The new version of ACI Smart Chip Manager now features enhanced support for in-branch issuance, accompanied by new card inventory management support to give issuers control over distributed card issuance. Other important enhancements include Payments Card Industry (PCI) compliance and support for Saudi Payment Network (SPAN2) cards. The additional functionality increases the value, security and performance of issuers' smart card management.

ACI Smart Chip Manager provides issuance and management of smart cards, application parameter management, card personalisation management and post-issuance services. This latest release will allow issuers to increase the level of service to their cardholders by instantly issuing chip cards in the branch and addressing distribution and inventory management problems of the chip cards themselves. All chip card key management is performed centrally resulting in a more efficient and cost effective use of expensive cryptographic hardware.

PCI data security enhancements ensure that privacy-sensitive data is not vulnerable from attacks. Support for SPAN2 will allow issuers to personalise multi-application payment cards in line with SPAN2 requirements. Further enhancements include the ability to perform pre-personalisation or Enablement of Multos cards, parameter management for each application on a multi-application card and enhanced integration tools for host card management systems.

"Many issuers need a smart card solution that can issue smart cards today and provide the flexibility to address the continuing market challenges tomorrow," said Mark Vipond, Chief Operating Officer, ACI Worldwide. "Our goal is to design Smart Chip Manager to handle any requirements an issuer may face and we continue to invest in innovations such as in-branch issuance of chip cards."

Smart Chip Manager is used to issue and manage smart cards in both the finance and e-ID industries, with over 30 customers worldwide including Emporiki Bank, MBU Limited, Hong Kong Immigration Department (PCCW) and the Royal Bank of Canada.