Ohio school piloting biometric solution by IDConnect

A school in Reynoldsburg, Ohio is piloting a biometrics-based identification solution by IDConnect to eliminate the need for student ID cards in the school cafeteria.

According to local media, the pilot project starts April 11 and will involve students using a fingerprint reader in the lunch line to authenticate themselves, in the hopes of preventing lost ID cards or sharing of ID numbers.

The software initially scans each student’s fingerprint to create and store individual templates of unique points of identification, taking variable measurements and the style of each fingerprint. Those characteristics are converted to a binary number, which is encrypted and stored.

No fingerprints are actually stored in the database and the individual fingerprints used to create each number cannot be recreated or delivered to any agency, government or otherwise.

Wendy Novotni, director of food services commented: “The system provides security for each child’s meal account, improves the efficiency of the breakfast and lunch serving line and provides students with more time to eat lunch. It also eliminates clerical errors and the need for student ID cards.”

According to Superintendent Tina Thomas-Manning, the pilot program will cost the district nothing. If the system proves satisfactory, there would be a one-time implementation cost of $22,000, with ongoing technical support and license fees at $2,700 per year.

Article Topics

biometrics  |  fingerprint authentication  |  IDConnect  |  identity verification  |  schools