Tiny dots that protect vehicles from theft, software that prompts a stolen computer to reveal its whereabouts, a system that safeguards online transactions — such technology might sound like the jurisdiction of Silicon Valley.
These and other high-tech products are being marketed by Certified Secure Identification Corp. of Red Deer.
In the case of microdot identification, Certified Secure Identification — or CSI — actually manufactures the tiny specks locally under the name I-DOT. About the size of a grain of sand, each microdot is imprinted with a unique code that can be linked to an online database.
The microdots are applied using a clear liquid adhesive. Virtually invisible in normal light, the adhesive glows purple under ultraviolet black light.
When placed in multiple locations on an asset, it becomes nearly impossible to find and remove all of the miniscule specks, said CSI president Louis Bouchard.
That deters thieves and improves the likelihood of stolen property being recovered and returned.
“It’s awesome,” said Cal Colbo, owner of Champion Cycle Power Sports in Olds.
Not only has Colbo put I-DOT microdots on his own motorcycle, he thinks power sports dealers should microdot the products they sell.
CSI is working hard to promote this attitude domestically, said Bouchard. But for now, much of its product is being exported.
“We’re doing a lot overseas because there’s more knowledge about the microdot system overseas that there is in Canada and the U.S.”
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com