What Makes a Good Security Printer?
Laurence Harrigan, Operations Director at Kalamazoo Security Print, provides organisations with his top six tips on what to look for in a good security printer.
1. APACS Accreditation
To improve the quality and security of cheques, the Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme has been established by the Cheque & Credit Clearing Company and APACS (Associate on Payment Clearing Services). A printer must be accredited under the scheme in order to produce UK cheques. By using an APACS accredited printer, your cheques will be printed by a company which is regularly inspected under the terms of the Scheme, to ensure ongoing quality and security and to standards agreed by the industry to incorporate enhanced security features and technical requirements. Your cheques will also be kept securely whilst on the printer's premises¹. All cheque printers must adhere to APACS’s stringent standards, which include rules and regulations covering all aspects of the printing process, from the materials used to the security of the premises where the cheques are printed. With cheque fraud increasing, APACS has responded by increasing the level of security to which cheque printers must adhere. Consequently these standards are now so high that many printers cannot meet the new requirements and gain accreditation.
If considering bespoke cheques for your organisation or other sensitive documents such as certificates, tickets, vouchers or licences, you should consider having additional security features such as holograms, watermarks, specialised security inks and CopyVoidTM (a patented anti-photocopying device) to protect against alterations, copying and to authenticate documentation
2. BSIA Accreditation
The BSIA (British Security Industry Association) is the trade association for the British security industry. It is recommended that you source your security from a BSIA member company - for the following reasons; all members must comply with relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice; they will be financially sound and have their staff vetted for security; their business will be conducted in a professional manner; they will be technically well informed and competent; the number of member companies ensures a complete range of security services; through the Sections and Regional meetings, members are kept informed on new issues, legislation and technology, and the Association and its members are committed to being the best by developing standards for the industry and its users².
3. Long-standing and well-established reputation and presence in the security print industry
When deciding upon a security printer, a well-established presence and good reputation within the industry is very important. A simple way to research this is to look at a company’s web site. Information such as background information and solid case studies should be present. Kalamazoo Security Print has over 100 years experience in the security print industry which can then be drawn upon to provide the latest technology and securest solutions on the market.
4. A company that seeks to excel minimum security standards
You should consider a security printer that not only meets the minimum requirements within the industry, but seeks to raise the bar. Kalamazoo Security Print’s security documentation range provides a high level of overt and covert security features, essential in protecting your business against fraud. With the number of cheque fraud cases on the rise, Kalamazoo’s cheques have been designed to exceed the security features required by the APACS standard.
5. A track record in innovation to keep abreast of industry threats
A good security printer should have a track record in innovation and strive constantly to improve their printing solutions to keep abreast of industry threats. For example, cheque fraud is constantly developing and therefore needs to be monitored closely by a security printer so products can be devised to help combat this risk. For identity theft certificates, licenses and other personal documents require protection from alteration and reproduction.
6. A personalised, bespoke service
A good security printer should be able to provide you with a bespoke solution to meet your requirements whether that is additional security features or simply the incorporation of your company’s branding. A good security printer should recognise that requirements differ from company to company and should provide you with a tailored service.
¹ http://www.goldsec.com/APACS_Best_Practice_Guidelines.html
² http://www.bsia.co.uk/using.html
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