Last updated on March 19th, 2024 at 03:23 pm

When selecting ID scanning software, it’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and requirements. The right software solution can help you verify customer age to avoid costly fines, streamline operations, enhance security, and improve your customer experience.

Accuracy of the ID parsing engine

The software should be able to accurately scan and extract information from a wide range of identification formats, including driver’s licenses, passports, and ID cards. Not all parsing engines are created equally. You will want a parser that has frequent updates to ID document formats. This will help to ensure that the information you receive is reliable and trustworthy, reducing the risk of fraud.

Processing speed

The main benefit of using an ID scanner is to reduce manual effort and data entry. You want to ensure your ID scanning software can process IDs in just a few seconds. Processing speed can be dependent on the processing power of the computer you are using to power your ID scanner. Real-time scanning is especially important for age verification, as it ensures that you are able to quickly and accurately verify the age of customers who are attempting to purchase age-restricted products, such as alcohol or tobacco.

Automatic data extraction

The software should automatically extract information from the ID, including the name, address, date of birth, and expiration date. This will help to streamline your processes and reduce the risk of manual errors. The automatic extraction of data, combined with real-time scanning, can help to quickly identify and prevent fraudulent activities, such as using a fake ID to purchase age-restricted products. Ideally, this automatic data extraction can be integrated directly into the key systems you use to run your business such as POS platforms or CRMs.

Third party checks

You will want the ability to query your data against databases such as the DMV, Sex Offender Registry, and criminal databases to provide a deeper picture of your customer identity.

Customizable fields

The software should allow you to customize the fields that are displayed, so you can focus on the information that is most important to your business. This will help to ensure that you have access to the information you need to make informed decisions, particularly when it comes to verifying the age of your customers. Ideal systems allow for you to tag customers, add them to lists, add notes, and set up alerts so that your team can be alerted in the event of looping, fake IDs, or banned patrons trying to enter.

Privacy settings

The software should have robust security features to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access. This includes encryption, secure storage of data, and multi-factor authentication. This will help to prevent fraudsters from accessing or manipulating the information contained in the ID scans, further reducing the risk of fraud. Most states have specific requirements around PII retention and protection of customer data, so a configurable portal is important for managing a variety of settings across multiple locations where you will be scanning IDs.

User-friendly interface for easily training security staff

The software should have a user-friendly interface that is easy to use and navigate, with clear instructions and prompts. This will help to reduce the risk of errors and ensure that your employees are able to use the software with confidence, particularly when it comes to verifying the age of your customers.

Navigation should be simple and intuitive, allowing users to quickly find the information they need. This includes a clear and concise navigation menu, as well as effective search functionality.

Feedback is an important element of a user-friendly interface, as it provides users with information about what is happening within the software. This includes visual cues, such as changes in color or animation, as well as text-based notifications, such as error messages or status updates. Pop-ups that automatically alert staff to underage patrons, or expired IDs make the software foolproof to use.

Ability to scale with your business

The software should be scalable, so it can grow with your business and accommodate increasing demands for ID scanning. This means syncing between multiple devices and locations so that information from scanned IDs is accessible to your full team.

It’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and requirements when selecting ID scanning software, so you can choose the solution that is best for your business.