Port of Tacoma Selects AMAG Technology's Symmetry Homeland Security Management System

  • Feb 09, 2012
 The Port of Tacoma will heighten security thanks to a new partnership with AMAG Technology. 

AMAG will provide a fully integrated, concentric layered security solution across all 14 of the Tideflats facilities.  The Port of Tacoma will be installing AMAG's SymmetryT Homeland V7 Security Management System, which will be integrated with Codebench's PIVCheck software suite to provide a government compliant security solution that meets the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) requirement.  All Port employees, terminal operators, longshore workers, merchant mariners, truckers and others who require regular, unescorted access to restricted Port areas and vessels are required to carry a TWIC. 

"The AMAG Symmetry and Codebench integration will provide the Port of Tacoma with a tightly integrated security management system that will meet the Port's operational needs, including TWIC authentication with DesFire processing at both portable and fixed MorphoTrak readers," said AMAG Technology, Manager of Business Development, Bernice Noriz. "The solution will also support the validation of FRAC and US Government issued HSPD-12 credentials for further interoperability. The solution will monitor incoming traffic, employees, visitors, contractors and drivers. It meets and exceeds all TWIC requirements for authentication and helps the Port meet ever-changing government demands."

Symmetry Homeland is designed for government and affiliated organizations needing a security management system that meets stringent government standards such as FIPS 201, PIV, CAC, TWIC and FRAC. Codebench's PIVCheck software suite provides a seamless transition to HSPD-12 or FIPS-201 compliance by leveraging a facility's physical access control system for card validation, authentication, and registration.

"We are proud to once again provide a comprehensive, HSPD-12 and TWIC compliant solution to another major U.S. port with our good partners at AMAG Technology and MorphoTrak," said Geri B. Castaldo, CEO of Codebench.

Global Government Services, LLC provides consulting and design services to the Port of Tacoma. GGS is the Port's Security Consultant for the design and execution of the access control and video management solutions.

"AMAG is a fine organization with a great solution bringing extensive knowledge and experience in the delivery of complex threat mitigation applications," said Tanawah (Tanner) Downing, chief operating officer for Global Government Solutions. "I am pleased to see the Symmetry product selected and look forward to working with AMAG and the Port to deliver one of the first and most complex TWIC applications in the country.  Our approach and delivery will no doubt be considered by others in their solution development for Regulatory Compliance."

The Port of Tacoma, located on Commencement Bay in Washington State, serves as a leading North American seaport. In 2010 the Port handled approximately $28 billion in trade and 1.5 million TEU's (20-foot equivalent units). It has more than 2,400 acres and serves as a major gateway to Alaska and Asia. The Port also has a huge economical impact on the state of Washington, creating more than 113,000 jobs and annually generating more than $90 million in state and local taxes.

The solutions deployed by AMAG Technology use GSA Approved Products Listed components where appropriate to provide FIPS 201 compliant solutions.  AMAG Technology's Symmetry Homeland V7 Security Management System delivers the most intelligent security integration platform offered on the market.  With software based on .NET architecture from Microsoft technology, the Symmetry Product Portfolio expands with an organization regardless of how needs change.

Symmetry Homeland supports all leading smart card technologies and select biometric readers when advanced levels of authentication are required.  Unlike other security management systems, Symmetry comes standard with Identity Management and Visitor Management functionality to provide a complete cohesive solution.

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