Biometrics gets its ‘fingers’ into school foodservice

By Ryan Kline, Contributing Editor

The use of biometrics for identification and authentication is taking hold throughout the country and in our schools.

Way back in 1972, far before many people were even thinking of using biometrics in conjunction with daily authentication, the University of Georgia began using biometrics in their dining halls. The campus had decided to simplify their mealplan offerings—from a ticket-based program to an enrollment program—and they needed a way to accurately identify paid customers The same goal of simplification remains a core motivator when colleges, universities, and K-12 schools decide to use biometrics in their facilities.

Biometric identification is not a new concept. “The ancient Egyptians used bodily characteristics to identify workers to make sure they didn’t claim more provisions than they were entitled—just like governments today are looking at biometrics to lessen benefit fraud,” says Jay Fry, CEO of biometric developer, identiMetrics. And just like the University of Georgia has been doing for years.

Lower costs and increased accuracy has many school administrators looking to biometric as means of authenticating students. According to Mr. Fry, “price is no longer an obstacle…. Today, biometrics can actually be priced competitively ...   more »