Introduction

One of the key features of Information Technology has been the way in which Data is stored and retrieved. Data is stored and retrieved depending upon needs Easy identification and transfer of data is critical to the success of any technology up gradation.

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Solutions

The various solutions for Storing and transfer of data are : Bar code solution Magnetic Stripe solution Smart Card based solutions

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Magnetic Stripe or Smart Card

Smart card based solutions have gained acceptance due to the advantages over bar code \ magnetic stripe solutions in recent times due to the following: 1.The chips are harder to duplicate than magnetic stripes 2.The chip holds customer data which provides for additional security

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Magnetic Stripe or Smart Card

3.Reduced

processing costs as magnetic stripe technology requires online verifications system. Smart card verification can be either online or offline 4.Magnetic stripe stores about 200 characters and does not allow any modification.Smart cards can hold data 4Kbit which permits any type of modifications required.
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Smart Card

The advantages of Smart Card are capacity, convenience, portability, durability, security,and ability to check forgery.

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What is Smart Card

Same size as a standard credit card A microchip embedded in a plastic card to store information Latest silicon technology, does not require use of batteries The chip can be programmed to carry out specific functions

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Types of smart cards

Contact based Smart Cards Requires physical contact with the reader to carry out the functions Contact less Smart Cards

No physical contact with the reader. Has an antenna coil, as well as a chip embedded with in the card. The internal antenna allows for communication and power with a receiving antenna in the reader to process the transaction. California Card Systems (I) Pvt Ltd

Types of smart cards

Combination Cards Combination card functions as both a contact and contact less card

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Types of smart cards

Contact based Smart Cards Simple \ open memory cards

plain memory card no security features built in Secure memory cards Security built into the cards cost effective reader specific

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Types of smart cards

Crypto Memory Cards Compliant with ISO 7816-3 Interoperable with Microprocessor cards High security level Does not require O/S Cost effective

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Types of smart cards

Micro controller cards

High security features expensive versatile used mainly in Banking sector

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Conclusion

Banking applications:
Microprocessor cards best suited

Non Banking applications:

Secure memory\Crypto memory cards ideal are

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Features of Smart Card

Serial Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) Memory capacity 1Kbit to 1024Kbit Manufacturers:

Siemens Atmel ST Micorelectronics Philips Microchip

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Applications

ID card Log on card garage card Hotel key card Health care Pre-paid cards-Energy meter

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Secure Memory cards

Secure Memory with Personal Identification number and Authentication From 1Kbit to 16 Kbit Manufacturers: Infineon SLE 4404 \ 4428 Gemplus GPM 896 Atmel AT88SC101,102,1601,1604,153,1608

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Crypto Memory Cards Latest introduction Secure Memory with Personal Identification number and Authentication From 1Kbit to 16 Kbit Additional Security: Data encryption and decryption

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Crypto Memory Cards

Memory capacity 1Kbit to 16 Kbit Can be upgraded to higher memory capacity without making alterations in the software

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Pre-paid energy meter

The prepaid system is gaining acceptance in recent times due to the inherent advantages It is proposed to introduce prepaid system in the power distribution sector

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Type of solutions

Pre-paid meter with key-pad to be used with scratch cards The system is similar to SIM cards for handheld telephones. The security required to maintain the data is very complicated. Very large expense for backend maintenance.

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Type of solutions

Pre-paid open system This is the most ideal situation for card distribution and can achieve and solve all the related problems.

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Types of solution

Pre-paid consumer specific. The long payment lines at the electricity boards will not be eliminated, Lack of flexibility to the consumer

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Present system

The meters are installed at the users end The meter reader visits the place at specific intervals ( once in a month) and notes down the meter reading The present meter reading is fed into the computer at the Electricity board

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Present system

The software is designed to compute the number of units consumed in the month = present reading-previous reading. Based on the number of units consumed during the month the bill is generated at applicable slab rate

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Present system

The bill is sent to the consumer The consumer pays the amount at the electricity board office The details of payment is entered The overdue position of bills is generated Power supply is disconnected

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Analysis

The present system suffers from the following disadvantages: Meter reader has to visit the place every month The reading is to be fed into the computer The bill generated is to be sent

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Analysis

The consumer will have to stand in long queue for making payment Delay in initiating action for nonpayment

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Solution

Prepaid solution will overcome the deficiencies in the present system The electricity board need not have to send the meter reader every month Data entry problems and errors will not be there

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Analysis

Delay in payment \ non payment will not arise Prepaid amount will result in float funds and improve liquidity Consumer need not have to wait in queue for making payment Easier to operate and maintain

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Conclusion

In conclusion introduction of a prepaid system will be beneficial both to the electricity board and to the consumers The various components of a prepaid Smart Card based system are

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System Components

Smart Cards Smart Card Readers Personal Computer Software Electronic Meter with built in reader

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System at work

The reader will be connected to the PC The card will be inserted in the reader The software loaded into the micro controller of the reader recognises the card and permits further processing

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System at work

The consumer makes payment for the pre-paid card The software in the PC will load the amount paid by the consumer into the card The data is also written simultaneously into the database

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System at work

The consumer inserts the pre-paid card in the energy meter The value in the card is transferred to the meter The meter keeps track of the number of units consumed as per the slab rate

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System at work

When the value in the meter comes to 20% a signal is given -either beep or red light When the value in the meter becomes nil the electricity supply is cut off

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Summing up..

Prepaid Smart Card Solution is ideal Reduces manpower cost to the EB Improves liquidity of the EB Overall efficiency in operations of the EB will improve Hassle free for the consumer Prepaid cards easily available

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