Biometric technology case studies of vertical markets

Over one million registrants and 100 terminal checkpoints with plans for future project expansion to 400 terminal checkpoints, the Iraqi Kurdistan Province of Sulaymaniyah currently uses the M2SYS AFIS/ABIS biometric identification system to protect their borders from insurgents and terrorists. The Government of Sulaymaniyah Province are using M2SYS fingerprint biometric technology to automate border control check in, boost security, increase efficiencies by eliminating paperwork, and enhance staff productivity.

Prior to implementing the biometric border control software system, border control agents were manually recording visitors and processing the corresponding administrative paperwork manually by hand which caused major delays.  The entire process was extremely time consuming, often taking staff 15 – 20 minutes to complete the registration process for each visitor.  In addition, there were security concerns due to the absence of a virtually foolproof means of verifying an individual’s identity. Worries over insurgents and terrorists infiltrating the city and jeopardizing the safety of residents were a big concern for the government.

Sulaymaniyah Province realized changing to a more modern, technologically advanced border control management system that automated the check-in process was a priority.  As part of this transition from manual and paper to automated and electronic, they decided to use the M2SYS AFIS/ABIS solution which includes Bio-Plugin™ biometric fingerprint identification technology.

Having already captured over one million biometric identification templates, Sulaymaniyah Province  utilizes Hybrid Biometric Platform from M2SYS Technology through 100 fingerprint terminals (with plans to expand to 400 fingerprint terminals) and the M2SYS web based border control management software application to record and manage visitor traffic flow into the Kurdistan Region.

In addition, Sulymaniyah Province also uses a web based application at all border points and the airport which all connect directly with the main datacenter.  This helps to more effectively coordinate database sharing to control border security and facilitate visitor management at centers throughout the country.

Now with over a million visitors in their biometric fingerprint database, the project increased staff productivity by 70%, minimizing paperwork for visitor processing that previously caused major delays. The biometric border control technology achieved the objective to convert provincial workflow from manual and paper based to an automated and electronic system.  Sulaymaniyah Province now fully controls the database, reducing fear of threatening visitors entering the premises. As part of their counterinsurgency operation, using biometrics for identification has significantly increased citizen security and safety, virtually preventing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and terrorist attacks from insurgents.