Global provider of secure token management solutions, Bell ID®, has been selected by one of the most reputable universities in the Middle East, King Fahd University for Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, to advance its smart card identity management system. In addition to a software upgrade, the solution has been extended to include time and attendance functionality for staff and contractors.
Bell ID Identity Token Manager is a vendor independent web-based software solution that enables issuers of chip-based identity cards, such as universities, governments and enterprises, to effectively and securely deploy and manage single and multi-application identity schemes. In addition to managing credentials on cards, the solution offers the possibility to load and manage these on mobile devices containing a near field communication (NFC) chip.
The KFUPM existing solution provided by Bell ID provisions and manages student identification smart cards. It has been upgraded to support the university’s strategy to extend the integration and usage of multi-application smart cards throughout the campus. This includes the capability to electronically monitor staff and contractor attendance on campus, which will improve workforce management processes, as well as achieve more accurate and streamlined invoice and accounting procedures.
Dr. Sami A. Khaiyat, General Supervisor, Services at KFUPM, comments: “The enhanced Bell ID solution provides us with the latest innovative identity management software to increase the physical security of the campus and its data network. We are also looking at future requirements and are keen to establish an infrastructure now that will be scalable to future advancements. For example, the use of the identity card as a university payment card within campus restaurants or to pay outstanding library fines. We recognize that Bell ID’s solution is flexible to our evolving needs and its experts can continue to support us during the next development phase.”
David Orme, CEO at Bell ID, adds: “KFUPM is a valued customer of Bell ID that we have worked with for more than a decade. The upgrade of the university’s smart campus card, which was once again awarded to Bell ID after an open tender in the market, is testament to our versatile and scalable end-to-end solution. We are committed to supporting the university in launching new technologies that create added value for the staff, students and the campus estate. We also look forward to helping the university maintain its position as a leader in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s and Middle Eastern higher education sector, as it plans to roll out further innovative solutions, such as delivering services via mobile phones, that will benefit students, faculty and staff.”