As universities continue their transition toward digital infrastructures, the demand for secure and efficient alternatives to traditional plastic ID cards is increasing. HEIDI is a state-of-the-art system designed to issue digital wallet passes for students and staff, seamlessly integrating with Google and Apple Wallet through open-source components from eduTAP. Fully supported by ANA-U, a company with extensive experience in university card systems, HEIDI ensures a modern, secure, and highly adaptable campus identification solution.
HEIDI: Seamless Issuance and Integration
HEIDI offers a highly flexible issuance process. Digital IDs can be generated simultaneously with physical cards or conveniently issued later via ANA-U’s self-service terminals. Whether for student IDs, library passes, or cafeteria tickets, HEIDI’s customizable digital passes are tailored to each institution’s specific needs. The system’s readers automatically detect the correct ID, extract relevant information, and transfer it seamlessly to connected systems such as student databases, time tracking software, or library management tools. Additionally, compatibility with existing access solutions is assessed individually to ensure smooth integration into institutional infrastructures.
Scalable and Secure Architecture
HEIDI operates on a robust microservice architecture powered by Kubernetes, ensuring high availability and adaptability. Deployment options include on-premises installation within an institution’s data center, integration into an existing Kubernetes cluster, or distribution across multiple fire protection zones for enhanced security. Utilizing Apache Kafka for efficient message processing, HEIDI features a pass management system and a customizable pass designer to meet institutional requirements.
Data Security and GDPR Compliance
A key advantage of HEIDI is its approach to data security. Unlike traditional systems that store personal data, HEIDI does not retain user information. Instead, it utilizes secure data access adapters that fetch and update the required information directly from the Higher Education Institution’s (HEI) Identity Management (IDM) database. This design choice ensures full compliance with GDPR and other data protection regulations while maintaining security and privacy. Additionally, all sensitive data remains within the institution, reinforcing data sovereignty and eliminating the need for external data processing.
OpenAPI Integration for Enhanced Interoperability
To facilitate seamless integration with university IT ecosystems, HEIDI offers an OpenAPI REST endpoint, allowing interoperability with various institutional systems. This enables efficient issuance of digital passes while ensuring students can retrieve and manage their credentials effortlessly via student portals and mobile applications.
Driving Innovation in Campus Identification
The adoption of digital wallet passes presents a transformative opportunity for universities to streamline identification processes while embracing sustainability. By reducing reliance on physical ID cards, institutions can lower costs, enhance security, and improve operational efficiency. HEIDI provides a scalable, secure, and privacy-focused solution that aligns with modern campus needs.
As universities explore digital ID solutions, HEIDI stands out as a future-proof model, offering cutting-edge technology, compliance with strict data protection regulations, and seamless integration with existing infrastructures. HEIDI will be showcased at ECCA 2025, where institutions can experience firsthand how it revolutionizes campus identification.
For those eager to explore HEIDI’s potential, we invite you to participate in our free semester-long pilot program. Contact us today to take the first step toward a modern, secure, and efficient digital ID solution for your institution.