Canadian port strengthens access security with vascular biometrics from Identica, Unisys
22 August, 2007
category: Biometrics, Corporate
Identica and Unisys have partnered to produce a biometric credentialing and access control database system for Canada’s Port of Halifax. The project will utilize Identica’s hand pattern scanners coupled with HID iCLASS smart cards to increase security and access for the port’s 4,000 workers.
HALIFAX, NS–Identica Canada Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Identica Holdings Corporation, a leader in next-generation biometric identification and security solutions, announced that it has teamed up with Unisys Canada to deploy a biometric credentialing and access control database system (CACDS) in the Port of Halifax utilizing Identica’s hand vascular pattern recognition technology. With Identica’s Vascular Pattern Scanners (VP-II) and HID iCLASS smart cards, the Port of Halifax will strengthen security and manage workforce access control for more than 4,000 of its workers.
Identica’s VP-II scanner utilizes patented recognition algorithms to capture and encrypt individuals’ unique vascular patterns on the back of the human hand. The individual presents his or her hand to the scanner and the live vascular pattern is matched to a stored template, identifying the individual in the blink of an eye (0.1 sec/person). With the option of storing the encrypted unique personal template on media such as a smart card, the scanner communicates with Identica’s proprietary Universal Controller (the UC-2) and biometrically verifies the user with the stored template on the media.
“Vascular biometrics is the ideal solution for secure access control in a working environment as it is more accurate and doesn’t have the well known operational difficulties of other biometric technologies,” says Gord Helm, Manager Marine Security and Cruise Operations, Halifax Port Authority. “Identica’s vascular biometric technology provides complete technological competence and easily integrates into our current system.”
The Port of Halifax is the world’s second largest ice-free port and key transportation hub for the region and serves as Canada’s East coast connection to worldwide trade. With security issues being a top priority, the Port of Halifax is deploying Identica’s VPR technology to provide the highest degree in system security and speed. Compared to previous biometric technology (fingerprint, retinal scanning or hand geometry), vascular biometrics is both accurate and foolproof making it ideal for entry management, workforce time and attendance and is easily integrated into current, legacy and future TCP/IP based systems.
“Biometrics is seeing rapid adoption in ports and other government operations worldwide as an accurate, reliable and cost-saving way to offer superior security and employee access control,” said Terry Wheeler, president of Identica Holdings Corporation. “Identica’s hand vascular solutions solves the issues that port workers have with other biometric methods. We are excited to work with Unisys to integrate with the Port of Halifax’s CACDS system, helping the port to both comply with and go beyond current marine security initiatives.”
Most VP-II units are equipped with Identica’s “Weather Shield” heated outdoor enclosures that support operation in all weather conditions as well as free-standing pedestals where secure wall mounting is not possible. The VP-II scanners also use Antimicrobial Silver Treatment, which kills 99.9% of germs and offers 99.98% system usability (99.98% of the entire population is able to use the system).
“The HPA were interested in this technology because this form of biometric was the best fit for their staff,” said Alan Forsey, Director of Federal Sales for Unisys Canada, “The difficult weather challenges of a Canadian Port environment required the technology provider to supply a durable solution. The Identica team worked closely with Unisys to tailor their solution, to meet the ports specific needs and thus have created excellent results.”
About Identica Canada Corp.
Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Identica Canada Corp, a wholly owned subsidiary of US-based Identica Holdings Corporation, is the premiere provider of next-generation biometric security solutions in Canada. Identica’s superior vascular pattern recognition technology verifies and recognizes human users by utilizing a near infrared camera and proprietary algorithms to capture images of veins, arteries and capillaries found on the back of the human hand. The identity security solutions offered by Identica’s operating subsidiaries are provided by resellers, and security integrators throughout the Americas; Western and Eastern Europe; and Israel. Identica is currently privately held. Major Investors include eRoomSystems Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB: ERMS). Please visit Identica at www.identicacorp.com.
About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide technology services and solutions company. Our consultants apply Unisys expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure, and server technology to help our clients achieve secure business operations. We build more secure organizations by creating visibility into clients’ business operations. Leveraging the Unisys 3D Visible Enterprise approach, we make visible the impact of their decisions – ahead of investments, opportunities and risks. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.
About the Port of Halifax
The Halifax Port Authority is a government business enterprise mandated by the Federal Ministry of Transport. The Halifax Port Authority leads in the development of the Port of Halifax, serving as the catalyst for local, regional and national economies and has a mandate to be financially viable. The Port of Halifax has a total annual income impact of $670 million and an employment impact of over 15,000 direct and indirect jobs.
