Live Scan Equipment Guide for 2023
There are several misconceptions when it comes to buying fingerprinting equipment. The most common is the consumer’s misallocation of value, leading them to either overpay for Live Scan Fingerprinting equipment or buy the wrong thing, rendering the set up useless.
Buying Guide Definitions:
Hardware: Physical piece of equipment
Software: Program that enables hardware to communicate with computers to function.
Enrollment Types = Appointment Types (For lack of a better term)
Channeling = Ability to submit fingerprints to corresponding agency
Channeling Fee= Fee attached to the fingerprinting file submission by the agency. Sometimes a third party fee is added depending on the vendor.
Fingerprinting Hardware Guide
THE BIG THREE COMPONENTS OF A LIVE SCAN SET UP
Hardware
Software
Implementation
Lets take a look at how these work..
Fingerprinting Hardware Guide
HARDWARE
Contrary to popular belief, fingerprinting hardware is not the most important part of a Live Scan Fingerprinting set up.
The easiest comparison would be to someone using a Dell vs. HP laptop to visit a website.
Both will do the job just the same with the only small differences coming from the software used on the machine.
Here are some of the most popular pieces of fingerprinting hardware. None of these are going to make or break your set up. The most popular models are the Thales DactyScan and the Suprema G10, but any will do the job as long as you are using the right software.
SOFTWARE
Software is one of the most important elements of the Live Scan equipment set up. This will determine what enrollment types your system is capable of.
Since each Live Scan Vendor has unique enrollment capabilities, you have to be sure to choose a software provider that is going to submit to the agencies that are planning on offering services for.
Fingerprinting Hardware Guide
For example, to submit FBI Background Checks, you must have the Departmental Order enrollment type on your live scan software.
The biggest difference in regards to software is how the vendors charge you for the enrollment types.
Some will give you everything that they offer on one software license with a flat fee while others will charge you a la carte for each enrollment type you want on your system.
Which is better?
Fingerprinting Hardware Guide
Well.. it depends.
The hidden element in Live Scan Software is something called CHANNELING. Channeling simply refers to the ability to channel (send) the fingerprint eft file through to the appropriate organization.
SOME LIVE SCAN VENDORS WILL CHARGE YOU 3RD PARTY CHANNELING FEES AND OTHERS DO NOT.
If you are looking to get into fingerprinting as a business, channeling fees are the most prominent thing that will affect your margins.
Many times an “All inclusive” software license that offers all the vendor’s channeling capabilities, comes with a 3rd party “channeling fee” added onto every transaction you do on your system.
Be sure to do your due diligence on the enrollment types you will need on your system prior to taking any calls for hardware.
The ideal Live Scan Set Up contains the following:
1.Fingerprint Scanner (Hardware)
2.Software License with all relevant enrollment types. This will vary depending on your state. 3.NO third party channeling fees.
If you have specific questions, email us at info@fingerprinting.org and we can clarify anything needed.
Fingerprinting Hardware Guide
IMPLEMENTING YOUR SET UP
Fingerprinting Hardware Guide
Effectively using your Live Scan equipment is of course, the most important part.
For established organizations, you must ensure that your fingerprint technicians are both properly trained and have the support systems in place that are needed.
For startups and new companies in the fingerprinting industry, you may be shocked to hear that Live Scan Equipment may not be your best bet. You will first need a profitable Fingerprinting Business System.
The old school method of collecting and submitting fingerprints, FD258 cards, are an excellent way to get your feet wet with fingerprinting.
In our experience, companies that have started out with Ink Services and then have moved on to live scan once operational and profitable, are far more likely to succeed then those that over expose their budget into just Live Scan Equipment.
Implementation is the most important part of a fingerprinting business. Therefore, it is imperative that you lay out a proper roadmap to launch your operation.
If you are a startup looking to get your foot in the door with fingerprinting, you can email us at info@livescanglobal.com and we can walk you through some possible next steps, depending on what makes sense for you.
Please be aware: Our mission is to help independent companies break into this fragmented industry with as little resistance as possible.
We are taking a unique position that aligns us with our partners for the ultimate goal of decentralizing the industry so the “little guy” can succeed.
OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR ENTREPRUNERS AND INVESTORS LOOKING TO ENTER THE SPACE
Start with the basics!
If you are looking to get into Fingerprinting, it is best to consult with an expert before getting started.
https://www.skool.com/fingerprinting-business
Live Scan Equipment Frequently Asked Questions
Fingerprinting Hardware Guide
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Live Scan Equipment prices vary depending on the hardware model used and software license purchased.
Typically, you will find hardware and software starting at around $5000 all the way up to $10,000+. Again, be wary of 3rd party channeling fees post purchase.
You can find more information on live scan costs here.
CAN I USE MY EXISTING SCANNER?
Yes, if you have Live Scan Hardware you can use it by getting a software license. However, only certain live scan vendors will permit you to purchase a software license without purchasing hardware.
If you
WHAT KIND OF SCANNER IS THE BEST?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no “best scanner”. Your enrollment capabilities depend on you software license, not your hardware.
HOW DO I BECOME AN FBI CHANNELER?
Becoming an FBI Channeler is a lengthy process that is generally not worth it for the general public. Typically it is in your best interest to use an existing Channelers Live Scan Connections on their software.
WHAT SHOULD I ASK THE LIVE SCAN VENDORS?
What enrollment types come with the system?
Can I add additional enrollment types later on? How much are they?
How much is the software license? What are the renewal terms?
What is the hardware warranty?
Do you connect me directly to the agencies I will be channeling to?
Be sure to ask “are you charging me a 3rd party channeling fee?” If yes.. ask why.
WHAT ENROLLMENT TYPES SHOULD I HAVE?
Be careful with this. Vendors are incentivized to sell you as much as they can. You will most likely only need FBI Departmental Orders when starting out.
IIf you have questions on this, message us on Skool or email us.
WHAT ARE SOME POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS FOR ME?
Unless you are already an expert, we recommend educating yourself on the industry before jumping into hardware. Yea we know, bizarre recommendation for a hardware guide. BUT it will save you significant resources in the future when you are ready to jump in.
If you are a beginner, the educational community mentioned earlier is a great place to start with the basics: https://www.skool.com/fingerprinting-business
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIVE SCAN AND INK FINGERPRINTING
Aside from the different medium of submission ( FD258 card vs eft file), there is not much difference. The only other difference is the agency the submission is going to. FD258 cards are typically only accepted by the FBI.
HOW DOES THE LIVE SCAN BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS WORK?
When you submit a file for a Background Check via Live Scan, the corresponding agency will receive the eft file and run the background check. The results are typically emailed to the customer but can also be sent by mail, depending on the customer preference and the agency conducting the check.
CAN LIVE SCAN GLOBAL HELP ME?
Live Scan Global can help connect you to members of our network that can help facilitate the scale of hardware if needed. We can have a quick chat about your needs before pointing you in the right direction.
You can email us at info@livescanglobal.com to be sent a calendar link to book a consultation or with any other questions, comments or feedback you may have.
Fingerprinting Hardware Guide
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
There is a sparse amount of information on the internet about Fingerprinting. The only public resource we feel confident enough to recommend is the Youtube Channel of Dan Jurkowitsch of Fingerprinting Classes.
Their program helped Live Scan Global get started years back and has always provided accurate information and has done the same for many others.
Fingerprinting Video Library Resource
