In last month's issue, we described how state security printers in Asia, traditionally known for producing banknotes, coins, and secure documents, are repositioning themselves as digital identification and authentication providers. This month, we look at how Koenig & Bauer (K&B) is also pushing the boundaries of traditional and digital authentication technologies.
This article outlines K&B's evolving strategy, recent partnerships and core technologies, all contributing to what the company calls its ‘Authentication Solution Portfolio’ – a portfolio of non-invasive authentication solutions.
Historically synonymous with secure printing for banknotes, secure documents, and high-value products, K&B has recently advanced its transformation from a traditional machinery manufacturer into an agile technology group.
Over time, K&B’s specialised business segment, Banknote Solutions, which focuses on high-security printing technologies, has also expanded into the digital realm, beginning with the launch of the formerly known 'Sound of Intaglio’, an image-processing technology for authenticating banknotes through their unique intaglio prints. This function is now part of the broader Daktylo offering.
The company took further strides with ValiCash™, an app designed for high-security document identification and authentication, providing real-time 'pass' or 'fail' results. ValiCash represents a significant step in K&B's broader digital authentication journey, laying the groundwork for further innovations to bridge the gap between physical and digital security.
ValiCash™
K&B has expanded its security and authentication offerings with new technologies and collaborations. One such collaboration is with Graphic Security Systems Corporation (GSSC), which enhances K&B's anticounterfeiting portfolio by jointly improving GSSC’s steganographic technology and combining it with K&B’s printing and security feature expertise. This merger strengthens K&B's capacity to offer advanced security solutions for product verification and brand protection.
K&B's authentication solutions now span multiple sectors, offering methods for securing printed products of any kind. These solutions include:
Beyond security printing, K&B has made significant inroads into marking solutions through its Koenig & Bauer Coding division. For example, its alphaJET continuous inkjet printer, betaJET drop-on-demand printer, and SPA laser systems offer end-to-end marking solutions for almost any industry. These systems ensure every component is accurately marked for traceability, compliance, and quality control.
Another innovation in K&B's marking portfolio is the hpdSYSTEM moto, which provides customisable high-contrast hot-foil markings on different products. This ensures critical information remains visible and durable throughout the product lifecycle. It is suitable for various industrial applications, from automotive manufacturing to high-volume warehousing operations. K&B has also focused on enhancing product optical quality inspection through advanced vision systems.
hpdSYSTEM moto.
K&B's authentication strategy is based on the 'Security Triangle’, a model for high-security documents, packaging, and other secure items. While the classic triangle remains the standard, advancements in industrialisation and automation have led to the integration of optical quality inspection into the value chain.
The classic triangle of security (© Koenig & Bauer).
What was once an implicit requirement has evolved, with vision systems playing a critical role in continuously improving production quality. In the ongoing battle against counterfeiters, this has become a key pillar. As K&B develops and manufactures its own machine vision systems, authentication solutions like Stegano and Ovjera can be integrated into any production environment and not necessarily into K&B equipment.
K&B’s focus is clear: to create a secure future through a blend of high-precision printing, sophisticated design features, and cutting-edge digital solutions.
