Kodit

Database Management

The essential requirements of LPS1224 (Requirements for secure database management for asset marking) were developed as a result of needs identified by the Police, Insurers and Home Office and aim to ensure that Police and other enquirers can confirm ownership of property 24 hours a day while ensuring full details of property ownership are held securely and in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Therefore, under the requirements of LPS1224, the database operator must:

• Have an established track record in the field of asset registration of at least one year.
• Operate the database in accordance with a documented set of procedures in accordance with the requirements of ISO 9000, BS7799: Part 2 those defined in LPS 1224.
• Offer a telephone check line service manned by trained operatives. In accordance with Government policy, the service shall be available 24 hour a day access and shall be free of direct charge to the enquirer, e.g. it shall not chargeable to the enquirer as a premium rate telephone.

Although LPS 1224 was developed to cover databases designed to provide positive identification of property ownership, thus acting as a deterrent to theft and speeding up the return of property, there are clear benefits to the marking and registration of property both at source and by end users.

Asset Marking Systems

For a number of years both the Police and Government have promoted visible marking of property, the most basic form of which is a postcode. Although effective as a basic deterrent, traceability and proof of ownership through postcodes is limited since it does not cater for the movement of the owner (change of address), rented products or sale of products. As a result the need was identified for the secure marking of items which unique codes that can identify the item and ownership via secure databases which are fully transferable.

This work, undertaken with the backing of the Police, Government and Insurers, resulted in the publication of LPS 1225 Specification for testing and classifying asset marking systems.

Aim of the standard

LPS 1225 specifies requirements for the composition and performance of an asset marking system such that, when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, the asset marking device may:

• Enable the marked asset to be traced to the legal owner via a secure database register linked to the marking system employed.
• Act as a theft deterrent in the first instance by virtue of known existence.

ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems

Certification of a quality management system demonstrates consideration of the internal systems and processes of a company and measures their performance in delivering products or services at an agreed standard. Third party certification is an independent review of the declared scope of activities leading to improved processes and increased consumer confidence.

Prior to issue of the 2000 standard, companies could obtain certification under ISO9001 and ISO9002. The difference between the two standards was that ISO9001 included certification of design. Under the new standard the scope on the certificate distinguishes which parts of a companies operation are covered and must include design if they carry it out.

This scheme is for Companies whose quality management systems have been designed to meet the requirements of International Standard ISO 9001: 2000. The entries in this section define the scope of activities that have been assessed under the management system.