Paper-based systems are time consuming and do not give real time information. Cards are useful, but are easily lost and costly to replace. Biometrics cannot be lost and allow instant integration with databases to give accurate and timely information. Biometric solutions are not cheap, but they work well. Acceptance levels are high amongst students and their families.
How does Biostore work? In an organisation, a single central database of biometric data is stored. Students enrol once, and an encrypted, numerical template is created and stored. They then go to the library to borrow a book. At the circulation desk, they put their finger on a biometric reader, which matches them against the Biostore database, confirming the identity of the user to the library system, and the transaction proceeds. The student may then go to a Cash Revaluation unit, and pay £10.00 in to cover the cost of lunches. When they go to the canteen, they select their food, identify themselves with Biostore and their account is debited. Students who have free meals, or who have lost/forgotten their cards still get fed and there is no argument over who did what. Registration for classes and staff access to appropriate resources can be handled in the same way.
The key benefit of this central biometric database is that it is not linked to any one supplier of these vital systems. Biostore can operate with any database in a school. There is no need to replace existing software to implement biometrics. Having one central database is easy to maintain and easier to manage in respect of security. The biometric data stored cannot be used to recreate a fingerprint, and the encrypted data cannot be used to create a false identity.
In schools, it is important that parents are consulted, and alternatives provided for those that do not want to share their biometrics. Biostore will also therefore record card details and allow as single card to be used across a range of applications.
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