Océ solutions support education in Africa

Examination printing presents a security risk in even the most highly developed countries. Obtaining a good grade can determine the course of a person's future.

Admission to public and private universities is based on the grades obtained – and this can be reason enough for fraud in all corners of the world. Together with dedicated institutions, Océ helps Africa create a secure educational foundation.

In upcoming regions like in Africa, examination fraud is widespread because of inadequate infrastructure, corruption and large student populations. In the past, exams were routinely leaked on a large scale before being taken, and grades were often mixed up after marking. The resulting public outrage spurred the relevant ministries and examination councils into action. The highest priority became securing the document process of examination printing, and the role played by Océ comes as no surprise.

There are many steps in the examination process that pose security hazards, starting with the compilation of the exam questions by professors and teachers. Previously, this was done weeks or months in advance, opening the possibility for theft. Storage of exams in secured warehouses or even police stations is an important step taken by African countries. However, the security of these locations can be compromised by well-financed gangs and even bribery.

Reducing the time that exams are ready from months to days or even hours reduces the risk of leakage and theft. With high-speed production systems, Océ can offer great benefit to the process of secure exam printing. Our VarioStream and VarioPrint systems are suited for this kind of work with tight schedules and heavy deadlines, assuring exam printers of high quality and market leading reliability.

The encryption of data is another powerful tool in the security of the exam printing process. The wide availability of e-mail and SMS text messaging makes digital versions of the exam particularly vulnerable.

Océ uses contemporary encryption software to reduce the window of risk. During the printing process, Océ uses bar code readers that register every page printed and ensure that exams are printed only once to protect document integrity. Océ's digital printing solutions provide additional security features, such as making every exam unique by automatically creating personalised exams for each student.

Océ South Africa's marketing general manager Peter Enslin says: “With the challenges that Africa faces in combating exam fraud, Océ is confident that the benefits of its digital production systems will prove as valuable locally as they have abroad.”

For the right solution in education printing, please contact Océ South Africa's Peter Enslin on petere@oce.co.za or 011 661-9555.

Editoral contacts Oce Peter Enslin (011) 661 9555 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it V Squared Alison Job This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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