Biometrics

For environments requiring very secure identification, biometrics, such as fingerprints, provide the most reliable means of authentication or identification of people. Biometrics are nearly impossible to forge.

The most popular biometrics that is currently considered with regards to people identification is fingerprinting, facial geometrics and iris scanning.

Other technologies are, or will soon be, available, such as voice patterns or DNA.

In the world of people identification, the criteria used to select one technology over another are generally the accuracy and reliability of the tool, the investment level, the availability of the technology, the ease of use, and the acceptance by the targeted population.

Currently, the most popular technologies are photographs and fingerprints, which are generally accepted as being the least intrusive.

• Photographs

The use of a person's picture for identification purposes is obviously an excellent and easy choice. Decisions must be made and standards should be respected: colour or mono picture, International Civil Aviation Organisation compliance (background, size, no accessories, position, etc).

• Fingerprints

Fingerprints are unique to every individual. In most cases, the prints of 2 fingers are used for civil people authentication applications. When a more sophisticated identification is required, the capture of 4 prints is an appropriate alternative. The registration of 10 fingerprints is considered when security is the main concern, e.g. for the assignment of visas.

Implementation

In the world of people identification, like in any other domain, the implementation of biometric solutions will succeed when a knowledgeable integrator introduces the most appropriate technologies; always considering the adequacy of the solution, instead of imposing a given technology.

The ID integrator, defined as a solution provider, must have the following profile:

• Understanding of people identification applications and technologies in order to commit to delivering true and reliable solutions
• Understanding of the standards and expectations applicable to people identification technologies to ensure interoperability, conformity and usability
• Independence from the technology providers in order to be in a position to make the appropriate technology choice
• Strong financial grounding in order to respect the commitments, on short, middle and long term projects

By leveraging on its international People ID team of experts and Competence Centre (Zetes PASS), its proven biometric experience, and the leading and innovative software enrolment platforms of its affiliate, MetaForm, Zetes is well positioned to be an outstanding solution provider for any biometric project in EMEA.