Koenig & Bauer Steps into Digital Authentication

Koenig & Bauer Banknotes Solutions (KBBS) is forging ahead with its agenda to create physical-digital technology bridges with the announcement of two new partnerships linked to digital authentication.

The first is with UK-based friSense Technologies, with both companies exploring new products for the further automation of cash circulation.

KBBS and friSense will collaborate to develop solutions enabling physical banknotes to connect to digital ecosystems. Such connectivity, they say, will create valuable data for cash cycle stakeholders and enable significant positive change in the way cash is accessed, moved and managed in society.

While detail on the sort of solutions is sparse, an indication of what they might involve can be gleaned from friSense’s strapline, which is ‘invisible next generation micro-technology’ for security, authentication and tracking.

More specifically, the company describes its micro-thin technology as a patent pending invisible tag that allows discreet integration of secure tracking technology into a variety of artefacts. The tag can be used to validate the authenticity of any artefact, ensure secure and safe transition of goods, and track, trace and validate asset information. The tag can be easily and simply integrated into thin structures such as banknotes, paper, IDs, foils and holograms.

The second partnership is with Veracity Protocol in pursuit of KBBS’ goal to develop solutions for authenticating any type of printed product without the need to apply additional features.

Veracity Protocol’s technology captures an image of the unique surface characteristics of an item and converts this into a Physical Code™ that is specific only to that item. Through this code the physical product is given a digital identity that can be scanned, identified and verified by a smartphone.

Under the partnership, the two companies will combine their strengths and expertise – Veracity Protocol’s innovative technology and KBBS’ experience in developing printing presses for virtually all substrates. The goal is to develop customised solutions for packaging, security documents and banknotes, among others.

According to Julian Schubert, Vice President Data, Vision & Authentication Solutions at KBBS, ‘we are stepping up our efforts in the area of digital authentication offerings. After the success with ValiCash™ – a solution for banknote authentication – we are now taking the next step. With Veracity Protocol, we have found a partner with whom we can quickly offer solutions for the authentication of all types of printed products without adding specific elements. Together, we are thus setting a new standard for ‘Secure at Print’.