Port
of Rotterdam Relies on Recognition Systems
Biometric HandReaders for Transportation Worker Identity Credential
Similar to Program Being Developed by U.S. Transportation Security Administration
(TSA), Smart Card System Requires Biometric Verification
for Maximum Protection and Facility Throughput
CAMPBELL, CALIF. - Nov.
18, 2004 - Recognition Systems, the biometric component of Ingersoll-Rand's
(IR) Security & Safety's Electronic Control Systems, announced today that
the Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands), an international center of trade, transshipment,
industry and distribution, is using hand geometry technology in conjunction
with a smart chip card to verify that truck drivers entering and exiting the
port are who they say they are. Fraud is virtually impossible by using the biometric
hand scan in combination with the CargoCard.
The Port of Rotterdam system is a predecessor application to the "Transportation
Worker Identity Program (TWIC)" now being developed by the U.S. Transportation
Security Administration, which could ultimately involve 6 million workers at
U.S. seaports, airports, railways and other transportation facilities.
HandReaders automatically take a three-dimensional reading of the size and shape
of a hand and verify the user's identity in less than one second. Recognition
Systems was named recipient of the 2004 Application Market Penetration Leadership
Award for access control and time and attendance applications in Frost &
Sullivan's study, World Biometrics Market.
"In order to stay competitive, the Port of Rotterdam must be able to quickly
move cargo through its facility, while still maintaining extremely high security,"
emphasizes Recognition Systems Director of Marketing Bill Spence. "By using
our HandReaders together with smart chip cards, the Port has implemented a fast
method of identifying drivers, avoiding costly transport delays while still
ensuring the highest security. Similar systems could be quickly installed in
U.S. ports."
Secure-Logistics bv in the Netherlands developed the CargoCard for use in global
transportation applications. The CargoCard looks like a normal credit card,
but the chip in the card is a minicomputer that stores a three-dimensional template
of the left hand of the cardholder.
At the entrance, the driver identifies himself by using the CargoCard together
with a HandReader. Scan-information of his left hand is compared with the template
information on the CargoCard. He repeats the process upon leaving.
The advantages of the biometrically-enhanced CargoCard system are many: information
cannot be manipulated or changed; the driver does not have to remember specific
information such as a PIN code; the CargoCard cannot be transferred to other
people; mistakes as a result of typing in incorrect ID numbers are impossible.
HandReaders handle any population volume with ease while providing impeccable
reliability. With dramatically lower false reject and failure to enroll rates
than other biometric technologies, the value of HandReaders grows as the number
of users and/or transactions increases. They are recommended for outdoor applications.
About the Port of Rotterdam
The Port of Rotterdam is Europe's largest container port and plays a very important
role in the European import and export market. In 2002 some 322 million tons
of cargo passed through the Port of Rotterdam. The excellent hinterland connections
by water, road, rail and pipeline make Rotterdam an outstanding logistic hub.
The port and adjacent industrial area spans forty kilometers and runs from the
city center to the North Sea. Most of the transshipment entails bulk goods such
as oil, chemicals, coal and ores.
About Recognition Systems
With over 80,000 hand geometry units throughout the world reading millions of
hands each day, Recognition Systems, founded in 1986, is the pioneer of hand
recognition technology used in access control, time and attendance and identification
applications. The company is the world sales leader of biometric verification
devices and serves an international clientele from its headquarters in Campbell,
Calif. Its website is www.handreader.com. Phone is 408-341-4100. Recognition
Systems is the biometric component of Ingersoll-Rand Corporation's Security
& Safety's Electronic Control Systems. The Ingersoll-Rand website is www.irco.com.
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