PATRICIA O'HAGAN is co-owner and managing director of Core Systems (NI) Ltd, Northern Ireland's most experienced biometric identity management experts.
Biometrics is the technology used to identify people based on their biological characteristics, for example iris recognition, fingerprints and hand geometry.
Incorporated in 2003, the company is based in Belfast and has recently opened a subsidiary operation (Tusa Inc) in California to supply solutions to the US corrections market.
O'Hagan describes her biggest business achievement as watching Core Systems develop from a small local company to operating internationally. This development now extends to Malaysia, where it has established a partnership with a local company to provide its technology.
Core Systems provides customised biometric solutions for access control and other security applications within the criminal justice market.
It has worked with the Northern Ireland Office on a range of security projects, including biometric access control in high-security establishments.
O'Hagan notes that 10 years ago, working in the security sector in Northern Ireland could have gotten you killed. Even five years ago, they still had to be cautious when talking about their work. However, as things have greatly improved in recent years, they can now be more open about their business.
Using the knowledge and experience gained from the security sector, the company tailored its biometric access control solution for the construction industry.
It has also tailored software products for the financial sector too.
The company has 25 staff.
Products/Service:
Core Systems has produced leading-edge, biometric innovative solutions for a range of markets including the construction, financial and security sectors.
It provides a complete tailored solution including software, hardware integration, consultancy, project management and training.
The company's financial LoanMan product incorporates best practice to create a complete solution to administer, manage and track loans, from enquiry to payment.
Customers:
Over 70 per cent of its business is in the criminal justice sector and it has customers across Northern Ireland, the Republic, Britain and the United States.
In the financial and construction sectors it works with customers in Ireland and Britain.
It also works with local charities and not-for-profit organisations, including the NSPCC, Play Resource Centre, and the Disabled Police Officers Association.
What vision prompted you to start up in business?
I was driven to start up in business by my increasing frustration working as an employee for other people.
I could see the way forward to improvement or increased efficiency but wasn't in the position to follow them through.
It was the vision of seizing opportunities and following my instinct that inspired me to take the step.
Describe your progression from start-up to your current status:
We have come a long way in a few years. We have achieved substantial financial growth and are continuing to do so.
We have built up a very talented team of people who are producing leading-edge technology.
Our work is now recognised by key local and international industry experts.
Has your Irishness contributed to your success?
The unique situation in Northern Ireland has led to our development of specialist security management.
Working in this sector has added to the creditability of our products.
Our Northern Irish pedigree has opened many doors for us around the world, such as Nasa and the department of homeland security in the US.
