Muehlbauer : Modernization of Algerian Public Administration

In recent years, Algeria has made a remarkable step forward in its fight against the falsification of documents and identity theft. To prevent these cases of fraud, as well as other crimes and terroristic activities and at the same time modernize the country's public administration, the Algerian Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities and Spatial Planning has launched a variety of projects and programs: To improve public services and further strengthen the country's democratic values and the relationship between the administration and the Algerian people, all citizens are endowed with modern and highly secure biometric identification documents.

This very prestigious ID card personalization project was awarded to the German high-tech company Mühlbauer, which is located in the heart of Bavaria; it commenced in August 2015.

Close Cooperation with the Algerian Government

To put these plans into action, Mühlbauer ID Services GmbH closely cooperated with the Algerian government, especially with the Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities and Spatial Planning. Together, they successfully delivered and set up card personalization equipment and a turnkey, state-of-the-art production and personalization management system for the issuance of a national biometric identity card which is by now one of the most secure and reliable ones in the world.

Personalization of Algerian National ID Card

Two personalization centers were established in the Algerian cities of Algiers and Laghouat. These two centers have been equipped to securely personalize the new Algerian ID Card by laser engraving (image and personal data of the card holder) and chip encoding on a hybrid card. To interconnect the production and personalization management with the existing infrastructure and to ensure a smooth implementation, Mühlbauer closely cooperated with local partners, for example with L'Imprimerie Officielle, the Algerian state printing company.

During the first year of operation, Mühlbauer provided reliable assistance at site to ensure the successful ramp-up. To guarantee the efficient operation of the facilities, the local staff received comprehensive training on the systems. Around 550 employees (184 in Laghouat and 350 in Algiers), the majority of whom are computer scientists and electronic engineers, ensure continuity and 24/7 service at the two sites mentioned above. More than 6 million biometric national ID cards have already been personalized.

Extended cooperation: SMART CARD FACTORY

In 2016 - due to this successful cooperation during the first ID Card personalization project - Mühlbauer was engaged for a follow-up project to deliver a complete Smart Card Factory for the document production of up to 5 million national driver's licenses and vehicle registration cards per year, as well as for document personalization. The project comprised the delivery and setup of the complete production facility, including the development of a security concept, the systems for card body production, laser pre-personalization, inspection and personalization with the unique MB ALFRESCO^® technology, as well as the installation of the proven production and personalization management system MB INCAPE. Besides, a comprehensive service package was supplied. The staff received an all-inclusive training and Mühlbauer delivered the know-how transfer to enable the smooth operation after hand-over, including the new production unit DIN ISO certification.

On April 16^th, 2017 the Government of Algeria launched the new Smart Card Factory, delivered by Mühlbauer for the document production and personalization of up to 5 million national driver's licenses and vehicle registration cards per year. The opening was a prestigious event, which was also covered by national television.

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Lara Schmaus

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