Simplify identity management, compliance, and airport badging

The airport ecosystem is complex. It includes many stakeholders: passengers, airlines, government bodies, and third-party service providers. As the number of stakeholders within an airport increases, so does the potential for security risks.

In recent years, airports have been tightening security to reduce the risk of insider threats. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also imposed new rules associated with background checks and badge management. Airports are expected to stay up-to-date and compliant with all standards and requirements set by the TSA or face hefty fines.

Hundreds to thousands of employees work and access sensitive areas within an airport every day. Conducting thorough background checks of staff before granting them access to secure zones is a must. However, this task is often easier said than done.

 

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution

Sophisticated Integrated Database Management Systems (IDMS) can streamline employee vetting and manage access control. Yet, these systems are overly complex, expensive, and difficult to put in place.  

As a result, airports of all sizes rely on a combination of different systems. This limits their ability to modernize. They may even still be using pen-and-paper, storing sensitive records in filing cabinets.  

Instead, airports can benefit from an interconnected solution that can manage various types of data from one place. And airports need a simple and affordable system to ensure compliance with badging protocols.

Human error and paper-based systems lead to weaknesses

The TSA can show up at any time to request an audit, and an authorized signatory can call to ask for updates to their employees’ credentials. Having access to the right information at the right time is crucial. However, keeping track of paperwork can be an overwhelming process for your security team.

Human error can introduce weaknesses in your airport security systems. All it takes is one lost badge in the wrong hands. According to TSA regulations, an airport’s entire inventory must be canceled and reissued if more than 5% of badges are lost or stolen.  

In addition to lost badges, other human errors can introduce vulnerabilities into any system, but paper filing systems are particularly vulnerable to mistakes.  

In a paper-based system, it’s too easy to accidentally skip a form section, file something in the wrong folder, or misplace a document. Little mistakes like these can become a big issue if important information can’t be found during an audit.  

Plus, paper files are less secure. Personal information such as social security numbers and home addresses are visible to anyone accessing the file cabinet. Encrypted and digitally signed files are less vulnerable to prying eyes. 

By using a digital system, your software can prompt users to fill in missing information before issuing a badge. The system is designed to ensure records are stored securely and can be easily retrieved when needed. 

How to improve your airport’s badging operations

To improve your airport badging processes, look for a solution with automation and smart notifications. That way, you can set up automated reports, get flagged when your team members’ authorizations expire, and receive notifications when access rights need to be updated due to employee status changes—or when badges haven’t been returned on time.  

When new badges are issued, the system will automatically alert the authorized signatories about the new request. Instead of calling the badging office to check on the request, managers can sign in to a portal and see where individuals are in the process.  

Billing is also simplified. Automated reports list how many badges were issued, to whom, and when. You can also see at a glance the number of badges that have not been returned and the number that are approaching expiration.   

The solution: A unified, secure, and simple badging solution

The new Genetec™ Airport Badging Solution is a complete, cost-effective solution that is simple and easy for airports to deploy. Automate background checks and minimize the potential human error from manual processing, without all the complexities of a large-scale Integrated Database Management System (IDMS).  

The Airport Badging Solution is directly linked to Synergis™, our access control system. By simplifying the entire badging process to be done within one interconnected system, you can automate security processes and make sure you’re meeting audit and compliance requirements set by authorities.

The Airport Badging Solution also features a portal where badge applicants can self-register. This can help lighten the workload for trusted agents, and functions as a management tool for real-time insights and reporting. The solution simplifies badge management from badge creation to badge numbering. It also eases migrations by automating credential imports and synchronizing with designated aviation channelers, including AAAE and Telos ID.