Identity checks and authentication: an opportunity to drive efficiency

Security is never far from today’s headlines. Whether it’s the introduction of new regulations, the way individual’s data is used, or the ever-growing need for enhanced identity checks - the dialogue about risk has never been greater.

Constantly evolving threats mean there’s no finish line for security. To keep up, organizations are adopting better data authentication methods and more sophisticated fraud prevention tactics. Passport scanning is one of the ways identity validation is getting smarter.

The big challenge is how to stay secure while delivering a great customer experience. Tougher security often brings a burdensome experience for customers. Organizations that can implement fraud solutions and mitigate risk without weighing down processing time are differentiating themselves from the competition.

Proof of identity

Passports are a widely-used method of verifying an individual’s identity and checking key data. Think border control which uses sophisticated bespoke systems, and multiple authentication methods including biometric checks. Even checking into a hotel requires handing over a passport in many parts of the world, while high-security buildings and areas often impose identity checks before allowing access.

These checks are crucial - whether for access control or identification as part of a business transaction. In some cases, they’re required by law - for example, banks and other financial services providers are legally obliged to conform to anti-money laundering practices, and HR professionals must carry out certain checks to ensure an individual has a legal right to work in country.

The ability to quickly verify and scan passports can deliver wide-ranging benefits across a number of industries. As a case in point, United Airlines’ mobile app now scans passports to expedite remote check-ins and EasyJet has built in a new passport scanning function to its app, a more efficient process than the legacy method of visually matching the passport with the passengers’ boarding card.

Benefiting from regulation

Regulatory requirements are an obvious driver of consumer and citizen authentication. The US Customer Identification Program (CIP), for example requires banks, savings associations, credit unions, and certain non-Federally regulated banks to include risk-based procedures for verifying the identity of each customer to the extent reasonable and practicable. The procedures must enable the bank to form a reasonable belief that it knows the true identity of each customer. Passport authentication allows this to be carried out quickly and easily.

Interestingly, while regulations are driving the adoption of passport scanning solutions, organizations are reaping greater rewards than simply being compliant. Additional business value, especially when scanning all documents, including passports, in one process, is realized through time savings and improved administrative procedures. For example, authenticating when documents are digitized saves clerks from leaving their post to make a copy – a solution that’s faster and more secure. Having the identification included with the submitted documents also speeds up the approval process later on and boosts productivity, accuracy, ease of use and data security as it reduces handling of data, post-scanning.

This highlights how today’s complex data environment needs an integrated approach to information capture, which requires hardware and software working together. The Alaris Passport Flatbed Accessory allows organizations to easily scan passports. Passports don’t need to be inserted into a sleeve or pushed (forced) into the scanner’s automatic document feeder (ADF) and these valuable documents are always in view during scanning, adding peace of mind for customers. The technology also allows passports to be scanned according to stringent US Government regulations for visa applications, most notably that:

• The image must be in PDF file format and not password protected.
• The resolution must be good enough to clearly show all text, images, markings and seals visible on the original physical document.

Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab recognized the Alaris Passport Flatbed Accessory for its innovative approach to scanning passports and other delicate documents. “With the Alaris Passport Flatbed Accessory, users simply place the passport on the platen, and the device handles the rest,” said Jamie Bsales, Director, Solutions Analysis for Keypoint Intelligence - Buyers Lab.

“Since the Alaris Passport Flatbed Accessory can handle exception documents as well as passports, it makes perfect sense for customers who don’t want to invest in a dedicated passport scanner that might see only occasional use. Plus, operators can return a customer’s passport immediately after scanning and don’t have to worry about jamming the device or damaging the passport,” he added.

According to a recent study by Protiviti, organizations indicated they will be devoting more time and resources to risk identification and management over the coming 12 months. Rather than seeing this as a burden, it’s time this increased interest - most notably via passport authentication - is viewed as an opportunity to build efficiencies, automation and effectiveness. That’s a winning position for customers, citizens and organisations alike.

To learn more about passport scanning, please contact us.