Microcom, IBM to automate license-plate renewals in Canada

Microcom Corp. and IBM have announced plans to let drivers renew their license-plate registrations at self-service kiosks throughout the province of Ontario, Canada.

James Larson, president and chief executive of Microcom, says the project will put drivers in the fast lane.

“The kiosks streamline the renewal process and help drivers avoid the agony of standing in long, slow-moving lines,” he said.

IBM sought Microcom’s help to engineer a solution that helps them automatically validate and issue serial-numbered registration stickers at ServiceOntario kiosks. The machines, deployed in about 70 locations throughout the province, are touted for being part of the largest self-service kiosk network of its kind in North America.

Microcom designed and manufactured a media printer/dispenser equipped with a laser barcode scanner for the terminals. Once a customer enters required information, the barcode-reader authenticates a registration sticker and dispenses it to the user.

The Ministry of Transportation is looking to leverage self-service technology in response to growth.

“They simply are looking to find smart and efficient ways to help tackle the increase in customer volume, while at the same time decrease costs,” Larson said.