News
Unisys Canada wins Biometric ID Management
Unisys Canada, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Unisys, has been awarded a contract by The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). The contract is to deploy and manage a new identification management system to verify the identities of airport workers at 29 airports throughout Canada. The system uses fingerprint and iris biometric technology for identification. The contract will run two years, followed by two additional two-year option periods.
The new identification management system is based on ImageWare System's IWS Biometric Engine Border Management Solution, a web-based, multi-biometric ID management system. It will replace the existing application used in CATSA's Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) system. The ImageWare product is responsible for enrolment of airport workers, capturing and processing their biometric data, and issuing biometric-enabled smart cards.
The Restricted Area Identity Card incorporates unique human characteristics, like fingerprints and iris patterns, and leading-edge technology for airport personnel, including flight crews, refuelers, caterers and others who require access to restricted areas of airports. The biometric readers are located at entry points to restricted areas. airport workers scan smart cards in readers, which extract the biometric data. The worker then undergoes a fingerprint or iris scan which is matched against the data on the card. The use of biometrics is expected to enhance airport security and stop unauthorised entry into the restricted areas.
Unisys will also provide data management, integration and project management services for the deployment of the new version of the RAIC application. Other services will include training, preparation of training material and provision of technical support once the application is deployed.
"We are pleased to be able to assist CATSA in achieving its mission of increasing the security of air travellers in Canada," said Bob Binns, president of Unisys Canada. "This award, combined with our previous work, positions Unisys as a leader in providing biometric solutions for identity management to government and business in Canada."
Formed in 1987, ImageWare Systems is a developer and provider of identity management solutions and a subcontractor to Unisys. The IWS Biometric Engine currently supports ninety-three hardware devices and methods or image acquisitions as well as sixty-five biometric algorithms.
In April, Unisys announced a three-year contract with the Port of Los Angeles to design and manage an identification and access control system. Australian Passports, part of the country's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has selected Unisys to provide biometric and smart chip-enabled passports. Unisys recently rolled out a smart card for the citizens of Malaysia.