Document Security

By Roger Buck, CDC

Document security continues to be a growing market for distributors and printers. Many people see checks as the primary "security" document. However, the check market is declining at a rate of 8% - 10% per year. New players in the person to person payment world will continue to reduce the use of paper checks. However security printing can be a strong growth area for distributors. In 2007 Identity Theft replaced check fraud as the number one form of financial loss in the United States. Brand protection fraud is close behind. Both of these markets offer print opportunities where document security features can be applied.

The key to finding these documents is in performing a Risk Assessment with your customers. Each document and label they use should be reviewed with the mind of a criminal.

• If the document was altered is there a potential for financial gain?
• If the document is forged could someone gain access to confidential data?
• If the document is counterfeited what is the potential liability to the company?
• If counterfeit products are offered under a counterfeit brand label what impact could that have on sales?
• What effect could counterfeit products have on brand reputation?
• How does the client authenticate a document or label?

After reviewing the client's documents and labels for risks, the client should be able to assign a risk value (hard and soft dollars) to the document. The level of risk qualifies the level of security protection needed. At this point the distributor can use their design skills to layer security into the document. The layering should incorporate covert and overt features within the paper and inks forming a four layer protection system. Additional security can be applied during imaging and post-imaging if necessary. Keep in mind that the technology available to criminals far surpasses many of the traditional security features of the past. Typical offerings such as micro print, VOID pantographs, bleed through numbering and warning bands are far less effective than in the past. Distributors need to work with their manufacturers to stay in touch with what new security systems can be implemented. Custom designed paper can be used to both protect and authenticate documents. Print features such as intaglio, thermochromic, foil and color shifting inks can be used to enhance the security.

Document security printing can be a viable growth area for distributors and printers willing to learn more about the various applications. Working with the customer to perform a Risk Analysis can pave the way to secure document designs. Educating the customer in this fashion can also help them understand the costs and benefits involved in providing new and substantial security solutions.

Roger Buck is the President of Emerging Solutions Now, LLC and a 40 year veteran of the printing industry. ESN offers new innovative equipment solutions to printers and print converters. They also provide marketing consulting and list acquisition services to their clients. Buck is a frequent contributor to various magazines and newsletters. He can be reached at Roger.Buck@EmergingSolutionsNow.com.

04/27/2009 /articles Link to this Entry