Are keys, PINs and passwords a thing of the past? Maybe not yet, but they could be one day.

As thieves continue to hack and steal their way in to access your sensitive information—passwords are often too weak and easily identified. Biometric identification can accurately detect who you are, and whether or not you should have access. The use of biometrics with smartphones is commonplace these days, but there are other options that offer security and convenience for your smart office. Here are five options for biometric authentication in your smart office:

Smartphones – Fingerprint readers are available on many smartphones with Apple, Android and Windows mobile operating systems. Some smartphones even have iris recognition to authenticate through a scan of your eye. Through authentication, smartphones provide access to unlock devices, make financial transactions, and check bank and credit accounts.

Computers – Fingerprint authentication has been available on consumer PCs for more than a decade, but with growing concerns about computer and web security, use of biometrics on computers is increasing. Windows 10 now offers Windows Hello, which allows you to sign into your computer without a password using a fingerprint reader, facial recognition or iris recognition—depending upon your device.

Safes – We use safes in the office to store money, checks or important documents. Most use a combination lock or key. However, you can add an additional layer of security with a biometric safe that scans your fingerprint. Barska biometric keypad safes retail for as little as $179 and can store dozens of fingerprints in its memory.

Timeclocks – Concerned about employee time? Depending upon the product, a biometric timeclock can allow your staff to clock in and out using fingerprints, iris scanning or facial recognition.

Locks – Biometric locks can store a large number of fingerprints and are available between $100 and $150. These are not necessarily affordable compared to traditional locks, but they are a secure alternative to pin code, push button locks.

Do you use any biometric products in your smart office? Tell me about it in the comments below, on Twitter @nerdsquawk or via email at [email protected].

The opinions of the author are not necessarily those of Farm Futures or Penton Agriculture.