The Port and Freezone of Sohar in the Sultanate of Oman is situated in the centre of the trade route linking Europe and Asia. Recent years have seen it develop into a significant centre of trade traffic. From this strategically situated location, Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC), in cooperation with Sohar Airport and the GCC Rail Network, supports trading companies in the exchange of goods between Europe and Asia.

In order to meet the high security requirements, SIPC decided to replace their PIN-based access control with a biometric solution from TBS. According to TBS the critical decision criteria were the compelling precision and Swiss made quality, the smooth operation of the devices, namely the possibility to access the devices anytime from anywhere via a web-based management software as well as a customer-specific user interface in the Arabic language.

TBS partner United Systems used previously existing infrastructure for the installation of the 2D terminals at the SIPC headquarters at Sohar Port, as well as for the company office in Muscat. SIPC added the option of an RFID solution with contactless Mifare technology to all biometric terminals.

The analysis of captured time data is carried out in a reporting tool provided by United Systems, which works together seamlessly with the TBS Biomanager software. “Integration and installation were very pleasant for United Systems, thanks to TBS. And our users are impressed by the easy handling of the system,” summarises SIPC Senior IT-Officer Badar AlGhaithi.

The system includes the TBS 2D terminals, which are designed to offer the highest security and multi-functionality at the entry point. The device may be run with TBS Biomanager software or seamlessly integrated into a local partner management software.