www.tssi.co.uk
ABOUT US
TSSI, based in Swindon, England, has been a leading supplier of technology
solutions for the identity verification of personnel and documents since
1986. Its worldwide customers include hospitals, nurseries, commerce,
industry and government on every continent in the world.
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As the only
manufacturer of fingerprint biometrics in the UK, TSSI has developed a
wide range of identity verification solutions. These give real
security where it is essential that only bona fide persons can enter
specific areas of a site; these may include offices, laboratories,
research areas, dust-free environments, particular lecture rooms or
for Time and Attendance purposes. They may be installed to ensure only
authorised adults can collect children from nursery or school.
In every situation, the
system is designed to ask: "Are you who you say you are?" Identity
verification is a growing security need for schools and colleges; a
requirement in which TSSI can play a major role.
WHAT ARE BIOMETRICS?
Some words in modern usage seem to appear out of the ether in the
briefest of timescales; Biometrics is a case in point. Not a word in
common usage twenty years ago, now frequently mentioned, if not
universally understood. |
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Biometrics is the science
of using biological properties, such as fingerprints, voice patterns,
retinal and iris scans, faces, and even the chemical composition of an
individual's perspiration, to identify individuals to some form of
database. It has an increasingly important role to play in modern life
because biometrics delivers new levels of security in an insecure world.
In essence, the technology verifies conclusively that an individual really
is the person he claims to be and directly links him to traceable
activities and transactions.
Until the emergence of biometrics, too many forms of security lacked
credibility or real effectiveness. Like so many organisations, educational
establishments need to balance the need for accessibility with the
imperative of protecting their pupils, staff and property. ID cards are
not enough. How often are passwords or security passes borrowed? The
result is that identity impersonation has become an accepted part of
modern life. Biometrics removes that risk.
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Impersonation is also a
growing concern where young children are concerned. For example,
fingerprint biometrics provide parents at a West Country nursery with
real peace of mind. Anyone wanting access to the nursery has to be
pre-enrolled on a biometric database, thus providing security against
possible child abduction.
Going forward a combination of security technologies, based round the
Smart Cards, could, for instance, ensure that only suitably qualified
and authorised staff enter the class room or associate with children. |
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Something similar already
happens in the NHS. With 35,000 doctors in training towards their
consultants' qualification, in Occupational Health alone, and moving
regularly between different trusts and hospitals, there is a real
imperative to verify identity and credentials.
Credentials, in this nationwide 'Fitness to Practise' implementation, are
the doctors' immunisation and registration records. These must always be
up-to-date in order to minimise the risk of cross-infection both to their
patients and themselves. As a doctor arrives at a new post, his data held
on his Smart Card is verified both with a central NHS database and that of
the General Medical Council. Only if the verification is positive and his
immunisations are current, is that doctor permitted to go on ward.
It is a small step to envisage this type of solution into other
professional areas; like education. Not only can teaching qualifications
be checked and updated but links can be automated to appropriate
educational or risk registers. This could speed job application processing
and ensure only the right people teach the nation's children.
For more information see
www.tssi.co.uk or contact the Marketing Manager, TSSI, Rutland House,
Hargreaves Road, Groundwell Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN25 5AZ or email
marketing@tssi.co.uk
www.tssi.co.uk
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