CCL helps develop multi-purpose security microdots

Cambridge Consultants Limited (CCL®) is working with Alpha Scientific to manufacture a high security microdot marking system.

The Alpha Dot™ Security Marking System, an innovative theft deterrent, has been successfully launched by Alpha Scientific in partnership with CCL. CCL's experience in multidisciplinary product development made it the ideal choice to integrate complex hardware and software into a secure, reliable process.

The Alpha Dot system can be used to protect almost anything. It uses hundreds of 1mm diameter microdots, each of which carries the same, unique code. This code can be a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), a home postcode or a serial number. Many microdots are then applied to valuable items such as cars, heavy machinery or home VCRs with a powerful glue.

Because the transparent microdots are incredibly hard to spot, a thief can never be certain that he has removed all of them from a stolen item -- making them a powerful deterrent to theft. When items are eventually recovered, police can use the information on the dots to identify the real owners almost instantly.

CCL specified, commissioned and currently operates the Alpha Dot manufacturing operation at its Cambridge site. CCL's expertise in designing system architectures, developing complex software suites and making precision production machinery enabled the company to create a prototype quickly and efficiently. The multi-site production process maximises information security and minimises the risk of cross-contamination.

The Alpha Dot system is now used to protect all Aston Martin cars, Volvo and Foden lorries, Suzuki outboard engines and Kubota construction machinery, and most new Jaguars. The microdots are also sold through Neighbourhood Watch schemes and police Crime Prevention Panels for use in households.

Notes for editors:

Cambridge Consultants develops breakthrough products, creates and licenses intellectual property, and provides business consultancy in technology critical issues for clients worldwide. For over 50 years, the company has been helping its clients turn business opportunities into commercial successes, whether they are launching first-to-market products, entering new markets or expanding existing markets through the introduction of new technologies. With a team of over 300 engineers, designers, scientists and consultants, in offices in Cambridge (UK) and Boston (USA), Cambridge Consultants offers solutions across a diverse range of industries including medical technology, industrial and consumer products, transport, energy, cleantech and wireless communications.

Created by three Cambridge graduates in 1960, the company has grown into a leading technology business, renowned worldwide for its ability to solve technical problems and provide innovative, practical solutions to commercial issues. In 2009, the company was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, and in 2011 was awarded a second Queen's Award, this time for Innovation. For more information visit: www.CambridgeConsultants.com

Cambridge Consultants is part of Altran, global leader in innovation and high-tech engineering consulting. Altran supports companies in the creation and development of their new products and services. For thirty years, the Group has been providing services to key players in the fields of Aerospace, Automotive, Energy, Railways, Finance, Healthcare, and Telecoms. Present at every stage of project development from new-technology strategic planning through to manufacturing, Altran is able to capitalise on its expertise in four key domains: Product Lifecycle Management, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering & Embedded Systems and IT Systems. With a global network of 17,000 collaborators (including 15,000 consultants) and 500 major clients throughout the world, the Group reported sales of €1,420m in 2011. More info: www.altran.com

For further information:

Cambridge Consultants

Patrick Pordage
Marketing Communications Director
Tel: +44 1223 420024
Patrick.Pordage@CambridgeConsultants.com