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Biometric registration terminals

CFS Rica has recently launched the next generation biometric SIM registration terminal, the V5 Rica terminal. This follows the success of the SIM Registration Terminals (SRT) that were deployed in formal and informal retail channels throughout South Africa. These SRTs were responsible for the successful RICA registration of more than 40 million SIM cards across South Africa and continue to facilitate the registration of around 1,5 million SIM subscribers each month.

While retaining many of the features of its predecessor, such as portability and ease-of-use, reliability, robustness, theft value, spill-proof QWERTY keyboard, external antenna and a long-lasting battery, the new generation SRT takes customer registration to a new level.

The Rica V5 now incorporates, as standard features, a 2-megapixel integrated customer-facing webcam for taking pictures and a degree of facial recognition, as well as a FIPS-approved biometric fingerprint reader. A GPS tracking module enables geo-tagging of the exact location of each terminal while an internal 3G/GPRS modem allows for connectivity from remote locations and facilitates the transmission of data.

The new model now sports a bigger and more legible 5-inch colour screen and multimedia speakers ensuring ease-of-use while featuring AES128 encryption; integrated Ethernet and options for Wi-Fi connectivity; as well as 64 megabytes of flash memory for offline storage. Multiple ports and a Linux operating system allow a range of peripherals to be attached as plug-and-play devices.

The add-on peripherals include small footprint ID scanners for scanning passports and ID books, A4 flat bed scanners, USB hand-held barcode scanners, thermal printers, signature pads, numeric keypads, magswipe card readers, debit and credit card payment devices, bio-character fingerprint scanners, optional V5 power packs which extend battery life and optional (8W) solar panels with charging circuitry.

A number of other innovative applications can run on the terminals, including customer loyalty programme and KYC registrations; pre-paid airtime, electricity and insurance vending; money transfer transactions and registrations; agency banking services including remote account opening and enabling basic transactions; voter registration and verification; social grant registrations and payments; as well as ticketing for events and transport such as busses and trains.

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