Biometric Digital Identity Solution for Airport Personnel & Security
Client:
Canadian Transportation Security Authority (CATSA)
Project Date:
2022-2023
Objectives:
Design, develop, & launch a robust biometric digital identity solution consisting of central identity servers, ID’s with biometric storage, & tamperproof verification devices for CATSA enhancing security and streamlining processes across 30+ airports for over 10,000 users.
Situation & Tasks:
CATSA, overseeing security measures at Canadian airports, was looking to replace outdate staff verification tools before obsolesce constituted a security risk. With the ever-changing airport staff, flight personnel, and changing security requirements, the heightened need for security made it imperative to transition from unsupported, dated solutions to an offline, digital, efficient, and foolproof system. The overarching challenge was composed of three major parts: seamlessly integrate with airport infrastructure, ensure the solution was robust enough to handle large-scale, real-time identity verification across locations, and procure the required physical hardware to operate the solution across numerous airports.
Actions:
Engaged in rigorous stakeholder consultation and requirements gathering across CATSA's operations and tech teams.
Undertook a systems analysis of the current identity verification solution implemented by CATSA to identify gaps and areas of improvement.
Designed, articulated, and tested mobile application user to meet rigid CATSA requirements and regulations. Leveraged biometric technology and Imageware’s proprietary technology to craft an advanced, decentralized identity verification platform.
Designed, tested, and iterated high fidelity prototype with CATSA administrators.
Led cross-functional teams at Imageware to design, develop, and test the digital identity solution, ensuring compliance with aviation security regulations and international standards.
Led and managed development scrums spanning over 6 months using agile methodologies and leveraging production data to forecast delivery timelines and eliminate blockers.
Crafted user-acceptance documentation, mobile app and system architecture documentation, airport implementation documentation, installation guide, and field user guide.
Identified, negotiated, tested, and procured 500 mobile devices for deployment across CATSA airports.
Managed remote configuration and testing of mobile devices.
Piloted the solution in a phased approach, starting with high-volume airports to gather real-time feedback and refine the system.
Trained airport personnel on the new digital identity tools, ensuring smooth adoption and minimal operational interruptions.
Results:
Successfully launched the $6M digital identity solution tailored for CATSA delivering over 500 custom-built devices across 30+ airports. The solution not only bolstered security measures but also optimized the staff and crew verification process, enhancing user experience and streamlining airport operations.
