The Microcom 438TM: APC and Immigration Kiosks

In 2013, US Customs and Border Protection partnered with the airline industry on the implementation of Automated Passport Control (APC) machines. Since the initial adoption of these machines in 2016, 1,300 units are being used nationally and according to a study conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, that volume is projected to increase to 8,000 by 2018. Airports such as Dallas Fort Worth saw a 44.6 percent decrease in wait times while experiencing an increase in overall passenger throughput. Total national air passenger volume jumped to over 800,000,000 in 2016.

APC machines or “Immigration Kiosks” can aid in clearing a passenger area quickly and efficiently. An APC machine works on a three step system: Capture and validate the passport data, capture and verify biometric data, and capture any required immigration data. Once all the information is captured and verified, the passenger is issued a receipt which they show to an officer at the checkout point. Dealing with all of this private information is no easy task, so a secure easy to use kiosk is a key factor to the success of such a system.

High quality component selection is important to keep the kiosk physically secure and protected from hacking. A high resolution camera with face and light detection, accurate fingerprint scanner, and reliable printer are all necessary to keep the machine running efficiently. For example, Microcom Corporation features the 438TM thermal kiosk mechanism, with 300 dpi print resolution, up to a 23 inch print length, and built in status monitoring, which enhances the function of a high performing APC machine. Microcom is there for every step of the process from the initial consultation, to integration of the product, to providing consumables thereby supporting a high quality kiosk.