Product category:
Printing Companies: General Commercial
News Release from: Kalamazoo Security Print | Subject: Security printing services
Edited by the Printingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 April 2007
Drive For Security Printers To Become
Accredited
To improve cheque quality and security, the Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme has been established by the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company and APACS (Associate on Payment Clearing Services).
To improve cheque quality and security, the Cheque Printer Accreditation Scheme has been established by the Cheque and Credit Clearing Company and APACS (Associate on Payment Clearing Services) A printer must be accredited under the scheme to produce UK cheques, said Kalamazoo Security Print
This article was originally published on Printingtalk on 2 Feb 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
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By using an APACS accredited printer, cheques will be printed by a company that is regularly inspected under the terms of the scheme, to ensure continuing quality and security and to standards agreed by the industry to incorporate enhanced security features and technical requirements.
According to Kalamazoo Security Print, cheques will also be kept securely whilst on the printer's premises.
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.
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With cheque fraud increasing, APACS has responded by increasing the level of security to which cheque printers must adhere.
Consequently the standards are now so high that many printers cannot meet the new requirements and gain accreditation, commented Kalamazoo.
If considering bespoke cheques, or other sensitive documents, such as certificates, tickets, vouchers or licences, companies should consider having additional security features, such as holograms, watermarks, specialised security inks and Copyvoid (a patented anti-photocopying device) to protect against alterations, copying and to authenticate documentation, added the company.
The BSIA (British Security Industry Association) is the trade association for the British security industry and Kalamazoo recommended that security printing companies source their security from a BSIA member company.
That is because all members must comply with relevant British Standards and Codes of Practice and they will be financially sound and have their staff vetted for security.
At the same time, their business will be conducted in a professional manner, they will be technically well informed and competent and the number of member companies ensures a complete range of security services.
Kalamazoo also emphasised another benefit in that 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 users.
When deciding upon a security printer, a well-established presence and good reputation within the industry is very important, added the company.
A simple way to research that is to look at a company's web site, where information such as background details and solid case studies should be present.
Kalamazoo Security Print added that it has over 100 years' experience in the security printing industry, which can then be drawn upon to provide the latest technology and securest systems on the market.
The company explained that companies should consider a security printer that not only meets the minimum requirements within the industry but which seeks to raise the bar.
Kalamazoo Security Print said that its security documentation range provides a high level of overt and covert security features, essential in protecting businesses 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.
A good security printer should have a track record in innovation and strive constantly to improve their printing systems 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.
A good security printer should be able to provide clients with a bespoke system to meet their requirements, whether that is additional security features, or the incorporation of a company's branding.
At the same time, a good security printer should recognise that requirements differ from company to company and should provide clients with a tailored service.
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