German technology firm Dermalog has defended its track record, rejecting allegations of underperformance and delays in its projects across various countries, including Indonesia, Angola, Haiti, and the Philippines.
Contrary to claims of termination due to inefficiency, Dermalog confirmed that its contract for the Automated Fingerprint Identification System in Indonesia was successfully completed in 2012, leading to a subsequent agreement.
While there were significant delays in the Fingerprint ID System for Angola’s Police Force, Dermalog clarified that these were due to insufficient data center infrastructure and COVID-19 disruptions rather than their own shortcomings.
Dermalog refuted allegations of errors in the 2017 Biometric System for Renewing National ID Cards in Haiti, stating that the system was delivered on time, functions properly, and continues to be maintained by the company.
Despite facing criticisms for delays in the LTO’s LTMS Project, Dermalog pointed out that the setbacks were primarily due to unsuitable data center infrastructure and COVID-19 impacts. The company also refuted allegations of contributing to corruption within the LTO, emphasizing the LTMS's full automation and integrated system features that minimize opportunities for illicit activities.
Amidst controversy, Dermalog asserts excellent accomplishments in international tech projects
German tech giant stands firm in its track record, shedding light on its success stories in Indonesia, Angola, Haiti, and the Philippines
At a glance
Dermalog, the German technology company that operates the Land Transportation Office's (LTO) License, Test, and Motor Vehicle Registration System (LTMS), has denied claims of poor performance in a congressional hearing and reports. In a statement, Dermalog said that it has a "stellar record of performance" in countries it has worked in and that its LTMS project in the Philippines has been "successful."
Dermalog fingerprint/license scanner used by LTO and law enforcers.
Despite negative assertions in congressional hearings and media reports, the tech giant stands by its successful delivery and operation in Indonesia, Angola, Haiti, and its current LTMS project in the Philippines.
In Indonesia, Dermalog was responsible for the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (INAFIS) for the National Police's Criminal Investigation Agency from 2005 to 2012. Contradicting reports of inefficiency leading to contract termination, Dermalog confirmed that not only was the contract fulfilled, but it also led to a subsequent agreement due to the success of the INAFIS project.
In Angola, the Fingerprint ID System for the local Police Force experienced significant delays. Dermalog attributed these setbacks to insufficient data center infrastructure provided by the Angolan authorities, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Dermalog remained committed to the project, continually supplying necessary hardware and software components through a third-party contractor.
Responding to criticism regarding the 2017 Biometric System for Renewing National ID Cards in Haiti, Dermalog clarified that the project was successful, with no significant errors reported. The technology company confirmed that it delivered the project on schedule and continues to maintain the system.
Regarding the LTO's LTMS Project in the Philippines, Dermalog acknowledged the delays but clarified that these were due to reasons beyond their control, including an unsuitable data center infrastructure and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They refuted allegations that the integrated system of the LTO's IT infrastructure has yet to be fully activated, despite receiving 80% of the contract fee.
Dermalog strongly denied accusations that its alleged failure to comply with its contract fully has led to increased corruption in the LTO, arguing that the LTMS's full automation minimizes human intervention, thereby reducing opportunities for corrupt practices. The company also stated that the system's comprehensive integration obstructs the registration of stolen vehicles, further debunking the allegations.
During a recent congressional investigation into the LTMS's unresolved issues, LTMS Project Manager, Till Dunkel, explained that the delay in transitioning the LTO database from Stradcom, the former IT provider, to Dermalog was a major contributing factor. Stradcom is set to complete the data transfer by August 30, 2023.
Despite the criticism, Dermalog said, the company will continue to uphold its commitment to providing state-of-the-art biometric and identification systems worldwide.