X Infotech succeeds in deployment of the Passport Card solution in Ireland

X Infotech, the leading system integrator and developer of premium solutions for issuance, validation and management of electronic ID documents, has welcomed the successful introduction of one of the first Passport Cards in the world: the Irish Passport Card. X Infotech teamed up with DLRS Group, Ireland’s leading security-printing company, alongside with HID Global®, Absolute Graphics and Purple Pod to implement the cutting-edge solution for the ICAO-compliant Passport Card.

The established partnership with DLRS Group, prime contractor of the project, has enhanced the strength of X Infotech’s positioning in Ireland. This partnership was established in 2012, when X Infotech joined forces with DLRS Group to deliver the highly secure electronic Irish Passport. For the introduction of the Passport Card, DLRS delivered the security design, security numbering and mobile app in conjunction with HID Global- technology and card provider, as well as Absolute Graphics and Purple Pod who delivered enrolment system. The new Irish Passport Card is a state-of-art polycarbonate card with MRZ Line and the card contains over 28 security features including, embedded hologram photo on a strip- OSM, Kinegram, Celltic Knot pattern, thermochromics and optically variable ink, DataCard-Laser track numbering.

Currently the production services has the capacity to deliver 3,000 Passport Card applications per week. The Passport Card production is managed by the X Infotech solution, referred to as MultiPerso Production Management System, for support of eID production.The MultiPerso Production Management System is a secure and robust solution that controls the workflow of the card issuance process. Additionally, X Infotech provided a smooth on-time integration with desktop personalization laser-engraving and mailer machines.

“The introduction of the passport card is a significant innovation that will enhance the experience of Irish travelers as they go on holidays or business trips in the 30 countries throughout Europe. It represents a very positive story of Irish-led creative thinking and innovation, illustrating that we are very much pioneers in this area,” said Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Charlie Flanagan T.D, speaking at the Passport Card’s launch in Dublin on the 5th of October 2015.

The third-generation Passport Card promotes mobility of travelers and allows Irish citizens to travel within the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA) without passport books. Additionally, the new service supports the government initiative to expand online public services and ensures Irish citizens fast and easy access to facilities.

“We have successfully launched the state-of-the-art Passport Card project in Ireland – a unique initiative in the field of technology,” said David O’Connor, Sales Director, DLRS Group. “Once again we trusted in X Infotech’s expertise in the deployment of premium eID solutions. We are thankful for the excellence of X Infotech’s work, project integration and understanding of the key project goals. Our partnership sets a benchmark for experienced teams to demonstrate the ability in providing cutting edge innovations for the Irish population.”

The Passport Card enrolment process relies on cutting-edge technology that adheres to the highest levels of security. This process allows users to submit a passport-compliant photo taken on mobile phones or upload a suitable photo to the website, where advanced biometric algorithms test each one to ensure ICAO standards are reached. Once all verification checks have been achieved, the user can pay their fees through the secure Elavon payment gateway (powered by Realex Payments).

“We are proud to deliver this ground-breaking solution to the Department of Foreign Affairs and the citizens of Ireland.” said Rob Haslam, vice president of Government ID Solutions for HID Global. “The Irish Passport Card heralds a new standard in security and durability for smart cards. This highly-specific implementation of our OSM multi-tech technology, combined with the unique design and mobile applications, make this a truly exceptional credential program.”

“We are delighted to be among the key suppliers as part of the ground-breaking Passport Card project. The roll-out of the ICAO compliant Passport Card represents a turning point for credential management in Ireland. The Passport Card allows Irish citizens to experience convenient and secure travel within the Europe without a traditional paper-based passport,”said Alexander Popov, Technical Director, X Infotech. “Our joint forces with DLRS Group are powered by unrivalled expertise and a notable approach toward industry innovations. Together we are eager to face new challenges and opportunities in the provision of identity documents.”

About DLRS Group

DLRS Group Security Concepts is Ireland’s largest security printer. Established since 1976, the company has a production facility in the Republic of Ireland servicing the needs of major financial and government bodies. DLRS Group Security Concepts is the market leader in security printed products, with over 25 years’ experience in passport manufacture and design. The company’s reputation for quality and service is matched only by its reputation for unrivalled integrity, developed through working closely with governments for over 30 years. DLRS Group Security Concepts is accredited to ISO9001:2008 the quality standard, ISO14001:2004: environmental management and ISO27001:2013: the IS security standard and CWA 14641:2009 the Intergraf Security Printing Standard.

DLRS Group is a member of the Smurfit Kappa Group, world-leader in paper based packaging. Operating in 22 countries in Europe, Smurfit Kappa Group is the European leader in containerboard, solid board, corrugated and solid board packaging and has a key position in several other paper packaging market segments. The Group also operates in 9 countries in Latin America where it is the only pan-European operator. More information can be found at: www.dlrsgroup.com; www.smurfitkappa.com. For more information please contact salesdlrsgroup@smurfitkappa.ie

About HID Global

HID Global is the trusted source for innovative products, services, solutions, and know-how related to the creation, management, and use of secure identities for millions of customers around the world. The company’s served markets include physical and logical access control, including strong authentication and credential management; card printing and personalization; visitor management systems; highly secure government and citizen ID; and identification RFID technologies used in animal ID and industry and logistics applications. The company’s primary brands include ActivID®, EasyLobby®, FARGO®, IdenTrust®, LaserCard®, Lumidigm®, Quantum Secure, and HID®. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID Global has over 2,200 employees worldwide and operates international offices that support more than 100 countries. HID Global® is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand. For more information, visit www.hidglobal.com

About Absolute Graphics and Purple Pod 

Absolute Graphics is an internationally recognised design company specialising in the Passport and secure documents sector. Having won Regional ID Document of the Year at the High Security Printing Conference 2014 in Milan for the Irish Passport production, Absolute Graphics is a well-established player in the secure document design arena.

Purple Pod is an Irish technology company with considerable experience in the development of highly secure mobile applications. They also specialise in standards based and bespoke biometric facial recognition enrolment solutions and have expertise in every facet of development technologies from low level firmware coding to bespoke mobile app development.

About X Infotech

X Infotech, a leading systems integrator and a developer of software suite MultiPerso, delivers premium solutions for issuing, managing and verification of electronic ID documents and smart cards. The company`s turnkey solutions are fully independent and flexible, and in combination with unrivalled team expertise, allow smart card and eID programs to be implemented easily, adapting to any environment by supporting any equipment and chip type. With successfully implemented projects in 45 countries already, X Infotech is now a trusted business partner and preferred solutions and services provider for hundreds of customers. More: www.x-infotech.com


October 29, 2015