Biometrics in the New World by Julian Ashbourn

Author:Julian Ashbourn
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer International Publishing, Cham

Minimalism

In alignment with the concept of focusing upon exceptions is the equally valid concept of minimalism. This applies at all levels, from architectural systems design, through operational processes and procedures, to reporting and intelligence. In recent years, the IT industry has adopted a contrary trajectory, taking concepts which are actually simple and complicating them beyond belief, leading to bloated software and operating systems, all demanding ever increasing levels of computational power. Furthermore, the trend is to generate increasing amounts of relatively worthless information and obscure this from all but the most technically competent users. If we add this to an ill-considered policy of data collection and retention, we create the spectre of huge and unwieldy systems, consuming enormous resources and providing increasingly little information of any real value. Such systems also absorb unrealistic levels of administrative support, both for the underlying systems infrastructure and the sheer amount of information being generated and passed around the broader network. Indeed, it is curious that this reality does not attract more attention from academic observers or the media. Systems which incorporate biometric identity verification and which have aspirations towards identity and transactional intelligence, are equally susceptible to this syndrome.

We need to exercise a clarity of purpose and ensure that our systems are designed purely with this purpose in mind, and are not permitted to engage in additional functionality simply because it is possible to do so. In this way, we can design, implement and maintain leaner, effective systems which require a minimum of ongoing support. Our operational processes and procedures may equally be designed with such a clarity of purpose, promoting operational efficiency at every juncture. Indeed, the system, its operation and its outputs should all be run like a finely tuned military machine, with an emphasis upon operational efficiency. Administrative and operational personnel should be trained with a similar emphasis upon clarity of purpose, ensuring that they are prepared and competent to handle any legitimate eventuality within the framework of the operation, without being burdened by an unnecessary compliance with poorly designed systems and processes.

By taking this minimalistic approach at all stages of systems and process design, we can realise cost effective, efficient and sustainable systems. In addition, within collaborative environments, such an approach facilitates an equal efficiency in the establishment and operation of the required collaborative links. Clarity of purpose and the observance of minimalistic design should be at the heart of everything we do. It will ensure that the biometric identity verification process is undertaken efficiently with the minimum of data exchange and messaging and that, where appropriate, our identity and transactional intelligence is pertinent and meaningful. The design of our messaging subsystem is a key element within this broader aspiration, together with event management and the maintenance of all related system logs. The minimum of data should be passed, and only where absolutely necessary for a clearly defined purpose. Such an aspiration sounds logical enough and yet, it is surprising how rarely this is realised in practice. We need

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