacturers with warranties that range from 90 days to 1 year. Additionally, and very important, is that most other manufacturer warranties are not transferable. Our warranty is assigned to the Serial Number so no matter what low voltage / access control technician you contact - you will get the benefit of our warranty.

3. Privacy and Policy

Traditional Access Control systems are changing and getting smarter. Those come with some benefits but also a lot of serious concerns. Property Managers know that cameras cannot be called "Security Cameras" for legal reasons. Similarly, when introducing Automatic License Plate Recognition a community needs to understand the entire lifecycle of the data captured, who can access it, where it is stored, how minors are handled, etc. This is doubly important if your LPR, as many do, shares data with 3rd Parties including Marketers and Law Enforcement Agencies. BAi Readers and Decals are issued and controlled entirely by the property with no privacy concerns.

Conclusion: Reliability is the Real Luxury

While LPR might look high-tech on a brochure, the first time a resident is stuck at the gate in a thunderstorm because the camera can't read their plate, the "innovation" loses its luster. By utilizing BAi laser-based identification, properties gain hands-free vehicle identification that works when its most critical: in severe weather conditions.